Internal Grants (GUIDE)

How to apply for Internal Grants?  

To apply for any internal grants, you will first need to have admin privilegesto the SU site for your activity. Once you have this, when you select admin tools you should see a function 'Grant Applications'. Submit the application here depending on what internal grant you are requesting - see more below

Types of internal Grants  

Student Union or SU grants, formerly Sports and Socieities Union Grants.
      > Generally this grant is awarded for things which are categorised as core activity cost (More detail on criteria below)​

Student Experience Grant​
      > Generally this grant is awarded for things which are not core activities costs and have a wider impact on activity or community (More detail on criteria below)​

Student Union -  SU Grants Criteria

Eligibility:

     > Must be an affilaited Activity (Sport or Society) with the Student Union 
     > Must have an up to date and detailed Budget Sheet - blank budget sheets may result in application being rejected

How much can my activity apply for?
The maximum which we tend to award in these grants is £1000. In some rare circumstances we have awarded more but this will be down to the reviewal of all applications by the grants committee.

Although there is a maximum of £1000 it is not entirely common to be awarded the full amount. Partial funding is more common to ensure fairness across all applications.

What can you apply for:
​     > Core activity (as per constitution or otherwise reasonable) costs 
​     > Equipment (New/repair)
​     > Facility Hire
​     > Transport & Accom
​     > Training and Development courses (Including First Aid)
​     > Entry/comp fees
​     > Clothing (non personalised or non personal use) - For use in multiple years
     > Guest Speakers and Coaches​

What you cannot apply for:
​     > Non core activity costs
​     > Food and Drink (excluding those who have it as core activity)
​     > Clothing personalised
​     > Damage to Vehicles
​     > Hire of external venues where UoA or SU spaces can provide
​     > Legal fees/fines
​     > Activity Debts
​     > Subsidising profitable or charitable events
​     > Covering ticket costs for socials/balls
​     > Prizes/Gifts/Alcohol
​     > Charitable donations
​     > Personal Membership fees/subscriptions

Funding Top Priorities:
     > Health and Safety
     > (Sports Only) External Facility Hire for those who can't use UoA or ASV sites
Other Priorities:
     > Transport
     > Coaching Courses and Training Development (condition for non final year)
     > Equipment Repair>New (Unless beyond repair)

Student Union - SU Grants Top Tips

When writing Grant Applications wether it is interally or externally, ask the following questions before submitting the application:
​     > Is this directly linked to our society’s core activity or aims?
​     > Is this something we couldn’t reasonably fund through membership fees, sponsorship, or fundraising?
​     > Have we checked whether free or discounted SU/Uni facilities already exist?
​     > Have we explored cheaper or more sustainable alternatives?
​     > Is this non-personal? And how many people does the funding impact?
​     > Can I clearly show what the money will be spent on (with quotes/estimates)?

STRONG APPLICATIONS:
​     > Be clear and specific - Instead of saying '150 for transport' , say '150 for minibus hire to BUCS matches in dundee for 12 people'
​     > Explain how the request is directly linked to your core activity aims. Reference constitution or development plans you may have
​     > Get quotes - prove the costs of what you are requesting
​     > Think about inclusivity or removing barriers and how funding can help with these objectives
​     > Show how you'll cover the rest of the expenditure if your full cost is not covered by grants
​     > Avoid 'nice-to-haves' - Apply for what you need
​     > Have a detailed BUDGET SHEET

Student Experience Fund

MORE INFO TO COME SOON - APPLICATIONS CURRENTLY NOT BEING ACCEPTED

The Student Experience Fund (SEF) is a grant that was created by the University of Aberdeen’s Development Trust. This money is donated by Alumni for the purpose of enhancing the student experience for students. The SFE grant is not intended to help with day to day functions but to help create opportunities that would not be available otherwise. This could be anything from making a conference affordable to your membership or bringing speakers to campus. It’s all about affecting the most students possible with the funds and creating a positive impact within the student community. The decision-making panel is made up of elected students, AUSA staff and staff from the Development Trust. Please apply through GAS.
 

 

External Grants/Fundraising/Sponsorship

External funding  

Outside AUSA there are lots of different organisations looking to give financial support to students. We strongly encourage all student activities to look to governing bodies, lottery, and local council for funding opportunities. AUSA Staff is available to you to help go over applications or even flesh out an idea.  
Contact for support: activities@abdn.ac.uk

Fundraising/Crowdfunding 

One of the options to consider when seeking funding for your initiative is launching a fundraising initiative. Not only it is possible to gain funding necessary for your idea, but it is also an excellent opportunity to further promote your society and develop your campaigning and marketing skills.

Training for fundraising to be live soon on Blackboard.