Do you have a creative concept you want to explore, a community challenge you want to solve, or a physical product you’ve been dreaming of building?
The Sears think[box] Community Project Fund provides grants of up to $500 to help Northeast Ohio residents turn ideas into tangible reality. Whether you are an aspiring inventor, an independent artist, a community organizer, or an enthusiastic tinkerer, this fund is an opportunity to unlock your maker potential.
At Sears think[box], we believe that when access to tools, knowledge, and community comes together, innovation follows.
What Kind of Projects Are Supported?
We welcome hands-on projects across diverse fields. What matters most is your intention to learn by doing, test creative solutions, and share what you discover.
Artistic & Cultural: Mixed-media sculptures, interactive installations, textiles, or craft design.
Civic & Community Solutions: Prototypes that address neighborhood challenges, environmental projects, or accessibility aids.
Entrepreneurial & Inventions: First-generation hardware prototypes, product packaging designs, or custom tooling. Note: think[box] does not support mass production.
Educational & DIY: Working models, STEM/STEAM teaching aids, or personal skill-building builds.
Eligibility
- Must be a Northeast Ohio resident and not affiliated with Case Western Reserve University. CWRU students, faculty, and staff aren’t eligible.
- Must be or become a member of Sears think[box].
Program Requirements
- Create a physical prototype, artwork, product, etc made using machines and equipment available at Sears think[box]
- Project must be completed within 3 month of receiving funds
- Funds can only be spent on materials. See funding limitations below.
- Attend a 1-hour check-in meeting once a month during grant period
- A final report summarizing the making process
- A financial accounting of how funds were spent
- A final presentation sharing experiences, lessons learned, and takeaways from the completing the project
Review Criteria
Proposals are scored by a committee based on all of the criteria below. Your proposal should address each one of these :
- Technical Feasibility / Timeline: Can you/your team realistically reach the goals you set out given your existing skill set(s)? What milestones along the way are necessary to track your progress?
- Skill Development: Will you be developing news skills/practices to complete this project?
- think[box] Alignment: Does this project make use of materials and equipment found at think[box]?
- Future Opportunities: Does this project create potential for you to pursue new programs, products, artworks, etc. in the future?
- Community Impact: Does this project have benefits for a community in Northeast Ohio?
- Monetary Feasibility: Is the requested funding appropriate for your project goals?
- Safety/Policy: Does the project comply with think[box] safety policies (e.g., no hazardous materials, unapproved chemicals, or restricted weaponry prototypes)?
The maximum amount of funding available per project is $500 to cover costs such as resources for materials, equipment, manufacturing costs and other related expenses.
Please note funding will NOT be awarded to support any of the following:
- Food, drinks, or entertainment
- Stipends for project team members or other individuals
- Fees for contractors or consultants
- Marketing materials, prizes or giveaways
Timeline
You will have 3 months to complete your project once funds have been distributed. Make sure your project goal can be completed in that timeframe. Refer to the schedule below for a detailed project timeline.
- Application open: November
- Application closes: December 1
- Award notification: January
- Fund Distribution: February
- Monthly Meetings: March, April, May
- Project showcase: June
Ready to Build?
Don't let material costs keep your idea on the drawing board. Apply today!