FUEL: Foundation Uniting Enterprise & Leadership

While Mini-Grants supported small-scale ideas, the need for bigger, bolder, and more sustainable impact has grown. 

FUEL was created to:

• Provide larger awards that allow for meaningful transformation.
• Streamline the application process with a short “Idea Pitch” format.
• Support projects with broad reach and measurable results.

Mini-Grants Sunset

Mini-Grants sunset timeline is Spring 2025.

FUEL Program

FUEL will launch for 2027 funding!

• Applications open:  April 2026
• First round closes: August 5, 2026
• Second round announcements: Early Fall Semester 2026
• Video deadline: Late October 2026
• Awards announced:  December 2026

FUEL Program Funding

FUEL Program funding will be done on an individual project bases after determining process needs.  Please keep in mind that the College's vendor process must be followed.  Funds will be available beginning in January and may take up to 24 months to be expended.

All Seminole State College faculty and staff are eligible to submit proposals for FUEL funding. Projects should demonstrate collaboration, innovation, and a clear vision for advancing the College’s mission.

FUEL funding is intended to support innovative projects, programs, collaborations, and initiatives that enhance student learning, engagement, and institutional impact. To ensure funds are used consistently and strategically, proposals should focus on project-based needs rather than direct financial support to individuals.

The following types of requests are not eligible for FUEL funding:

• Student scholarships or tuition assistance
• Student fees or course-related fees
• Direct payments, stipends, overloads, or compensation for faculty, staff, or students
• Student monetary incentives, including gift cards, cash incentives, or participation payments

FUEL awards are intended to provide one-time funding for innovative ideas and pilot initiatives. Projects that require ongoing operational support should include a plan for long-term sustainability beyond the initial award period. Funding will not be renewed, and the same project or initiative is unlikely to receive future FUEL support.

Projects should demonstrate clear innovation, collaboration, and measurable impact beyond what is currently supported through existing College operating budgets.

The FUEL Program has a two-step application process.  Both steps aim to create an easy journey for the applicants and clearly outline the project for the Foundation Board of Directors deciding committee.

Written Application

For the written portion (first step in the application process), there are four main sections in addition to contact information to consider:

1. Project Title (50-character limit) and Contact Information
2. Description of Request
   • Briefly describe your project idea by answering these five questions:
     1. The challenge or opportunity your project addresses
     2. How your idea is innovative or different from what already exists
     3. How your project promotes collaboration across departments, disciplines, or groups
     4. The impact your project will have on students and the College
     5. How FUEL funding would enable this project in ways existing institutional funding cannot
3. Budget Detail
   • Amount Requested
     • FUEL awards range from $10,000 to $60,000. Please provide the total amount you are requesting within this range.
   • Please provide a brief outline of how the funds will be used.
     • Example: $25,000 —
       $10,000 for technology
       $12,000 for training
       $3,000 for supplies 
   • Please outline how partial funding would be utilized. 
     • Be sure to consider what you will be able to accomplish with a lower amount.
   • There is an opportunity for additional uploads if you feel that they are necessary, but they are not required.
4. Required Acknowledgments
   • You are required to let these contacts know prior to submitting this application that you are working on this project idea.
     • Office Support
     • Supervisor
   • Acknowledgment of making the department and Executive Member aware of the project

After a review of the written portion, selected applications will be invited to participate in step two of the application process. These applicants will be notified by the Foundation and given ample time to complete this portion.

Video Submission

Selected applicants are asked to submit a 2-minute recorded pitch. The format of pitch is up to the applicant, but it must be submitted to the Foundation in .mp4 format and should not last longer than 2 minutes. 

The Foundation Board of Directors will then evaluate the video submissions in combination with the written portion to determine the recipients of the FUEL Program funding.