Student Ecosystem Fund

The Student Ecosystem Fund supports student-led events, programs, or initiatives that strengthen Yale’s innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem. Funding is open to Yale student organizations and student-led teams that are collaborating to fill a clear gap or unmet need within the community.

To be eligible, your project must include at least one collaboration partner outside of Tsai CITY. Tsai CITY may be involved, but it cannot be your only partner. Eligible partners include other student clubs, residential colleges, Yale centers, academic departments, or affinity groups.

We do not fund collaborations with external companies, venture firms, or outside organizations. This fund is intended to support Yale-based ecosystem building. 

 

 

How it Works

 

Who can apply:

  • Open to Yale student organizations and student-led teams.

 

Application timeline:

  • Fall semester: Applications open on October 2. Reviews take place every other week from October 2 through December 4.
  • Spring semester: Applications open on February 12, and close for the year on April 16. Reviews will also take place every other week.

 

Funding details:

  • Grants up to $500 per project
  • Funding cannot be used to pay individuals for their time or labor
  • Each student club or group may receive funding once per semester
  • If two groups collaborate on a project, the funding counts as the funded project for both groups for that semester
  • For example: If Club A and Club B collaborate on an event, that counts as the one funded project for both Club A and Club B for that semester.

 

How to apply:

 

Application requirements:

  • Clearly illustrate the gap in the ecosystem, explain how the initiative will fill it, and highlight the expected benefit to participants and participating organizations.
  • Include an itemized and relevant budget. Budgeted expenses should reflect materials that you're unable to source from existing Yale resources (such as the Bass Media Library or the CEID).

 

Example budget:

Example budget for two organizations holding a networking event with anticipated 100 attendees.

  • $10 – to print color posters to advertise the event
  • $200 – catering from XXX cafe
  • $10 – duct tape to put up posters

 

Decision Process

  • Applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis during the academic year by the Student Funding Team and Tsai CITY staff.
  • We use the following criteria to evaluate each application.

 

The application process will begin on October 2, 2026. 

*Do you have questions? Schedule office hours to meet with the funding team.