Maker Money

Maker Money

Do you have an idea for a new venture or innovation and need equipment, supplies, or software/services to get started? Apply for prototyping funds to further your project!

First Round | Apply for up to $250 in prototype funding. Your application will be reviewed and you will be notified of the decision. If approved, recipients are expected to submit a project update within 4 months of receiving funding. This project update should include a relevant picture, short project description, insights gained, and any next steps. Your update may be shared as a blog on the TEC website.

Second Round | After submitting a project update, participants are eligible to apply for an additional $250 of prototyping funds! Students who receive this additional funding should expect to submit a second project update.

You must be a current, residential, degree-seeking University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign student involved in TEC programs and/or academics to be eligible.

• Step 1 – Fill out the Request Maker Money form. Include details about your project, how you plan to use the initial $250, and the time frame in which you’ll spend the money.
• Step 2 – If selected to receive funding, make progress on your project! Then, submit a project update report.
• Step 3 – Request additional funds by submitting the Request Maker Money form again.

Request Maker Money

You may request a first and second round of Maker Money again in future semesters for either the same or a new project! To be eligible again, you must have completed all the requirements above for at least Steps 1 and 2.