Venture Grants are a component of Beloit College's First and Second Year Initiative Programs. These financial awards support stimulating and rewarding projects offered to first year students which are undertaken the summer before-or-during the sophomore year. Cash awards range between $500 and $1,500. Successful Venture Grants consist of entrepreneurial, self-testing, or intellectually challenging activities in which the winner(s) attempt something (academic or non-academic) that benefits others, either directly or through an organization. Projects may be of a personal, service, or commercial character. There are no geographical limits, although the potential benefit of a project not in our region should be discernable for the student and/or the College. Many of our students present their experiences at the International Symposium sponsored by the Office International Education. To view past presentations go to http://www.beloit.edu/oie/campus_internat/International_Symposium.html.
The College places very few restrictions on projects. Ordinarily, Venture Grants are awarded to individuals or small groups who seek to attempt a project or activity which really interests them, but are difficult to accomplish without funding. Students possess full control over the project's outcome and reap personal and other rewards. Proposals may not include stipends or salaries for individuals, for the work done during the project represents the equity invested in the project.
The Application Process
You must be a first-year student or group of students and be adventurous. Usually in January of a student's first year, the Dean of Students hosts the Venture Grant colloquium where first-year students receive all relevant information and meet with students who completed their projects the previous year.
The application process is designed to give you experience writing a grant proposal, as well as giving substance to an idea. The Committee asks that you send a two or three page document including:
- a description of a project you intend to complete over the summer or during the next academic year
- a rationale for why this project deserves funding
- a detailed budget
- a time frame
- the deadline is the end of February
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