Innovate and Explore with IDEA Grants
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 and advance your academic career.
Overview
FSU undergraduate students in all majors can apply for an FSU IDEA Grant. 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 2025 IDEA Grants, there is specific funding provided by the Tyler Center for Global Studies for student projects being conducted abroad. Email Program Manager, Cary Wall cwall@fsu.edu, for questions about the Tyler Center for Global Studies Fellowship.
For any questions about the IDEA Grants program in general, email CRE Associate Director Dave Montez at dmontez@fsu.edu. 
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 reach out to CRE Associate Director, Dave Montez, at dmontez@fsu.edu
Application Information
The 2025 IDEA Grant Application has now closed. The application will reopen in September 2025.
See the links below for resources to help you learn more about IDEA Grants and the application process.
To view a PDF of the IDEA Grant Application form, click here.
APPLICATION WRITING WORKSHOPS
All writing workshops will take place in Rm. 3008 of the Honors, Scholars, and Fellows House. All workshops will be only in-person. Feel free to contact Dave Montez or Cary Wall to set up individual application review appointments. Registration is not required to be able to attend the workshops, but allows our team to send you reminders about the event.
Wednesday, January 8th, 1:00-2:30 PM, Registration
Thursday, January 16th, 3:00-4:30 PM, Registration
Wednesday, January 22nd, 1:00-2:30 PM, Registration
Tuesday, January 28th, 3:00-4:30 PM, Registration
Thursday, January 30th, 3:00-4:30 pm HSF 4003 (Nancy H. Marcus Great Hall)
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 was 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.