Overview

The Make It Happen (MIH) Prize supports iZone’s mission by providing financial support to University of Rochester students, groups, and alumni with ideas to create positive social impact. In addition to funding, MIH offers training through workshops on key skills like pitching and systems thinking. With a maximum award of $1,500, up from $500 in its first two years, the program has grown to provide even more support for early-stage innovators, entrepreneurs, and changemakers by helping remove financial barriers.

What makes MIH unique is its focus on individuals and groups in the earliest stages of changemaking projects, giving them the resources and guidance to make it happen!

What do winners receive?

  • A prize of up to $1,500 in funding. Funds must be used for the development or implementation of your project/idea.
  • Winners are required to attend three workshops with the MIH cohort

Eligibility

  • University of Rochester undergraduate & graduate students and alumni are eligible

  • Funding is commonly used for User Research, Prototyping, and MVP Development

    If you lack user research or proof of concept

    • Funding supports user research materials to engage target end-users, gather insights, and validate your initial hypothesis. Examples: Food and drink incentives for interviews or focus groups

    If you have conducted user research (and possibly some customer discovery)

    • Funding supports supplies, materials, or resources to develop or refine a minimum viable product

Application Cycle Dates and Process

  • The MIH application opens early September and closes Mid-October. Applicants will be notified of their application status by the beginning of the spring semester.
  • Funds are dispersed throughout the spring semester of that MIH cycle.
  • A follow up on the idea/project status will occur 5-12 months after the end of the spring semester of that MIH cycle.

How to apply and types of questions asked

  • To apply, fill out the form linked in our promotional materials and on the iZone website.

 

Make It Happen Application

If you’re not sure about applying or have questions, reach out to izonercl@gmail.com