Do you have a creative idea to support your student community? Do you love the library and have ideas on how to enhance its collections or services? The University of Cincinnati Libraries will help bring your vision to life! The UC Libraries Student Innovation Grant encourages UC students to use library resources and services to help support students and enhance our library, university and local community.  

The Libraries will provide up to $5,000 to fund a pilot project that leverages library resources to address an opportunity or challenge related to student engagement, research or teaching & learning at UC.  

Applications are open throughout the 2026’-27’ academic year and projects must be completed before June 2027. 

Am I Eligible To Apply? 

All University of Cincinnati undergraduate and graduate students are eligible to apply. Individuals, teams or groups can apply, with one member serving as the primary contact.   

Proposals should identify an opportunity or challenge that can be addressed through a creative approach using or leveraging library resources. Proposals must articulate how the Libraries’ collections, services, spaces or programs will be utilized as well as how this pilot supports one of the UC Libraries’ strategic directions. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis dependent on funding availability. 

What Happens If My Project Is Selected? 

Grant recipients will be expected to:  

• Engage with UC Libraries resources, spaces, collections and/or services.
• Meet with appropriate library staff members about your pilot project.  
• Produce an itemized final budget. 
• Write a LiBlog post about your research project.  
• Present at a UC Libraries all-staff meeting about your project experience. 
• Complete a feedback survey at the end of your grant cycle to help improve the program for future recipients. 

How Do I Apply? 

• Fill out the application form 
• You will be asked for a line-item budget to explain what your funds will be used for. Examples of this could be supplies or materials needed for ideas like exhibitions, events, pop-up services, etc. You may use this template to construct your budget by creating a copy and uploading it to your application form. 
• PLEASE NOTE: We are unable to fund personal student stipends/salaries or retroactive projects. If labor is required for your project, the library will provide the paid work within the unit that will oversee your project. You must use the funds allocated to your project by the end of the academic year in which you are applying. 

What If My Idea Isn’t Fully Formed Yet? 

That’s okay! We’d be happy to meet with you and help you form your project application. E-mail Nimisha at nimisha.bhat@uc.edu and Erin at erin.rinto@uc.edu for any questions and assistance.