Innovate Lafayette Grant Funding

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

Each year, the Dyer Center will fund up to 4 student grant requests for up to $500 per student. These grants are designed to encourage and support genuinely innovative and original ideas that aim to enhance the Lafayette College experience in new ways. Grants may be utilized to cover the costs associated with developing and implementing creative projects that positively impact the college community by introducing concepts, programs, services, or solutions not currently offered or available to Lafayette students.

Projects should explore uncharted territories, address unmet needs, or provide fresh perspectives on existing challenges faced by the campus community. The Dyer Center is particularly interested in funding initiatives that foster creativity, problem-solving, and a commitment to continuous improvement within the Lafayette College environment while avoiding duplication of experiences or opportunities already accessible to students.

In exchange for the award, students must execute their proposed projects and present their outcomes to the Dyer Center and the Lafayette College community. This presentation can take various forms, including demonstrations, workshops, or collaborative initiatives, allowing for knowledge-sharing and potential implementation of successful and genuinely innovative ideas on a broader scale.

All Lafayette students are encouraged to apply with their most original and groundbreaking concepts. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and will be reviewed in the order they are received. Notice will be provided when funds are no longer available for the academic year.

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 presentation due date. 
4. Students who fail to meet the presentation requirements must repay the Dyer Center for all funds and will be restricted from requesting further funds from the Dyer Center. 

Rules and Requirements:

Purpose & Relevance Statement:

Applicants must provide a comprehensive statement that clearly articulates the following:

• The specific issue, challenge, or area of improvement you aim to address within the Lafayette College community. 
• An explanation of how the proposed idea or project will catalyze positive change or enhance the overall experience for students, faculty, or the institution.
• 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.
• Demonstrated understanding of the current landscape or context within which your solution will operate and how it addresses a genuine need or gap.
• A description of how this innovative approach differs from existing solutions or brings a fresh perspective to the identified issue.
• If applicable, evidence of preliminary research or stakeholder feedback that supports the idea’s relevance and potential impact.
• The students or individuals actively enrolled in the project and their roles. 

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 proposal’s feasibility, the impact on the Lafayette community, and the potential impact on the student’s entrepreneurial development. Priority will be given to projects that will have a lasting impact on the community vs. one-time events. 

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 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.