CreativeEdge Mini-Grant Application Overview

CreativeEdge Mini-Grants: Application Overview

Purpose: The CreativeEdge Mini-Grants provide $1,500 maximum funding for students to pursue original research or creative inquiry under the guidance of a faculty mentor. All projects must include faculty mentorship to support student development, project implementation and outcomes.

Application Deadline: September 26, 2025

Tentative Award Date: October 10, 2025

Implementation period: October 13, 2025 – April 30, 2026

Final Project Report Due Date: May 7, 2026

Before starting the application, please review the components of the application (below) and have the necessary documents ready for upload when you start the application. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. 

Section 1: Applicant Information

• Name:
• Student ID Number:
• Major/Department:
• Year of Study (e.g., Sophomore, Junior):
• Email Address:
• Phone Number:

Section 2: Project Information

• Project Title:
• Project Type:
  • Research Project (See specific Instruction for a Research Project below)
  • Creative Inquiry Project (See specific Instruction for a Research Project below)
• Proposed Start Date:
• Proposed End Date:
• Total Amount of Funding Requested:
• Is this part of an ongoing project? (Yes/No)
• Have you received funding for this or any related project before? (Yes/No)

If “Research Project” is selected for the Project type:

Section 3: Project Description [WORD document upload]

Provide detailed answers to the following questions. Be concise but thorough. Attached your document as a WORD document.

Label your document “CreativeEdge _ProjectDescription_LAST NAME”.

Project Summary (250-500 words):
Describe the project, including its purpose, objectives, and relevance to your field of study. What question are you addressing or hypothesis are you testing?

1. Research Goals and Objectives (200-300 words):
   Clearly outline the goals of the project and the specific objectives you aim to accomplish. What are the measurable outcomes you hope to achieve?
2. Significance of Research (150-250 words):
   Explain the importance of your research. How will your project contribute to your academic field or address a particular problem or knowledge gap?
3. Research Methodology (300-500 words):
   Describe the methods and techniques you will use to conduct your research. Include details on data collection, experimental design, materials, equipment, or procedures.
4. Timeline (150-250 words):
   Provide a timeline for the completion of your project, including key milestones and deadlines. Example timelines can be found on the O.U.R website.
5. Expected Results and Impact (200-300 words):
   What do you expect to discover, prove, or demonstrate through your research? How will the results impact your field, society, or your own academic development?

Section 4: Budget Proposal and Timeline [Excel document upload]

500. Using an Excel spreadsheet. provide a detailed budget for your project. Include estimates for all expenses. (Maximum award: $1,500. Up to 30% of the award can be used to compensate the student).

• Supplies/Materials:
• Equipment:
• Travel (if applicable):
• Participant Compensation (if applicable):
• Other (specify):

Total Budget Request:

1. Outline the key phases of the project and estimated timelines:

• Phase 1 (e.g., Research & Planning): [Month/Date]
• Phase 2 (e.g., Creation of Artwork): [Month/Date]
• Phase 3 (e.g., Outreach & Marketing): [Month/Date]
• Phase 4 (e.g., Exhibition/Final Presentation): [Month/Date]

Attached your document as an EXCEL document. Label your document “CreativeEdge _LAST NAME BUDGET”.

Section 5: Personal Statement [WORD document upload]

Provide a personal statement (250-400 words) that explains your academic background, your motivation for conducting this research, and how this project aligns with your career goals. Discuss how this research will benefit your personal and academic development.

Submit your document as a WORD document. Label your document “CreativeEdge_LAST NAME PERSONAL STATMENT”.

If “Creative Inquiry Project” is selected for the Project type:

Section 3: Project Description [WORD document upload]

Provide detailed answers to the following questions. Be concise but thorough. Attached your document as a WORD document.

Label your document “CreativeEdge _ProjectDescription_LAST NAME”.

Project Summary (250-500 words):

Give a detailed description of the project, including the Project Medium (e.g., Painting, Sculpture, Multimedia, Performance), its purpose, objectives, artistic vision, and the themes you intend to explore.

1. Project Goals and Objectives (300-400 words). List the key goals and objectives of your project, such as:
2. Artistic Exploration:
3. Community Engagement (if applicable):
4. Other Specific Goals:
5. Target Audience. Describe the intended audience for your project and how you plan to engage them. (Max. 100 words)

Section 4: Budget Proposal and Timeline [EXCEL document upload]

500. Using an Excel spreadsheet. provide a detailed budget for your project. Include estimates for all expenses. (Maximum award: $1,500. Up to 30% of the award can be used to compensate the student).

• Materials and Supplies:
• Venue or Exhibition Costs:
• Marketing and Outreach:
• Artist Stipend:
• Other Costs (e.g., transportation, equipment rental):

Total Budget Request:

1. Outline the key phases of the project and estimated timelines:

• Phase 1 (e.g., Research & Planning): [Month/Date]
• Phase 2 (e.g., Creation of Artwork): [Month/Date]
• Phase 3 (e.g., Outreach & Marketing): [Month/Date]
• Phase 4 (e.g., Exhibition/Final Presentation): [Month/Date]

Attached your document as an EXCEL document. Label your document “CreativeEdge _LAST NAME BUDGET”.

Section 5: Impact and Benefits [WORD document upload]

Explain the impact your project will have on the community, the university, or your artistic development. What are the anticipated benefits of this project? (Max. 200 words)

Submit your document as a WORD document. Label your document “CreativeEdge_LAST NAME_IMPACT”.

Section 6: Certification

By submitting this form, I certify that all information provided in this application is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge. I understand that if awarded, the grant funds must be used for the purposes outlined in this application and I will be required to submit a final project report.

Yes

No

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Your application must include a letter of support from your faculty mentor. When you submit the application, an email will be automatically sent to your mentor requesting the letter. Your mentor is responsible for submitting the letter within 3 days of receipt of the email request.

• Mentor’s Name (First and Last):
• Mentor’s Email address:
• Mentor’s Department:

Submission Checklist:

• Completed Application Form
• Project Description (all required sections)
• Detailed Budget and Timeline Proposal
• Impact and Benefits
• Faculty Mentor Letter of Support

Submit all materials by September 26, 2025 via the grant application portal.