The Illumination Fund offers grants to support student-led projects that are entrepreneurial/
business endeavors or philanthropic/charitable projects.
Application Requirements for the Illumination Fund
In order to be considered for a grant through the Illumination Fund, the request should meet the following criteria:
- Project is student-led and entrepreneurial and/or philanthropic in nature
- Application must include completed My Project Heart project template OR OtterCares Business Plan template
- The request includes all budget and financial information pertaining to the project costs, profits and plans for funding
- Applications must include letter of support from teacher and/or program director that includes:
- Project background and purpose
- Intended student learning outcomes
- Why teacher/program director supports the student's idea and/or project
- Other funding plans or opportunities the class or organization is pursuing to fulfill this project
Grant Cycle and Details
- Applications for the Illumination Fund are accepted on an ongoing basis and reviewed on a monthly cadence
- Applications should be submitted at least 30 days in advance from the anticipated project execution
Required Application Templates
All applications are required to one of the following completed templates and supporting documentation:
- Entrepreneurial or business projects should download and complete the OtterCares Business Plan template
- Philanthropic projects should download and complete the OtterCares My Project Heart template
Please note that the following supporting documentation should be included with the completed templates:
- Letter of support from teacher and/or program director
- Full and complete budget for project
- Full and complete timeline of project
Funding Requirements & Limitations
- Students may request a grant of up to $500 to provide either materials for their project OR a matching donation for dollars raised for a nonprofit.
- If grant is award, grants will be issued to either the student's school or to the nonprofit of the student's choice.
- All grant recognition should be attributed to the OtterCares Foundation. Approved logos and brand guidelines will be provided via email, upon request.
Please be advised that OtterCares does not currently fund for the following:
- Political campaigns and/or legislative lobbying efforts
- Reproductive choice advocacy groups
- Direct support for individuals
- Building/construction projects
- General operating support/unrestricted funds
- Travel expenses
Join us as we Ignite Tomorrow Today by educating and inspiring youth to become entrepreneurs and philanthropists! To get news and happenings about the OtterCares Foundation, sign up here!