How to Get Started
Are you ready to start your own project? Whether you’re interested in STEM, the performing arts, social work, literature, or more, there is a place for you to make an impact—and DU has what you need to get started. Project funding is available to every DU student, undergrad or grad, and there are many paths to take from your first day at DU to your very first project.
The Path to Your Project
Take advantage of DU’s highly engaged faculty.
From your First-Year Seminar professor to faculty office hours, 4D Fellow mentors and more, you have many opportunities to connect with DU faulty members invested in your intellectual success. Take advantage of opportunities to get to know on-campus experts in fields aligned with your interests, passions and goals.
Reflect on your passions.
Take what you learn from your classes, background, interests, and involvement in clubs or affinity, as well as the change you want to see in the world, to begin homing in on the kind of project you might like to design.
Pitch your idea.
Whether you have your own unique project idea or are interested in contributing to an existing project, make your interest known! DU’s faculty are eager to work with students seeking hands-on experiences to do work that matters most to them.
Work with your mentor to complete an application.
Once you have secured an interested faculty mentor, work with them complete the appropriate grant application for your project. They can help you determine scope, fund allocation and more, as well as serve as a key collaborator with you as you carry out your project.
Apply!
Following yearly deadlines, you and your faculty mentor can apply for the funding that will make your project possible.
Get to work.
Based on the scope outlined in your project plan, work alongside your faculty mentor, and perhaps your peers, to tackle your project.
Share your results.
Every intellectual pursuit expands valuable skills and understanding. You and your mentor can determine the best way to get the word out about what you learned, created or impacted. One option is DU’s Research and Scholarship Showcase, a beloved annual tradition each spring celebrating the incredible work of DU’s students.
Are You Ready? Apply for Funding.
Dive into and complete the grant application process with your faculty member.
Discovery PINS Student Grants
Apply for Discovery PINS Grant if your project seeks to:
- Make original research or creative work
- Contribute new scholarly ideas or information
- Produce new artistic or creative output
Community Engagement Student Grants
Apply for a Community Engagement Student Grant if your project seeks to:
- Bring people together to make an impact in the community
- Contribute to and be informed by community partners, such as, but not limited to, nonprofits, grassroots organizations, government agencies and businesses
Regeneration Student Grants
Apply for a Regeneration Student Grant if your project seeks to:
- Promote a ‘regenerative future’ through social and ecological justice
- Fit into DU’s Center for Regenerative Future’s framework, including but not limited to ecological care, equity, resilience, circular & sharing economies, creativity, and mindfulness
Start Completing an Application with Your Faculty Mentor
Get details, deadlines, application requirements and more.
