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Applications are currently closed.

Applications for DIG 2026 will open in H1 2026.

Get notified when applications open.

How to Apply

Grant applicants are required to complete a funding application and upload a grant pitch deck. Please review the questions in advance and complete the entire application thoroughly and thoughtfully. We view the application as a starting point and may contact you with additional questions.

Before submitting an application, applicants should:

• Check Eligibility Criteria
• Review the Application Guidelines, including the Dorfman Incubator Grant Guidelines and Grant Pitch Deck Guidelines
• Prepare the required pitch deck and supporting materials
• Submit the online application by the deadline

 Start Your Application

What You Will Submit

Applicants will be asked to provide:

Primary Contact

The name and contact info of the single point of contact for the startup.

Startup

Some basic information about your idea or startup and its mission, vision and values:

1. Startup name and contact info
2. Type of corporation
3. Website and social media
4. Key team members
5. Describe your idea or startup (150 words or less)
6. What's special about your startup?
7. How does your idea or startup spark joy and happiness or make the world a better place?
8. How does your startup embrace diversity, equity and inclusion?

Proposal

1. What is the size of the grant you are requesting?
2. Pitch Deck describing your startup and how you will use the grant
3. Video Pitch (optional)

Educational Value

1. How will you create meaningful educational experiences for Cal Lutheran students and recent alumni with the grant? What are the educational goals and expected outcomes?
2. How will the grant add to the body of knowledge about startups, entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship?
3. How do you propose that you share your experience using the grant with Cal Lutheran and the community?

Cal Lutheran Participation

1. Provide the names of each proposed Cal Lutheran participant and explain how they were selected. If you do not have a Cal Lutheran student on the team, describe the types of skills needed.
2. Describe any other training and mentorship which will be provided to Cal Lutheran student participants.

Other

1. Please share anything else you think would be helpful in our evaluation.

Required Acknowledgment

Prior to submitting the application, applicants must agree to abide by the terms and conditions defined in the Dorfman Incubator Grant Guidelines.

Questions?

Contact us at dig@CalLutheran.edu.