The Keller Family Venture Grant Fund supports opportunities for co-curricular, experiential research. Students carry out innovative projects of high merit that benefit both the individual applicant and the Colorado College community. Review previously funded projects for inspiration on the home page. Students can apply for either individual ($1500 per individual) or group projects ($3000 per group maximum).  All projects must include a detailed and fiscally responsible budget. Students work with the support of faculty or staff who serve as a reference for their project. If funded, students are required to share their findings with the CC community via a GIS StoryMap, poster, and personally developed giveback to the community.

An application consists of a Project Overview of no more than 1200 words broken down into Narrative, Methodology, and Significance, sections. Students may include attachments of maps, bibliographies, etc. as relevant. Reach out to your faculty advisor, Roy Jo Sartin, and Lisa Schwartz for help.

The maximum word count is 1200 words for your proposal (Narrative, Methodology, and Significance). It is essential you keep within this limit. If you have additional items that you would like to share, you can upload them (annotated Bibliology, maps, etc.) below the proposal. Proposals which don’t follow these instructions (going over the word count) will be returned for revision.

It is essential that your methods be developed and rooted within the academic discipline(s) of your project and connected clearly to your research question. These need to demonstrate an intentional and thoughtful understanding of how you will approach your project. Your timeline needs to benchmark your intended progress during your Venture Grant- while we know things may change, this gives the committee a benchmark and intentional planning to see your likelihood for success. Your budget needs to be as detailed and fiscally responsible as possible.

It is highly recommended to apply for a Venture Grant at least two-three blocks prior to the project (even more is encouraged). Often the committee will ask for revisions and reapplication which will be reviewed in the subsequent blocks when submitted by the next block’s deadline.

Students of any academic year are eligible for a Venture Grant. Applications received by 5pm on first Wednesday of each block (1-8) will be reviewed for consideration in that block.

Students are eligible to apply for one Venture Grant (either individually or as part of a group) per academic year (Block 1-Block 8).

The number of awarded Venture Grants varies each block. Projects are judged solely on their academic merit and development as long as funding is available.

The committee meets once each block during the academic year (Block 1- Block 8) at the end of week three. Only applications submitted by the deadline are considered at this time each block. The committee does not meet or review applications during half block or during the summer.

Decisions are sent out by the first week of the block the application is submitted.

No, your Venture Grant does not have to be tied to your major (and you can apply undeclared), but you need to work with faculty or staff who work within the discipline of your proposed project.

You cannot receive financial aid, as an international student, for flights if your venture grant project takes place in your home country, or home state for domestic students, and you are on need based aid. You cannot receive financial aid for flights if your venture grant project takes place in a country that you are also Studying Abroad in and you are on need based aid.

Funds will go through your student account. If you have direct deposit (recommended) funds will be disbursed to your account. If you do not, you will receive a check.

When funds are approved (within two blocks of the project), they are typically sent to the Office of Student Accounts the following Tuesday. From there, the Office of Student Accounts will usually disburse funds to your account by the end of the week. Exceptions are: 1) during Winter or Spring Break, where grants will be reviewed once the college reopens. 2) if the grant is for the following semester, it cannot be disbursed until that semester begins.

Matching Funds provide additional funding for students who also receive support from a department or office on campus. Matching Funds cannot be connected to the Office of President, Dean of Faculty, or Dean of College. Personal or external funds are not eligible.

There is an excel template available for you to use in Summit to help you with the process. Only budgets in excel or a pdf will be accepted. After you upload, make sure your budget is not corrupted. Your budget must be detailed and fiscally responsible. While we know that many items are tentative and subject to change (such as airfare), it is recommended to research the costs (lowest and highest) and provide an informed estimate of the cost. Research and submit food costs based on the location- food in New York City will cost much more than in Pueblo. Account for your actual needs- it is fine if these extend beyond the maximum funding (although you will not be awarded more if they do.) Venture Grants can be used for items directly connected to the implementation and success of your project.

Most often students seek funding for airfare/transportation, lodging, meals, ground transportation, etc.  However, personal items (clothing, computers, etc.) are ineligible for funding. If you have questions, please reach out to Lisa Schwartz.

Generally, no. Venture Grants must be independent research projects.

No, Venture cannot fund projects retroactively. A project must be approved before it begins to be eligible for funding.

No, you are not eligible for a Venture Grant. You must be an active student at both the time of approval and completion of a project.

Yes. If you remain a full-time student, you can take a block off for your Venture Grant.

No, you are not eligible as Venture Grants are not open to alumni. Any approved project must be completed prior to graduation.

Yes, as a CC endorsed experience, you will be covered by SOS insurance.

A Venture Grant cannot be used to fund research for which a student is receiving direct academic credit (such as thesis work during a thesis block). You may be eligible for a project connected to your thesis or capstone but not while enrolled in it.

No, you cannot appeal. However, you are welcome to make revisions and resubmit your application again the next block.

A list of references (1-3 names) is submitted within your application. There is nothing more the student applicant needs to provide. These references will be notified that feedback on your behalf has been requested. They will complete this in Summit. A formal letter is not required.  

Once a Venture Grant is funded there can be no significant changes made to the trip (i.e. location, activities, itinerary, team members, etc.). If you feel you have a minor change that would not affect the proposal (such as changing a day due to travel expenses), you must contact Lisa Schwartz for approval.

Yes, you can apply either individually or as a group. Individuals are eligible for up to $1500 and groups can receive up to $3000. There is no cap on the number of students who apply for a project, but the funding maximum does not increase. If applying as a group, one student needs to complete the primary application. All others need to complete a co-applicant form. These can be found on the Venture Grant webpage.

If your Venture Grant project does not involve interacting with people, it does not require IRB approval or exemption. If your project is strictly a matter of personal interest and will not involve applying for academic credit, receiving a grade, or using project findings for a major or minor senior thesis, it does not require IRB review because such a project is not considered research by the federal government. Many Venture Grant projects that involve interacting with people require relatively little IRB engagement. Please see detailed information on the IRB website for Venture. If your Venture Grant project will be taking place abroad, please also review the IRB information about international research projects. For questions, please contact  Amanda Udis-Kessler.

See the next question on detailed information if you need IRB approval. However, all projects involving interviews must include interview protocols, instruments, and questions.

Your personal giveback must be something you construct to share with the Colorado College or Colorado Springs community. While we urge you to be creative and organic, students have given talks, written articles, done outreach activities, etc. Consider where you can make the biggest impact based on your project and how you can inspire the largest number of individuals possible. While you may be invited to present at the Venture Grant Forum, this will not take place of your community giveback.

You have 30 days to complete your giveback requirements after completion of your project. You will receive an email outlining requirements after your return. If you have a personal or academic situation that would require more time, please reach out to Lisa Schwartz as soon as possible.