FIGs Grant

Please Note: Internal funding is not available to support participation in Winter Term Group Projects unless the individual’s use of the grant is to support distinctive work separate from that of the group project. Funds can't be used to pay current Oberlin College students, faculty or staff.

Overview

The Flint Initiative Grants (FIGs) provide innovative, motivated, and prepared conservatory, Musical Studies, and double-degree students at Oberlin the opportunity to develop imaginative, artistic projects to be implemented during the winter term. Individual or group projects will be awarded grants up to $4,000.

Applicants are encouraged to prepare for the application process and the challenges of implementing funded projects by taking advantage of workshops, courses and advising through the Office of Conservatory Professional Development. Applicants are encouraged to review their proposal prior to submission with Susan Ellinger , Associate Director of Professional Development.

Who should apply?

All current Oberlin Conservatory of Music, Double Degree Program, or declared Musical Studies students – in good academic standing – are eligible to apply.

• Students on leave are not eligible for funding.
• College of Arts and Sciences students may apply as part of a group project organized by a conservatory, double-degree, or musical studies student.
• Individuals who have been awardees of the FIGs Grant previously may apply for funding in support of a new project provided the terms of the FIGs grant from the previous project has been satisfied.
• FIGs funding is not available to support an individual’s participation in a group winter-term project unless the individual’s use of the grant is to support distinctive work separate from that of the group project.
• Each discrete project may be funded only once by FIGs.

Application Process

Prior to starting your application please prepare the following materials. Once in the form, you will not be able to save and return.

1. Project title
2. Project summary (50 words or fewer)
3. Amount requested (not to exceed $4,000)
4. Narrative: A detailed description of the project and implementation plan. The narrative should:
   1. Describe the way(s) in which the project is creative, innovative, and compelling.
   2. Address how the project will advance the professional goals of the applicant(s).
   3. Not exceed 2,000 words.
5. Budget: One page (sample budget )
   Provide a summary of the expenses associated with your activities and expected revenue from other sources, if any. Please note the following stipulations on expenditures:
   1. Expenditures on acquired (not renting) capital goods – such as laptops, software and equipment in general may not exceed $100.
   2. Students may not pay themselves a salary, though they may pay others directly for their services.
   3. Award money may not be spent on liquor.
6. A 100-word biography and unofficial Oberlin transcript for each student involved in the project.
7. A signed, confidential letter of support from a Conservatory faculty member who can comment on your ability to implement the proposed project. Faculty members may submit letters of support directly to Jeanne Rosecrans  or attach the letter in a sealed envelope signed by the referee to Jeanne’s office (Kohl 309).
8. Supporting audio or video files that highlight your work.
9. If your project includes the research of human subjects, please review information about Oberlin’s Institutional Review Board (IRB) process and contact Susan Ellinger prior to submitting your application.