June 18, 2024

Dyer Center Innovation Grant

Only actively enrolled Lafayette students are eligible to apply for grant funding.

Each year, the Dyer Center is able to fund grant requests for amounts of up to $3,000 per venture. The grants are provided to students who demonstrate significant passion and commitment to their entrepreneurial venture. This grant is intended to support students who have already made significant steps in venture formation, including customer discovery and prototyping. Students will be required to produce two reports over the course of the funding year. Grant funding is for a maximum one-year time period. 

All Lafayette students are encouraged to apply. Venture ideas can be for-profit, non-profit, or hybrid models. Applications will be reviewed in the order they are received, and notice will be provided when funds are no longer available for the year. 

SUBMISSION DETAILS

Process:

  1. Students must submit a proposal using the online application.
  2. Funding requests are granted in the order they are received. Once all funds are distributed, funding requests will no longer be accepted.
  3. If proposals are accepted, the Dyer Center will send you an agreement outlining funding totals, distribution methods, and report due dates for you to sign.
  4. Students who fail to meet reporting deadlines must repay the Dyer Center for all funds and will be restricted from requesting further funds from the Dyer Center.

Rules & Requirements:

Purpose & Relevance Statement: 
  • Applicants must provide an application packet that includes the following:
  • One-page business plan for the proposed venture, including an outline of the problem\opportunity being addressed
  • 3-minute max video pitch
  • A delineation of the goals and objectives you hope to achieve through the project and any deadlines or dates relevant to the timing of the award.
  • List of students or individuals actively enrolled in the project and their roles. 
Service Requirements:

Students will be required to produce two reports over the course of the funding year.  Funding will be distributed in two equal installments (one at the beginning of the project and one after completion of the mid-project report).

Budget Justification:

A comprehensive budget breakdown must accompany the funding request. The budget should be transparent, reasonable, and directly related to the proposed activity.

Evaluation:

An ad hoc committee composed of Lafayette Alumni and at least one member of the Dyer Center Staff will review the proposals as they are received. Awards will be made based on the feasibility of the venture idea. 

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion:

At the Dyer Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, we are committed to fostering a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of our programs, including grant requests. We believe that every student, regardless of their background, identity, or experiences, should have equitable access to opportunities for growth and innovation. Our grant request process is designed to be inclusive, welcoming, and fair to all, ensuring that underrepresented voices are heard and valued. We actively encourage and support applicants from diverse backgrounds, and we are dedicated to removing any barriers that may impede access to funding. We strive to create an environment where every student can thrive, bring their unique perspectives to the forefront, and contribute to a vibrant and inclusive entrepreneurial community. In this spirit, we embrace the principle that diversity fuels innovation and are committed to promoting a more equitable future for all our grant applicants.

Each year, the Dyer Center is able to fund grant requests for amounts of up to $3000 per venture. The grants are provided to students who demonstrate significant passion and commitment to their entrepreneurial venture. This grant is intended to support students who have already made significant steps in venture formation, including customer discovery and prototyping. Students will be required to produce two reports over the course of the funding year. Grant funding is for a maximum one-year time period.

Dyer Innovation Grant Application

Name(Required)
Email(Required)
Type of Venture(Required)
How long have you been working on this venture(Required)
What are your project’s goals and objectives? Include any relevant deadlines.
Explain how the proposed idea or project will catalyze positive change or enhance the overall experience for students, faculty, or the institution.
What are your goals and objectives for this funding? What milestones will the funding help you to meet?
How does your project address a genuine need or gap in the current context?
Who is involved in the project and what are their roles?
Provide a detailed budget for the project.
Max. file size: 49 MB.
By providing my initials below, I confirm that the information provided in this application is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge.
Reporting and Accountability(Required)
Acknowledge the requirement to produce two reports over the course of the funding year: