Skip to content Skip to main navigation Report an accessibility issue

Project Materials Fund

Student using CNC Machine

The fund aims to support Engineering Vols and TCE student organizations in need of materials and supplies for various projects. Applicants can apply for a Project Material Fund for purposes such as:

  • Materials for making-themed workshops
    Jewelry, musical instruments, welding, machining, etc.
  • Materials for competitions
    Rockets, Formula 1, solar car, blacksmithery, etc.
  • Outreach materials for schools, the community, the university, etc.
  • Materials for personal projects
    Art, music, tech, furniture, scale models, reverse engineering antique hardware, etc.

Prior to beginning the application process, please review the information below:

As part of the application, you will need to provide a clear and concise explanation of the project you are proposing. This should include details about what the project is, what it aims to accomplish, and how it will be implemented.

As part of your application, you must include a description of your project’s SMART Goals. This means that you will need to define specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time bound (SMART) goals for your project. These goals should be aligned with the purpose of your project and should be realistic and achievable within the given timeframe.

When submitting your project goals, include the following items:

  • Project Milestones
  • Plan
  • Resources needed
  • SMART Goals

You should also upload a PDF of your plans and goals if you have them.

When submitting your application, you will need to break down your project into smaller, manageable components that can be tracked and measured over time. Milestones are key stages or events that must be completed in order to achieve your project goals, and they serve as a way to monitor progress and stay on track.

Every application should include a Bill of Materials (Cost of Project) and a list of resources needed to complete the project. This means that you will need to provide a detailed list of all the materials and resources required to complete your project, as well as the estimated cost for each item and the total value of your project. This will help ensure that your budget is accurate and realistic.

Download a Bill of Materials template.

Applications must include a list of who is involved in the project. The disclaimer regarding project involvement might include a statement that outlines who is responsible for the project, including clubs, advisors, project managers, team members, and any outside parties or stakeholders who are involved. It may also specify the roles and responsibilities of each individual or group, as well as any limitations on their involvement or decision-making power. Additionally, the disclaimer may include a statement about the extent to which the project team can guarantee the success or outcome of the project, as well as any disclaimers or limitations of liability in the event of unforeseen circumstances or problems.

Note: You can either copy and paste or upload a PDF file that contains a detailed description of your project, including all the required information outlined in the application form. This will help to streamline the application process and ensure that all the necessary information is included.

Please note that no cash exchanges hands. Kao ICS will directly order the materials and manage supplies for the grant recipients

Individual

  • $25 – $49
  • $50 – $99
  • $100+

Competition Team

  • $100-$249
  • $250+

Service Organizations and Professional Societies

  • $100-$249
  • $250+

Special Interest Organization

Examples of special interest organizations would include Makers Club, Blacksmiths Club, or Life Without Limits.

  • $100-$249
  • $250-$499
  • $500+
To receive an award, the scope of the proposed project must be technically and monetarily feasible with realistic deliverables achievable before the reporting deadlines.

Monetary Feasibility

Projects must be achievable with the requested funding.

Technical Feasibility

Evaluate the factors, that you can determine whether the project is technically feasible and identify any potential roadblocks that may need to be addressed.

For example:

To design and build a custom solar-powered charging station for electronic devices, it is necessary to have expertise in electronics, solar power technology, and 3D design. This includes knowledge of energy conversion, efficiency, and storage, as well as experience in selecting and assembling various hardware and electronic components such as solar panels, batteries, charge controllers, and USB charging ports. Access to 3D printing technology and software is also necessary to print high-quality and precise parts for the charging station. The recommended 3D printer should have high resolution and be able to print in the required filament material.

Remote monitoring software can be customized to suit the specific needs of the charging station, allowing users to track energy generation and usage. Testing is essential to ensure that the charging station is safe and functional in various conditions and environments. Testing should include a pre-installation check, deploying the station in a controlled environment, testing efficiency, charging speed, and battery life, and analyzing the usage data to make any necessary adjustments or improvements.

Overall, designing and building a custom solar-powered charging station using 3D printing technology and remote monitoring software is technically feasible for students on campus, but requires expertise in multiple areas and access to specialized equipment and software. Testing is critical to ensure the safety and functionality of the charging station.

Applications to the Project Materials Fund are reviewed and approved by a committee of staff members. The committee also determines the amounts awarded.

Application Timeframe

Applications are reviewed and approved on a rolling basis. We are unable to provide advance notice of the fund’s depletion, so we recommend submitting applications promptly.

Receiving a material award from the Project Materials Fund provides a valuable learning and life-skills opportunity to develop and experience several critical professional practices.

Reporting Requirements

If you are chosen to receive support from the fund, you must submit an interim and final report by the dates enumerated in Project Materials Fund website.

Project Materials Fund Disbursement

If you are selected to receive support from the Project Materials Fund, you will be required to sign an agreement indicating acceptance of the terms outlined for the Project Materials Fund before materials are made available to you.