Innovation Funds
The College of the Redwoods Foundation provides funding for faculty, staff, students, and members of the community to create innovative projects through two Presidential Innovation Funds. The funds were established to support the College’s Mission by providing grants for projects which impact one or more of the initiatives in the College of the Redwoods’ Education Master Plan.
President’s Economic Innovation Fund
This fund is for proposals brought forward from faculty, staff, students or community members to develop an investable proof of concept. These projects must demonstrate a positive economic impact on both the Redwoods Community College District and the community.
Eligibility: Students and members of the community must partner with a CR faculty or staff to be eligible.
Grants will range up to $50,000.
Deadlines
- Spring Deadline: March 14, 2025
- Fall deadline: October 10, 2025
President’s Academic Innovation Fund
This fund is to provide mini-grants to support faculty projects which align with the District's Education Master Plan.
Grants will range up to $5,000.
Deadlines
- Spring Deadline: March 14, 2025
- Fall deadline: October 10, 2025
President’s Staff Innovation Fund
This fund is to provide mini-grants to support Staff projects which align with the District's Education Master Plan.
Grants will range up to $5,000.
Deadlines
- Spring Deadline: March 14, 2025
- Fall deadline: October 10, 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
For All Innovation Grants
Can applicants provide additional documentation outside of the application form?
If the application questions are all identified and answered in order, applicants
may use a separate document to pull together their responses.
How long are the Innovation Grant funds good for?
CR's Presidential Innovation Grant funds must be utilized within eighteen months of
receiving the award. After eighteen months, unused funds may have to be returned to
the CR Foundation.
For Economic Development Grants
What is meant by "positive economic impact on both the Redwoods Community College
District and the community" in the Economic Innovation Grant application?
The Economic Innovation Grant application requires thoughtful estimates of the expected
fiscal impact of a given project for both CR and for the community.
How often can one apply for an Economic Innovation Grant?
One can apply once every eighteen months for an Economic Innovation Grant.
For Faculty & Staff Grants
Can College of the Redwoods students receive remuneration through Innovation Grant
funded projects?
Yes, College of the Redwoods students potentially can receive remuneration through
Innovation Grant funds given they are hired as a student employee of the district
to work on a staff or faculty innovation project.
Are faculty and staff able to receive stipends through Innovation Grant funded projects?
Currently stipends for faculty and staff are not available.
Will Deans and/or Vice Presidents be made aware of Innovation Grant applications in
their respective areas?
Yes, Deans and/or Vice Presidents will be made aware of applications in their respective
areas. The Foundation encourages applicants to discuss potential innovation projects
with their supervisors before submitting.
How often can one apply for an Innovation Grant?
One can apply once a semester for an Academic or Staff Innovation Grant.