Please review the Policies and Funding Guidelines before applying for loans or 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.
Questions? Contact us for more information.
IRDF Loan Application
This program provides low-interest 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 to medium 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.
IRDF Minor Project Grant application
Minor Project Grants are available for projects with an eligible grantable component of at least $10K and no more than $50K. These grants can provide reimbursement for renovation and improvement projects that meet the eligible expenses criteria. 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.
The next deadline for Minor Project Grant applications will be Jan 15th, 2026.
- Download the IRDF Project Grant application
- Download the IRDF Project Grant calculation template
- For Project Grants involving historical preservation, pre-construction applications (consisting of a description of the scope of the historic preservation work to be undertaken) must be submitted to irdf@fsilg.coop.
IRDF Major Project Grant application
Major Project Grants are available for projects with an eligible grantable component 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).
- Download the IRDF Project Grant application
- Download the IRDF Project Grant calculation template
- For Project Grants involving historical preservation, pre-construction applications (consisting of a description of the scope of the historic preservation work to be undertaken) must be submitted to irdf@fsilg.coop.
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
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
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 Anya Kattef.