SU funding requests

Funding allocations are made on a 50% matched basis. This means we will only consider funding up to 50% of the total activity cost. For example, if your event will cost £250 to put on, you will only be granted a maximum of £125. However, we have some restrictions on what can be covered by our funding process so make sure to read all of the information below.

Funding eligibility and rules

To grant funding, we have some criteria and rules that your funding request must meet:

  • Society funding is only applicable for standard members of your society. For example, if you have 10 standard members and 10 associate members attending a trip or event, the funding granted will only be considered for those who hold a standard membership.
  • Due to the 50% matched basis, the society must be able to cover at least 50% of the costs for a funding request to be considered. Usually, this means that the society has this amount already in their accounts. In some instances, we can consider requests in which the society generates their 50% through ticket sales.
  • You can apply for as much or as little as you need - there is no minimum or maximum amount you can request as long as it is not greater than 50% of the total cost.
  • The proposed society activity must be inclusive and open to all standard members. This includes it being advertised to all members via Native. We do not fund events or trips that are for a small minority of your membership as the funding should benefit the society, not specific individuals or only the committee.
  • Funds will not be transferred to your society account. It will be allocated to you for the specific purchase or claims you make for that funding request. If you do not use the funding in its entirety, the excess will be returned to the funding pot for future applications.
  • We strongly encourage requests that are to increase health and safety, collaboration between multiple societies, if the funding is intended to promote inclusivity in the event, whether it is part of an event that is in partnership with us, or whether it is aimed to support your society's development. Knowing how the funding will positively impact your society will help ensure funding is granted where it is most impactful
What we don't cover with SU funding

We cannot grant funding requests that wish to cover:

  • Costs for your day-to-day or regular society activities.
  • Costs of food or drink, unless this is part of a society event where the funding is covering food and drink for all members. Society funding won't be allocated for you to buy shots or takeaway for the group, for example, but can be allocated for catering as part of an event cost.
  • Personal clothing or items e.g., society hoodies, prizes, gifts for speakers, etc.
  • Requests made retrospectively to cover costs already paid.
  • Costs related to a Society Ball.
  • Amounts totalling over 50% of the total cost of your proposed purchase.

All society funding requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

There are some things that you cannot use your society account to pay for at all:

  • Anything contravening our policies, or that could reasonably be construed as such.
  • Campaigning for the political aims and ends of a political party.
  • Donations to any other charitable organisation.

If you have any questions about whether something you wish to purchase is covered by society funding, contact us at activitiesadmin@shu.ac.uk.

To receive funding, societies must complete a funding request form. The form will ask for specifics about what it is you intend to spend the funding allocation on and must be submitted at least two weeks prior to you making any purchases.

Please note that Taster Session funding is a different process and has different critera from SU funding on this page. More information about Taster Session funding is available here. 

 

Submit a Funding Request Form

Read the Funding Guidance