The Societies Committee offers funding to Affiliated Societies, primarily from profits within the Union’s bars and cafes. These funds aim to support society growth, accessibility, sustainability, collaboration, and enhanced student experiences.

Available Funds

1. Societies Fund
2. Charitable Events Fund
3. New Societies Fund
4. Refreshers' Fund (available during the end of Semester 1 and the Christmas vactation and inter-semester break)
5. Freshers' Fund (available during the Summer)

We recommend applying for a grant at least two weeks before your event. We strongly discourage retroactive grants.

Societies Fund

This fund supports Affiliated Societies in expanding their initiatives, enhancing accessibility, and encouraging collaboration.

1. Support Growth of Affiliated Societies
   • Startup Grants: For new projects/events aligned with society’s goals but with financial risks.
   • Startup Loans: For events expected to generate significant income.
   • Improvement Grants: To enhance accessibility, sustainability, or student experience in existing projects/events. Requires a viability assessment and a follow-up meeting with the Grants and Societies Officers.
2. Enhance Student Experience Beyond Membership
   • Open Project Grants: These are for initiatives open to and benefiting non-members.
   • Income-Generating Events Loans: These are for open events expected to generate income.
3. Promote Collaboration Among Societies
   • Joint Project Startup Grants: For new initiatives involving multiple Societies.
   • Collaboration Improvement Grants: To enhance previously non-collaborative joint events/projects.
4. Boost Society and Association Reputation
   • Community Engagement Grants: For events/projects involving or benefiting the local community.
   • Wider Participation Grants: For events attracting local, national, or international participants.
5. Encourage Sustainable Practices
   • Sustainability Grants: For projects/events aligned with Sustainability Guidelines, whether new or modified.
6. Promote Accessibility
   • Accessibility Grants: Supports projects or events aimed at improving accessibility or launching new initiatives with accessibility in mind.

The Societies Committee considers the Society’s financial state when making decisions.

Funding Limits

• Maximum Grant: £3,000.00
• Maximum Loan: £5,000.00

Charitable Events Fund

The Charitable Events Fund supports Affiliated Society-hosted Charity Events by covering or subsidising event costs, with 100% of profits donated to designated charities in the same academic year.

• Charitable Events Fund Grants: Covers costs of charity events, requiring coordination with the Charities Campaign and use of Association facilities when available.

Funding Scope and Limits:

• No maximum grant amount.
• Events must generate a profit exceeding the grant value, donated to nominated charities

New Societies Fund

New Societies Fund Grants supports New Affiliated Societies those Societies that completed the Affiliation Process no later than the semester preceding any application for the fund.

• New Societies Event Grants: To provide financial support to New Affiliated Societies to host events to promote their Society and attract initial members.
• New Societies Development Grants: To provide financial support to New Affiliated Societies for essential purchases that facilitate their growth and development as a society.

Funding Scope and Limits:

• Maximum Grant: £250.00
• Available to societies that completed that Affiliation Proccess by the prior semester.

Refreshers' Fund

• Refreshers' Fund Grant: To encourage Affiliated Societies to host events and aid in attracting new members during Refreshers' Week.

Funding Scope and Limits:

• Maximumu Grant: £250.00

Application and Claims Process

Application Process

1. Prepare Application: Download the Grant Form and complete it with required details and if required, a risk assessment, submitted at least two weeks before the event. Ensure the application aligns with the specific fund's aims, including:
   • Alignment with the aim and purpose of the requested fund.
   • Financial standing and history of the Society, including current account balance, budgeting practices, previous grants applied for, and if the expense was previously requested.
   • Exceptions: The Societies Committee may approve grants outside typical terms if agreed upon by a Senior Management Team member from the Students' Association.
2. Submission: Email the completed form and risk assessment to the Grants Officer at SocGrant@. Attending the weekly Societies Committee meeting is optional but is required for applications over £500 or for loans.
3. Review and Notification: The Societies Committee reviews applications weekly, and applicants will receive a decision via email by the following Friday.

Claims Process

1. Redeeming Funds: Successful applicants must have the grant receipt signed by both the President and Treasurer. Receipts or invoices are then presented to the Cash Office, which can also arrange advance payments if an invoice is provided.
2. Restrictions: Grants cannot be used to reimburse alcohol purchases, although events may include alcohol.

Useful Terms of References:

• Societies Fund - Terms of Reference (.pdf)
• Charitable Events Fund - Terms of Reference (.pdf)
• New Societies Fund - Terms of Reference (.pdf)
• Refreshers' Fund - Terms of Reference (.pdf)

Useful Documents:

• Treasurer Training Slides
• Societies Budget Tracker and Cashbook
• Large Scale Event Budget
• Funding Document