Granted Funding for Research Initiatives
Oberlin Flint Initiative Grants Open for Winter 2026 Applications
The Flint Initiative Grants (FIGs) are now accepting applications from eligible students for innovative projects during the Winter term of 2026. These grants, offering up to $4,000, are designed to support students in the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, Double Degree Program, or declared Musical Studies, as well as concurrent Monroe County Community College (MCCC) students working towards an ADN and a BSN at University of Michigan-Flint (UM-Flint), alumni of MCCC’s nursing program, and Michigan residents holding an RN license.
For conservatory, Musical Studies, and double-degree students at Oberlin, the project term spans all of January 2026. Eligible applicants must be in good academic standing and signed into their Oberlin account to access the grant form. Each discrete project may be funded only once by FIGs.
If a project includes the research of human subjects, applicants are required to review Oberlin's Institutional Review Board (IRB) process and contact Susan Ellinger prior to submitting their application. It is strongly recommended that applicants seek advice from Susan Ellinger, Associate Director of Professional Development.
The application deadline is October 29, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. EST. Applicants must prepare a project title, summary, budget, narrative, biography, unofficial Oberlin transcript, and a signed letter of support from a Conservatory faculty member.
College of Arts and Sciences students may apply as part of a group project organized by a conservatory, double-degree, or musical studies student. However, FIGs funding is not available to support an individual’s participation in a group winter-term project unless the individual’s use of the grant is to support distinctive work separate from that of the group project.
Previous FIGs grant awardees may apply for funding for a new project if the terms of the previous grant have been satisfied. Two downloadable documents are available: Award Terms and Conditions, and a Sample Expense Document.
Information sessions for the project have yet to be announced. The project does not provide internal funding for participation in faculty-led Winter Term group projects. For more information or advice, please contact Susan Ellinger, the primary contact for the project.
Students eligible to apply for Flint Initiative Grants in winter semester 2026 should note that funding cannot be used to pay current Oberlin College students, faculty, or staff. Additionally, students on leave are not eligible for funding.
Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible to increase their chances of securing funding for their innovative projects. Good luck to all applicants!
