Conservatory initiative grants supporting imagination and excellence (CIGSIE)

Conservatory Initiative Grants Supporting Imagination and Excellence (CIGSIE) provide innovative, motivated, and prepared Oberlin Conservatory and Double-Degree students the opportunity to develop imaginative artistic projects to be implemented during Winter Term. Up to three individual or group projects will be awarded grants of up to $6,000.

Applicants are encouraged to take prepare for the application process and the challenges of implementing funded projects by taking advantage of workshops and courses offered through the Creativity & Leadership project.  Applicants are also encouraged to review their proposals prior to submission with Andrea Kalyn in the Conservatory’s Office of the Associate Deans (Bibbins 123).

Eligibility
All current Oberlin College Conservatory and Double-Degree students in good academic standing are eligible to apply.  Arts & Sciences students may apply as part of a group project organized by a Conservatory or Double-Degree student.  Individuals who have received Conservatory Initiative Grants in previous competitions may apply for funding in support of a second project provided that the terms of CIGSIE grants for previous projects have been satisfied. 

Limitations/Exclusions
Each discrete project may be funded only once by a CIGSIE grant.

» view All CIGSIE AWARDEEs

Applicants should email the following to creativity@oberlin.edu by November 10, 2008:

• Registration Form (online)
• Narrative - A detailed description of the project and implementation plan.  The narrative should also describe the way(s) in which the project is creative, innovative, or otherwise entrepreneurial. The narrative should also address how the project will advance the professional goals of the applicant(s). The text may not exceed 1,500 words.
• Budget - one-page (Sample Budget)
• 100-word bio and unofficial Oberlin transcript for each student involved in the project
• A signed confidential letter of support from a Conservatory faculty member who can comment on your ability to implement the proposed project. Faculty members should submit letters of support directly to the Conservatory Office of Associate Deans (Bibbins 123), or the applicant may attach the letter in sealed envelope signed by the referee.

All application materials should include the name and T# of the designated project contact. Narrative, transcripts, and bio should be combined into one file and submitted as a PDF.

Deadlines

1. Award recipients agree to use grant funds to complete the project proposed in the CIGSIE application and expenditures should be limited to those outlined in the submitted budget. Award recipients may request approval for revisions to the original proposal or budget; such requests must be submitted prior to grant period and should be accompanied by a rationale for the change.

2. Each grant recipient must submit an electronic publicity photo to the Office of Associate Deans (Bibbins 123) by 4:30 p.m. on December 1, 2008.  Group projects may submit either individual or group photographs.

3. One award check will be issued for each project awarded.  Award checks will be available from the Conservatory’s Office of Associate Deans (Bibbins 123) after 1:30 p.m. Friday, December 12, 2008.  All required supporting materials (e.g. bio, photos, etc.) must be submitted before the award check will be released.

4. CIGSIE recipients are not permitted to pay themselves salaries through the grant, although funds can be used to pay an organization or other individual for services (e.g. accompanying, recording, website development, transportation, printing, etc.).

5. CIGSIE funds may not be used to purchase equipment costing over $100 (rental of equipment is allowable) or to buy alcohol.

6. Funds may not be used for expenditures outside of the award period.

7. Grant recipients are required to submit a final report (250-500 words) summarizing the accomplishments and challenges of the project. Recipients must also submit an actual budget and associated receipts.  The full report is due to the Conservatory Office of Associate Deans by end of the first module of the spring semester (March 20, 2009). 

8. Any unexpended funds must be returned at the end of the grant period so that they can be returned to the CIGSIE fund to support future student projects.