Do you have a good idea to enhance student engagement on campus and need some funding to get started?

The Office of the Associate Vice-President (Academic) and Dean of Students prioritizes the financial support of undergraduate students, ratified MUNSU clubs and societies, and academic societies in pursuing on-campus, co-curricular activities. 

Deadlines:

*note: The October 13th deadline has been extended to November 1st. 

• June 16, 2023 (for activities taking place May 1, 2023-August 31, 2023)
• October 13, 2023 (for activities taking place Sept. 1 - Dec. 1, 2023)
• February 16, 2024 (for activities taking place Jan. 1 - April 30, 2024)

Ready to apply?

Complete the Undergraduate Student Engagement Fund application form to submit your project for consideration. Approval of funds to support activities of individuals or groups will be subject to the following criteria and guidelines.

Criteria:

Priority will be given to initiatives/activities/events that are:

1. New, innovative co-curricular ideas which haven't been previously explored or produced at Memorial.
2. Student-focused, initiated or owned.
3. Of a significant educational or cultural value to the Memorial University community.
4. Primarily of benefit to Memorial University students.
5. Accessible and open to all Memorial University students.
6. A specific activity, which is described in detail.

Other Considerations:

• Applicants must be a MUNSU member (registered undergraduate student) or a recognized MUNSU club/recognized academic society.
• Applications will be evaluated on the basis of their individual merits.
• A maximum of two applications per fiscal year (April - March) by a student group will be considered for funding (exception where a student group is holding a week/month long program or campaign, one application is to be submitted for the full campaign).
• Amounts allocated will be competitive depending on the number and quality of applications.
• Funding requests from students for activities operated by groups external to Memorial University will be given consideration only if the activities are judged to be closely related to the educational development of students and have an appreciable Memorial community focus.

Additional considerations may also include:

• The number of times funds have been granted to the same group over the past four years.
• The amount requested.
• The extent to which the individuals/groups involved have themselves raised, or will raise funds for the activity (monetary and/or non-monetary contributions).
• The clarity and completeness of the submission with respect to plans/details of the activity to be funded and a breakdown of the budget, including a list of sources of funds received and expected.
• Demonstration of the ways the event is environmentally friendly/sustainable.
• Consideration for the ongoing financial sustainability of the program or event.
• Demonstration of commitment to the success of the program or event.

Allocation of funds will be limited for:

• Individuals to attend a career or professional development conference.
• Events held off campus.
• Food and beverage costs for conferences and events.

Applications ineligible:

• Application related to course requirements (i.e. internship, rotation, clinical or group work in a course).
• Application related to an event that is being facilitated by a faculty, school or department at Memorial University.
• Application to support a third-party organization.
• Application for an event or activity that occurred in a previous term or for a subsequent term.
• Applications to fund the purchase of equipment, staff costs, grad dinners, formals, club nights or catering for club meetings.
• Applications to fund employment.
• Applicants who have not fully met the conditions of previous funding will not be considered for funding in the future.

Please note:

• Complete the application form.
• Funds are not guaranteed - the amount available may be exhausted at any time before the end of the academic year.
• MUNSU club or academic society applications approved for funding will be issued a cheque and notified by the Student Experience Office when the cheque is ready to be picked up.
• Successful applicants are required to submit a USEF Report (receipts, agendas, attendee lists, boarding passes, etc.) to confirm expenses. With this report, students need to reflect on what they learned and how it will benefit them or other students in the future. 
• Failure to submit a report will disqualify future applications until the report is received.
• Applicants may also be called upon to participate in an annual student showcase event or to submit photos, a report or complete an interview on their funded activities.
• Events must adhere to all of Memorial's Health and Safety Policy Guidelines. The safety and liability risks for all participating in the activity must be ensured, and all events must be reviewed and approved by Risk Management with appropriate risk management protocols followed.
• Application form must be received on or before the posted deadline date. Applications outside of the posted deadline dates will not be considered. Please adhere to the deadlines provided.

Any questions can be sent to ask@mun.ca.