![Case Western Reserve University students working on a robotics project at think[box]](/thinkbox/sites/default/files/styles/hero_one_column_xs/public/2021-05/tbx2017208.jpg?h=10d202d3&itok=RU2A2pXV)
Looking for funding to bring your ideas to life at Sears think[box]? The Student Project Fund provides financial support for CWRU students who need materials, equipment, or prototyping resources to advance their projects.
Eligibility
Open to full time undergraduate and graduate students from Case Western Reserve University, the Student Project Fund supports:
- Individual and team-based extracurricular and personal projects.
- Projects related to a competition.
- Entrepreneurial projects that require prototypes.
Please note that course-related or research projects are not eligible for funding.
Application Timeframe
Applications Open: August 18, 2026
Applications Deadline: Oct 20, 2026, 11:59 PM
Notification of Awards: November 3, 2026
Signed Agreements Due: Nov 6, 2026, 11:59 PM
How Funds are Awarded and Used
The maximum amount of funding available per project is $2,500.
Funds may be used to cover project expenses including:
- Raw materials (metal, wood, 3D print filament, fabric, etc.)
- Project Components (hardware, paint, electrical components, etc.)
- Equipment (project specific tools and equipment not available from think[box])
- Manufacturing costs (think[box] waterjet usage, think[box] Additive Manufacturing Services, etc.)
- External prototyping or machining services when work cannot be performed at think[box] (heat treating, etc.)
Funding may not be used for the following:
- Food, drinks, or entertainment
- Stipends for project team members or others
- Fees for contractors or consultants
- Marketing materials, prizes, or giveaways
- Travel or travel-related expenses
- Expenses that do not appear on an approved budget
Note: Groups are not eligible to receive more than $2,500 in total — either in a single award or across multiple applications.
Review Criteria
The review committee for the Student Project Fund considers all proposals and notifies applicants by email as to the status of their application(s). Proposals are considered based on the following criteria:
- Technical Feasibility: Can you or your team realistically reach the goals you set out given your existing skill set(s)?
- Monetary Feasibility: Is the requested funding appropriate for your project goals?
- Innovation/Functionality/Creativity: Does the project involve a creative aspect, a technically challenging or educational aspect, or a new idea or process? We’re looking for projects that will help you develop your professional and technical skill sets.
- Think[box] Utilization: Does the project make use of think[box] equipment and services?
Fund Administration
Receiving a financial award from the Student Project Fund at Sears think[box] provides a valuable learning opportunity to develop professional skills including project management, budget ownership, fiscal responsibility, and professional reporting. If you are awarded funds, you are fully responsible for their use and management. You are expected to keep accurate financial records and a summary of transactions, and must scan receipts to include in your project’s interim and final reports.
Please be aware that if you receive an award greater than $2000, a Form 1099 will be issued at the end of the calendar year. Please consult a tax professional for input on how to report award money on your income tax forms.
Fund Disbursement
If you are selected to receive support from the Student Project Fund, you will be required to sign an agreement indicating acceptance of the terms outlined for the Student Project Fund before you receive the award.
At that point, you will receive payment of 50% of the total award value, with payment for the remaining 50% of the total award to be issued after you’ve completed your interim reporting requirements.
All unspent or undocumented funds must be returned to Sears think[box] before the end of the Spring 2027 semester.
Reporting Requirements
Interim Report
Submission Deadline: 11:59 PM January 29, 2027
The interim report must include:
- A description of your project goals and progress to date
- Photos, drawings, and/or renderings of your work
- An Expense Report, scans of all receipts, and a summary of purchases to date
Final report
Submission Deadline: 11:59 PM April 9, 2027
The final report must include:
- A description of the completed project
- Photos, drawings, and/or renderings of the final project
- Results from any competition(s) or presentations
- An Expense Report, scans of all receipts, and a summary of purchases to date
- Project Highlight Video
- Create a 1–3 minute video highlighting your project's process and final results.
- Creativity is encouraged. Click here for a suggested video outline.
Student Project Fund Showcase
Event Time: 4PM - 7PM, April 16, 2027
Share your project at the Student Project Fund Showcase Event hosted at think[box] on April 16 from 4PM - 7PM.
Questions? Contact Us
Reach out to thinkbox-funding@case.edu.
FAQ:
To be considered for funding, the applicants must be full-time CWRU undergraduate or graduate students taking classes on campus in both fall and spring semesters. Full time is defined as at least 12 credit hours for undergraduates and 9 credit hours or 1 credit hour of thesis for graduate students
Yes, both individual and team-based projects are welcome.
No, course-related and research projects are not eligible.
You will be issued a check for 50% of the funding after signing an agreement, and the remaining 50% after submitting your interim report.
If you are part of a team, funds will be distributed in the name of the Project Lead who submitted the initial application.
Yes, awards over $2,000 will trigger a Form 1099 at the end of the calendar year.
An interim report (due January 29, 2027) and a final report (due April 9, 2027), both including project descriptions, photos, and expense documentation.
Yes, a 1–3 minute project highlight video is part of the final deliverables.
Any unspent or undocumented money must be returned before the end of the Spring Semester.