Levitetz Leadership Program

Innovation Seed Grants

Housed in New College at The University of Alabama, the Levitetz Seed Grant initiative is one part of the Levitetz Leadership Program (LLP) made possible through the generous gift of New College alumnus, Jeff Levitetz. All UA students are eligible to apply for grants to create a new or to further develop an existing business idea, social entrepreneurship project, or creative project. Two levels of funding are available: Small Grant (up to $1,000) and Large Grant (up to $3,000). To be eligible for the large grant, you must have received previous funding for an existing project. Students receiving funding last year are eligible to re-apply this year.

Seed grant recipients will participate in a formal presentation of their project in front of judges on March 22, 2024. Additionally, funded students must participate in monthly workshops in the Spring semester and submit a final report by August 30, 2024. Applications are due October 9, 2023. For more information, contact Dr. Natalie Adams (nadams@ua.edu).

Application

All University of Alabama students are eligible to receive funding. Complete the application form below. You will need to provide a full description of your project, budget information, and names of any team members. Given the length of the application, we do not recommend completing it on a mobile device.

Applications are due October 9, 2023.  Selected recipients will be contacted by November 1, 2023.

Innovation Seed Grant Application

Applications are open to GRADUATE STUDENTS! ***Due November 6th @ 11:59pm***

Graduate Student Seed Grant Application

Copy of Seed Grant Application for review only.

Your proposal will be evaluated on:

  • General fit with the goals and mission of the Levitetz Leadership Program
  • Creativity: In what ways is this project unique or innovative?
  • Impact: In what ways will this project impact the intended community/audience/market?
  • Feasibility: Does the proposal show evidence of the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to make this project happen within the time given?
  • Strong preference will be given to students in the College of Arts & Sciences, students pursuing a minor in Civic Engagement or Leadership, or teams that include these students.

Examples of past funded projects include:

  • New businesses
  • New after-school programs
  • Art installations
  • Musical scores
  • New Non-profit organizations

Seed Grant Workshops

In-Person & Virtual Option(s)

  • TBA “How to Give a Pitch” with Holland Hopson @ Time: TBA  in Where: TBA or Join Zoom Meeting
  • TBA Seed Grant Social @ TIME? in WHERE?, RSVP here.
  • TBA – Levitetz Leadership & Innovation Day (Project Presentations), RSVP here.

Important Dates

October 9, 2023 – Seed Grant Applications Due

November 15, 2023 @ 5 p.m. – Mandatory Seed Grant Orientation

TBA @ 5 p.m. – Mandatory Seed Grant Workshop “How to Give a Pitch” with Amy Pirkle

TBA @ 5 p.m. Levitetz Leadership Program Seed Grant Social, RSVP here.

March 22, 2024 – Levitetz Leadership & Innovation Day (Project Presentations), RSVP here.

TBA – Edward K. Aldag Business Plan Competition (optional, but strongly encouraged attendance)

August 30, 2024 – Submit Final Report for your project.

Virtual Information Sessions will be held:

Seed Grant Recipients

2023 Seed Grant Recipients Page

2022 Seed Grant Recipients Page

2021 Seed Grant Recipients Page

2020 Seed Grant Recipients Page

2019 Seed Grant Recipients Page

Levitetz Leadership & Innovation Day

2024 Levitetz Leadership & Innovation Day:  2024 Levitetz Leadership & Innovation Day, 2024 — Program — Schedule of Events — Photographs — More…

2023 Levitetz Leadership & Innovation Day: 2023 Levitetz Leadership & Innovation Day, 2023 Levitetz Leadership Program, 2023 Schedule of Events, photographs and more.

2022 Levitetz Leadership & Innovation Day:  2022 Levitetz Leadership & Innovation Day, 2022 Schedule of Events, & 2022 Levitetz Leadership Program.

2019 Levitetz Pitch Competition: 2019 Levitetz Pitch Competition Video