2025/26 Development Awards
Applications open October 8, 2025 • $2,500 in funding per institution • Limited funds available
The Development Awards provide up to $125,000 in total funding to support faculty-led co-curricular initiatives that prepare students for e-Fest 2026 and strengthen entrepreneurship education on campus.
All eligible schools receive a $2,500 award through a simplified online application process.
Eligibility:
Only faculty or staff at a 4-year college or university in North America are eligible to apply. Students may not apply.
Before you begin, please have the following ready:
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A completed W-9 form for your institution
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The mailing address and contact details for the individual who will receive the check at your college or university
Click here for a complete list of e-Fest Development Grant Rules & Eligibility
Development Award Funds
Development Awards are designed to support undergraduate, student-focused entrepreneurship activities—including school business competitions, workshops, co-curricular programs, and/or the development of one or more e-Fest teams.
Recipients are expected to:
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Encourage and support the formation of at least one undergraduate e-Fest team
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Ensure a student team from their institution submits to the online round of e-Fest 2026 (January 7 – March 1, 2026)
Awards are limited and applications are reviewed for eligibility in line with e-Fest rules. Funding is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, so early application is strongly encouraged.
Please Note
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Applications must be submitted by a faculty or staff member engaged in entrepreneurship education (who may also serve as the student team advisor)
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Each college or university may receive one award per cycle
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Awards are issued as $2,500 checks payable to the institution (not to a school, center, or department within the institution)
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Processing time for award checks is typically 8–10 weeks
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You may save and return to your application before submitting
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EIX.org offers free, peer-reviewed entrepreneurship teaching resources, research, and articles
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e-Fest is sponsored by EIX and the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation and hosted by the University of St. Thomas Schulze School of Entrepreneurship in Minneapolis
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Colleges and universities affiliated with an EIX editor are not eligible to receive Development Awards
Deadline
Applications will be accepted from October 8 – December 31, 2025, or until funds are exhausted.
📩 Questions? Email us at [email protected].
Please do not contact the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation directly.
