Spark Grants
Are you a KSU student in need of financial support to complete an innovative project? Consider applying for one of the DI Hub’s new Spark Grants!
Designed specifically for students, these grants empower innovators to turn their ideas into reality using the equipment, tools, supplies, and resources available in the DI Hub. Whether you're prototyping an innovative product or solution, participating in a design challenge or competition, researching a new process or application, or creating a unique piece of art, Spark Grants provide the financial support you need to make your project a reality.
Grant Eligibility
To be eligible for a Spark Grant, applicants must be currently enrolled as undergraduate or graduate (including doctoral students) at Kent State University. Students from all disciplines and KSU campuses are encouraged to apply. To be accepted, applicants must demonstrate a clear and innovative project that aligns with the resources, capabilities, and ethos of the DI Hub. This includes collaborative cross-disciplinary projects, projects that seek to solve a messy problem or challenge, or projects that explore the use of novel technologies. Please note that Spark Grants cannot be used to support course-related projects. Collaborative projects involving multiple students or partners are prioritized. Additionally, projects funded by Spark Grants must be completed within one year from the date of the award.
Fund Disbursement and Usage
Spark Grant funds are allocated based on the specific needs of each project and the available budget, with the maximum funding amount per project limited to $500. Partial funding may be awarded based on the review committee's assessment. Approved funds are dispersed as a declining balance on a student’s DI Hub account which can be put towards purchases made in the DI Hub. These funds can be used to cover:
Materials purchased through the DI Hub’s Reactor Makerspace.
Equipment usage fees, including those for 3D printing, vinyl cutting, laser cutting, CNC milling, and waterjet cutting.
Registration fees for project-related workshops or training sessions hosted by the DI Hub.
Fees for design and prototyping services provided by the DI Hub.
DI Hub workstation rental fees.
Application Process
Applications for Spark Grants are reviewed and approved on a rolling basis until all available funds are depleted. Applicants are encouraged to submit their proposals as early as possible to ensure ample time for review and funding allocation. To apply for a Spark Grant, students must complete the following steps:
Application Form: Complete the Spark Grant application form available on the Design Innovation website.
Proposal Submission: As part of the online form, students must submit a detailed project proposal outlining the project's goals, significance, and how it will utilize the DI Hub’s resources. The proposal should include a budget breakdown and a timeline for project completion.
Supporting Documents: Include any supporting documents, such as letters of recommendation, previous work examples, or other relevant materials that strengthen the application.
Review Process and Criteria
Applications are reviewed and approved by a committee of staff members from the DI Hub. The review committee considers all proposals and notifies applicants by email as to the status of their application(s). Proposals are considered based on the following criteria:
Innovation and Creativity: The project must demonstrate originality and creative thinking.
Feasibility and Planning: The proposal should have a clear, realistic plan and timeline.
Alignment with DI Hub Resources: The project should effectively utilize the DI Hub’s equipment, tools, and services.
Impact and Contribution: The project should have the potential to make a significant impact in its field or community.
Reporting Requirements
Recipients of Spark Grants are required to submit progress reports at key milestones throughout the project timeline. These reports should detail the project's progress, challenges encountered, and how the grant funds are being utilized. A final report, including a comprehensive summary of the project's outcomes and an itemized account of expenses, is required upon project completion. Grant recipients may also be asked to present their projects at DI Hub events or share their experiences through the DI Hub’s communication channels. All projects funded through the Spark Grant will have the opportunity to display outcomes in the Design Innovation Gallery and/or Blank_Lab environments.
All grant recipients must submit a final report by April 29th or by their graduation date, whichever comes first. The final report must include:
A description of the completed project.
Photo-documentation of the stages of the project (to help others understand the process).
Photos, drawings, and/or renderings of the final project.
Results from any competition(s) or presentations.
A completed Expense Report of project purchases to date.
