Is there a creative endeavor you want to undertake, or an original research project you would like to conduct? Do you want to develop or evaluate a product idea, entrepreneurial venture, or a service initiative? IDEA grants fund research, creative projects, and the development or evaluation of new or existing ideas. This is your chance to flex your creative muscles, innovate, and explore.

FSU undergraduate students in all majors can apply for an FSU IDEA Grant (formerly URCAA, MRCE, PRSF). Selected applicants will receive either a summer stipend of up to $4,000 (or up to $6,000 for groups) to fund their self-designed work on a topic, project, problem, artistic product or performance, or other entrepreneurial or creative idea. Projects must last 8-12 weeks and be under the mentorship of a supervising faculty member. The project does not need to be tied to a student’s major or minor, but it should be guided by a student’s academic goals and future plans. Funds may be used for living expenses, materials, lost income from not working during summer, and/or travel. Projects must be culminated in oral, poster, or creative presentation at the annual President's Showcase of Undergraduate Research Excellence. For the 2023 IDEA Grants, there is specific funding provided by the Tyler Center for Global Studies for student projects being conducted abroad. For any questions about this funding or the IDEA Grants program in general, email CRE Associate Director Dave Montez at dmontez@fsu.edu. 

2023 IDEA Grants Proposal writing workshops

The 2023 IDEA Grants Application is open.

Take a look at the program, linked here, for the 2022 President's Showcase to see past example projects.

To view the PDF of the IDEA Grant Application form, click here, and to view the PDF of the personal statement prompt, click here. 

Frequently Asked Questions about IDEA Grants

Example of IDEA Grant proposals

Archive of previous IDEA Grant recipients
2019 IDEA Grant recipients
2018 IDEA Grant recipients
2017 IDEA Grant recipients
2016 IDEA Grant recipients
2015 IDEA Grant recipients

ELIGIBILITY: All undergraduate students are eligible to apply (with a supervising professor) provided that they:

• Are enrolled at FSU at the time of application
• Will have completed at least 12 credit hours at FSU before accepting an IDEA Grant
• Will return to FSU as an undergraduate the fall following the summer IDEA Grant work

If you have any questions, please contact Associate Director David Montez, dmontez@fsu.edu.

We are grateful for the generous donors who have sponsored the following IDEA Grants:

• David B. Ford Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity Award:
  • Named for David B. Ford of New York, New York who is currently the President of DBF Associates, a private investment firm, and Senior Advisor to Gatemore Capital Management, LLC, a private wealth and institutional investment management firm. This award is open to all majors.
• Helen Louise Lee Undergraduate Research Award:
  • This award was established by Dr. Jim Lee in memory of his mother Helen who was a proponent of higher education and the ways it can help students enhance their lives.  This award is for a student majoring in Biology. (Must be a full-time FSU student during the Spring semester)
• Dr. Lisa Scott Endowed Undergraduate Research Award:
  • Support for a first-generation student engaged in undergraduate research administered by the Division of Undergraduate Studies. Preference shall be given to a Pell-eligible, first-generation female student.
• Nancy Casper Hillis and Mark Hillis Undergraduate Research Award:
  • Mark and Nan Hillis are vibrant FSU supporters who want to support undergraduate research that embodies the Unconquered Seminole spirit. This award is open to all majors.
• Phi Eta Sigma Undergraduate Research Award:
  • The Phi Eta Sigma Freshman Honor Society established an undergraduate research award to support the research endeavors of students who are members of the honor society. This award is for Phi Eta Sigma members in good standing. (Must be a full-time FSU student during the Spring semester)
• Robert and Mary Frappier Undergraduate Research Award
  • Robert and Mary Frappier are strong supporters of FSU and undergraduate research. This award is for a student focusing on the environment and sustainability or housing. 
• Scott and Ina McNichols Undergraduate Research Award:
  • Scott and Ina McNichols are both FSU alumni who have a deep desire to support research which provides an enriching experience for the student engaged in research who wants to better the community around them. This award is open to all majors.
• Steve Madden Undergraduate Research Award:
  • Steve is an FSU graduate in Engineering who is supportive of students finding their passion in STEM fields. His award is open to students in any STEM major.  (Must be a full-time FSU student during the Spring semester)
• The Tyler Center for Global Studies Research Award:
  • The Tyler Center believes that the issues and challenges facing society today are more global in nature than ever before and that the key to successfully meeting and overcoming these challenges hinges on building an awareness of and appreciation for global solutions. The Tyler Center funds research projects that take place outside of the United States.