The Creativity Fund

We are looking for students who are passionate about exploring the potential of their ideas. Creativity Fund grants intervene at the moment when Oberlin students say: “I think I know how I can do this better.” These awards give students the chance to put that thought into action.

The Creativity Fund awards up to $2,000 to support students as they test out an entrepreneurial idea. Grants are available to all current Oberlin College and Conservatory students without restriction. We welcome a wide range of projects, including those focused on social change.

Ideal candidates should be able to describe their idea clearly, and have a strong sense of what they will achieve with the grant. Candidates should also be able to demonstrate that they have the skills, expertise, and support to carry out the project. Individuals are encouraged to seek out team members to assist or partner with them in developing their idea and carrying out their project.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the resources made available to them by the Creativity & Leadership Project. The Assistant Director for Entrepreneurship in the Office of Career Services is available for questions and advising at any point during the application process.

» view All Creativity Fund AWARDEES

1. Award checks will be issued only after submission of original receipts and records of expenditure. Award recipients may submit receipts for reimbursement up to three times during the award period. When the award period ends or the final amount is requested, the recipient must provide a final report, including documentation of expenditures relative to projected expenses. Award recipients may request that the Creativity & Leadership Project pay vendors directly. It is up to the recipient to provide adequate documentation with a minimum of 21 days notice for these transactions.

2. Award recipients cannot pay themselves a salary through the grant, although funds can be used to pay an organization or other individual for services (i.e., website development, transportation, printing). In addition, funding cannot be used to purchase equipment costing over $100 (rental of equipment is allowable) or to buy alcohol.

3. Expenditures should be limited to those outlined in the original budget. Award recipients may submit revisions to their original budget for approval. These revisions must be submitted prior to the expenditure and should be accompanied by a brief explanation for the change. The Creativity & Leadership Project reserves the right to rescind any award that was used for purposes not detailed in the original explanation.

4. Any unexpended funds must be returned at the end of the grant period so that they can replenish the Creativity Fund to support other student projects.

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

6. Award recipients are required to submit a 100-word project description ,a digital publicity photo, and a short biography (not to exceed 100 words) for each team member by [same date as award acceptance deadline]

Applicants should email the following to creativity@oberlin.edu by the application deadline:

• Registration Form (online)
• Project Description - Please answer the following questions in no more than 1,200 words. You can include supporting
  materials such as recordings, manuscripts, or research that will not count toward the word limit.
  1. What is your idea?
  2. What drew you to this issue? When and how did you come up with your idea?
  3. What is new about what you are proposing? Why is there a need for your idea?
  4. How much work have you already done on this idea?
  5. What do you intend to achieve with the money you are requesting from the Creativity Fund?
  6. Describe your approximate timeline, expected location(s), and the projected outcome(s) of your activities.
  7. If you are applying as a team, give an example of how you have worked together successfully in the past that highlights how you relate to each other. If you have not worked together previously,explain why you feel that your team will be effective in carrying out this project.
• Budget - one page (Download Sample Budget)
• Name and contact information of two references, one of which should be an Oberlin College faculty member or administrator, who are familiar with your work on this project. References should be included for each student principally involved.
  
• Resumes for each student principally involved in the project, one page each.

All application materials should include the name and T# of the designated project contact. Project description, references, and resumes should be combined into one file and submitted as a PDF.

Deadlines

All materials must be submitted to creativity@oberlin.edu

*Graduating seniors must use funds by August 31, 2008.