Big Ideas @ Berkeley! Get $ For Your Project!
Big Ideas @ Berkeley supports Berkeley students who are passionate about tackling major global, regional, and local challenges!
Alumni, corporate and foundation partners, friends, and family support projects in areas like clean energy, the environment, public health, safe drinking water, public policy, and technology-based entrepreneurship!
Click here for more information!
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FAQ's
Who can register in the Marketplace?
UC Berkeley students can participate in the Big Ideas @ Berkeley Marketplace. Teams can consist of undergraduates, graduates, and postdocs. You will need a CalNet ID and password before you can get an account in the Big Ideas @ Berkeley Marketplace.
Q. How do I submit a proposal?
Once you have registered yourself in our system, login and choose the option to post a project. After this, you will be asked to provide a brief summary of your project.
Q. What types of projects does Big Ideas @ Berkeley look for and how are proposals evaluated?
We're particularly interested in student-led projects that:
Address major societal challenges at the local, regional, national or global level. Potential topics might include (but are certainly not limited to) health, sustainable development, clean energy, clean water, poverty reduction (at home and abroad), technological innovations that improve our quality of life, planning for a California of 50 million, governance in the 21st century, etc.
Harness the depth and breadth of UC Berkeley's excellence in science, engineering, the social sciences, the humanities, and our professional schools by forming multidisciplinary teams.
Have the potential to serve as a catalyst for new or expanded research, education, and service activities at UC Berkeley.
Take advantage of the other things that you think are unique and special about UC Berkeley. Our list includes:
World's leading public research university
Location in the Bay Area -- a hotbed of technological and social entrepreneurship
A long tradition of student leadership and public engagement
A close collaboration with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
We review proposals for a clear mission statement, a solid plan for implementation and timeline indicating how the goals of the initiative will be reached upon receiving support, and accomplishments to date. We strongly encourage all student projects to identify a faculty mentor.
Q. What is the approval process, and how long will it take for my project to be posted to the marketplace?
The approval process can take 2-4 weeks. We will try to respond as rapidly as possible.
Q. Can I ask for a bazillion dollars?
You can ask, but unfortunately, since we are asking for relatively modest contributions from donors, the likelihood of raising that amount of money in a limited amount of time is unlikely. Most grants have been less than $5,000 - $10,000 to start, but we've been able to work with UC Berkeley students to raise additional funds for exciting, high-impact projects. Any student project requesting more than $50,000 requires support from at least one department or college.
Q. What happens if I get no funding?
If you have not received your target amount for funding by the date you've indicated, you may extend the date by which you need funding or remove your project from the site. Also feel free to contact Big Ideas to discuss your plans. In some circumstances, Big Ideas may make the decision to discontinue publicizing your project.
Q. Can I change the amount of funding needed for my project?
Yes, subject to approval by Big Ideas.
Q. Will I be required to submit a progress report?
Yes, you will be required to submit a progress report every 6 months describing milestones accomplished to date, work in progress, and future goals. Unless you are comfortable with making your progress reports public, only donors specific to your project will be able to view these progress reports. We want to keep donors updated on your accomplishments.
