Established in honor of Robert L. Avinger, Jr., a member of the Davidson Class of 1960 and professor of Economics from 1967-1980, the Avinger Impact Fund fuels the vision, qualities, and passions of an innovator, with a focus on creativity, energy, and initiative that will lead to success in future endeavors. (The Avinger Impact Fund was formerly known as the Avinger Scholars Program.)

Through small, project-based grants, the Avinger Impact Fund awards microgrants up to $8,000 to Davidson College Student entrepreneurs looking to grow as an entrepreneur while simultaneously advancing their idea. We have found that funding, paired with mentorship and guidance, early in a company’s lifecycle, can make a significant impact on future success.

Successful Davidson College applicants should demonstrate a serious commitment to their proposed idea, issue, project, or venture — even if they still have unanswered questions or unvalidated assumptions. That is fully acceptable! However, they must be willing to work hard, think critically, take smart risks, and learn from failure. Further, students should be ready to demonstrate their entrepreneurial spirit and ways they have worked to strengthen it.

Applicants will be scored against the following criteria – Entrepreneurial Spirit, Commitment to Growth, Value Proposition, Market Research, and Business Strategy.

Applications for Spring 2026 will open on January 21, 2026 and close at 11:59pm on February 19, 2026. Finalists are chosen on the merits of their written application (to be submitted via an online webform). Judging selection criteria include – Entrepreneurial Spirit, Commitment to Growth, Value Proposition, Market Research, and Business Strategy. 

Finalists will be notified on/about March 3 if they are selected for an in-person presentation and interview. Interviews will be conducted by members of the Avinger Impact Fund Advisory Team on/about March 27, in partnership with the Hurt Hub@Davidson faculty and staff. Winners will be announced on/about March 31, 2026.

If you are selected to receive an Avinger Impact Fund microgrant, you will be asked to review your initial budget with a mentor – and submit a final budget before any funds are disbursed. You will also be required to enroll in our mentoring program, which matches you with a local team of experienced mentors who will help you grow and shape your business idea. It is expected that the funds, and expected outcomes, will be realized within 3-4 months of award.

The Avinger Impact Fund microgrants are considered taxable income, not scholarships. Please consult with a tax adviser if you have questions about how this may impact your personal tax situation.

Note for International Students (F1 Visa)

As an international student, this funding may be subject to federal tax (20% max; 14% federal, 6% state, unless treaty benefits apply). The grant will be grossed up to include tax obligations. 

Upon signing the agreement, you are agreeing to check your email for correspondence from Sprintax Calculus/Susan Caldwell in the Controller’s Office and respond quickly to any inquiries concerning the Foreign National Tax Assessment. As an International student (Non-Resident Alien), you will receive IRS form 1042/1042-S for all taxable payments. You will be responsible for filing the Form 1040NR in the following year.

Question: Can students with a F-1 visa receive funds from their own businesses while still enrolled at Davidson?

Answer: No, students with a F-1 visa cannot receive funds from their own businesses while in the U.S. and enrolled at Davidson unless they work with International Student Engagement to apply to USCIS, and be approved for, pre-completion Optional Practical Training . Receiving pre-completion OPT is discouraged and takes away from the available OPT post-graduation. International students should talk with International Student Engagement before engaging in any business ventures in the U.S.

Question: Can students with a F-1 visa  receive awards after graduation?

Answer: Yes, students with a F-1 visa can receive awards after graduation, as long as they meet certain conditions, such as having approved post-completion OPT and pursuing a business idea directly related to their major field of study, or leaving the U.S.

Question: What is post-completion OPT, and why is it important for receiving awards after graduation?

Answer: Post-completion OPT is a period during which international students with an F-1 visa can work in their major field of study in the U.S. It is important because students need this authorization to be eligible to receive payments from their own businesses while they are physically in the U.S.

Question: Can students with a F-1 visa  continue to receive payments from their own businesses after their one year of post-completion OPT?

Answer: Generally, no. During their 12 months of initial OPT F-1 students may be self-employed and manage their own businesses. However, the 24-month STEM extension precludes self-employment and continuance of payments from Davidson College in any form. International students are encouraged to consult with an immigration attorney about their options for entrepreneurship beyond the initial 12 months of OPT.