How to Apply

How To Apply

IRDF Policies and IRDF Guidelines provide guidance on applying for both loans and grants. IRDF grants use a reimbursement model: projects must be completed before a grant application can be submitted and reviewed. IRDF grants can only reimburse for eligible expenses: (1) safety improvements, (2) accessibility improvements, (3) educational space and equipment, and (4) historic preservation. Please note that additional certification is required for grants for historic preservation.

Please contact Scott Klemm, FCI Executive Director, at sklemm@fsilg.coop, Nellie King, IRDF Program Coordinator at nking@fsilg.coop, or call FCI at 617.452.4053 for advice and clarifications.

1. IRDF Loan application
This program provides low-interest, long-term loans to FSILGs for construction and renovation. There are three levels of loans available. Micro-loans (maximum of $100K) and Mini-loans (maximum of $250K) are designed for small maintenance and improvement projects. They are implemented using a promissory note from the MIT Treasurer's Office. Larger loans for major projects require a more substantial application process and are implemented with a formal mortgage. An FSILG can apply for a loan at any time.
Download the IRDF Loan application 
Download the IRDF Micro-loan and Mini-loan application

2. IRDF Major Project Grant application
Major Project Grants are available for projects with a grant application request of more than $50K. Major Project Grants are linked to an FSILG’s capital campaign, and reimbursement is dependent upon the amount of alum donations over a five-year period. An FSILG can apply for a Major Project Grant at any time. The application must include building permits (for all projects) and historic approval documentation (for projects seeking reimbursement for historic preservation). An FSILG receiving a Major Project Grant must submit an IRDF Annual Certification form for 20 years thereafter (see item 4 below).
Download the IRDF Project Grant application 
Download the IRDF Project Grant calculation template

3. IRDF Minor Project Grant application
Minor Project Grants are available for projects with a grant application request of less than $50K and eligible expenses of more than $10K. These grants can provide reimbursement for renovation and improvement projects that meet the eligible expenses criteria (see above). The application must include building permits (for all projects) and historic approval documentation (for projects seeking reimbursement for historic preservation). The Grant Advisory Board establishes the level of annual funding that will be available for Minor Project Grants and sets the deadline for Minor Project Grant applications.
Download the IRDF Project Grant application 
Download the IRDF Project Grant calculation template

4. IRDF Annual Certification form
An FSILG receiving a Major Project Grant must submit an IRDF Annual Certification form for 20 years thereafter, attesting that the project funded by the grant continues to be used for eligible purposes and the building continues to house MIT students. The FCI will forward the form annually each year to all FSILGs requiring them, and forms are due on November 1.
Download the IRDF Annual Project Certification form

5. IRDF Educational Operating Grant application
This annual grant program reimburses specific operating and safety expenses related to residential education. After each FSILG’s fiscal year, the FCI sends a partially completed worksheet to each FSILG, including data from prior submissions and applicable expenses purchased through the FCI.
Download a sample operating expenses worksheet (coming soon!)

IRDF project photos are always welcome!
Please take before and after photos to show the improvements that IRDF funds made possible, and send photos to Pam Gannon at pmgannon@mit.edu.