University Grants
Annually, the Nuckolls Fund offers funding for three grants. In 2020 the Fund initiated a fourth grant, the Milham Catalyst grant, to be offered every 10 years. For more detailed information, please click on the Request for Proposal (RFP) for each grant.
RECIPIENTS
The Nuckolls Fund announces $60,000 in University Grants
For 2026, educators at Howard University, University of Nebraska/Lincoln, and the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth received grants from the Nuckolls Fund.
Available University Grants
Grant proposals are accepted only from educators at academic institutions in North America.
The Nuckolls Fund Grant
Amount: $30,000
College level grant for the development and delivery of an innovative new or expanded course in lighting.
Lesley Wheel Introductory Lighting Program Grant
Amount: $30,000
Disbursed over 4 years
Offered to colleges and universities that currently minimal or no lighting design offerings in their current curricula, but have a strong interest in adding them.
Create Your Own Grant
Amount: Flexible
If you have an idea for funding that would further the cause of quality lighting education but it does not fall into one of the listed grant categories, please feel free to submit it as a proposal. Your proposal should include a plan for implementation and should generally conform to the Required Submission Information listed in the other RFPs.
Milham Catalyst Grant
Amount: $50,000
Next offering in 2030.
Awarded every 10 years for a special endeavor dealing directly with lighting education and how it might stimulate a beneficial future for the lighting industry. This grant provides for innovative programs which can enact changes in furthering the development of lighting education in unique and challenging ways.
More Information
How do I submit my application?
All applications must be submitted via email to the Fund Operations Manager, Jeanne Clemente:
jeanne@nuckollsfund.org
Who is eligible for this grant?
The Nuckolls Fund accepts applications from educators at any academic institution in North America. Please review the eligibility requirements within each grant’s RFP for more information.
Is there a fee?
The Nuckolls Fund does not assess any fees to submit or consider any application. Contributions made to the fund have no impact on the outcome of any funding decisions.
Can I submit a late application?
Unfortunately, we are unable to accept late applications. While we are unable to consider any applications submitted after the deadline, we encourage you to revisit and resubmit your proposal for consideration before the deadline next year.
I have questions about this grant
Please contact our Fund Operations Manager, Jeanne Clemente (jeanne@nuckollsfund.org) with any questions regarding this grant, the application process, or to submit an application.
Make an investment today
A contribution to the Nuckolls Fund is an investment in the future of the lighting community.