King Creativity Fund

Frequently Asked Questions

We posted answers to the questions about the King Creativity Fund that we’re most often asked by students. If you don’t find your answer here, please contact us, and we’ll get you an answer quickly.

  • How much money is available for a project?

    While there is no absolute limit to the amount you may apply for, almost all grants are in the range of $200 to $2,000.

  • Can I work in a team with other students?

    Absolutely. Group and team projects are welcome, especially if the team members are from different majors and areas of study.

  • If we work in a team, how much money is available?

    There is no set limit to the amount of money you can apply for. The amount that will be awarded depends on the nature of the project, the amount of funds available, and the merits of the proposal, not the number of students working on it.

  • Does my project have to be part of my major?

    Not at all. The King Creativity Fund is designed to support students who want to do pursue something that is outside their normal course of study.

  • Does the project have to be part of the academic curriculum, or attached to a course?

    No, the Fund would like to help students who have extracurricular ideas. The Fund has supported a variety of projects, including a drum corps, the development of an Indian Culture Month and an independent film society.

  • Who can serve as an advisor? Does it have to be one of my professors?

    Any member of the Southwestern University faculty, staff or administration who knows something about your topic may serve as an adviser. That means that you can work with a professor, librarian, coach, student life staff member, administrator, etc.

  • I’m not very artistic. How can I qualify for a “creativity” grant?

    With the King Creativity Fund, “creative” does not mean only “artistic” in the sense of painting, music, theatre, etc.. While artists and performers are welcome to participate, and frequently do, the Fund thinks of “creativity” in a broader sense: the unusual, different or innovative application of ideas and methods.

  • Frankly, my idea is kind of “off the wall.” will the committee be interested?

    Absolutely! The Committee encourages students to try unusual, innovative and daring ideas.

  • Will getting this money affect my financial aid?

    Definitely not. King funds are used to pay for expenses of your project, so they do not count as income that will affect your financial aid.

  • Does the project have to take place on campus?

    No, you can do your project anywhere you need to, as long as your advisor is able to work with you, and see the project, and you can present something on campus as part of the Symposium in April.

  • What if I have an idea to try something that doesn’t work?

    That’s fine—the joy is in the journey! The King Committee is less interested in outcomes and artifacts than in the process.

  • What’s the catch? What do I have to do if I get the money for my project?

    The only catch is that, after finishing your project, you have to submit a report to the Committee, and present it at the annual King Creativity Award program and banquet, held on campus near the end of the spring semester.

  • This program is just for seniors, right?

    No, this program is designed for all students, regardless of where they are in their careers at Southwestern!

  • I have a project I’m going to do anyway for one of my courses. Can I just apply for a king grant to help out with that?

    This fund was not set up to support regular projects that are done in the course of standard curricula. Rather, it is intended to make it possible to try something that you otherwise wouldn’t be able to do. Think outside the box!