Student Project Fund

1.1 Student-Led: The project must be initiated and led by currently enrolled students of Falmouth University or University of Exeter, Cornwall.

1.2 Student-Facing: The project must focus on student engagement and/or student experience. Primarily, the project should contribute to building student community, tackling loneliness and isolation, and creating new friendships among the student population.

1.3. Innovation and Creativity: The project should demonstrate originality, creativity, and innovation in its concept, design, or approach.

1.4. Impact: The project should have a clear and positive impact on the student body and the campus community.

2. Application Process:

2.1 Submission: Applicants must complete and submit the official Student Project Fund application form. The application should include a detailed project proposal, budget estimate, timeline, and expected outcomes.

2.2 Review: The SU will review all applications based on the eligibility criteria mentioned above

3. Funding Guidelines:

3.1. Funding Limits: The Students' Union will specify the maximum funding amount that can be requested per project. For 2024/25 academic year, the maximum funding is £300.

Any spending that is set to take place must happen within the academic year 2024/25.

We cannot fund projects that go against SU governance and policies. You can read SU policies on the Governance and Policies pages.

Due to charity law, we are unable to fund projects that aim to fundraise for other charities. If you wish to organise a fundraiser event for charity of your choice, please join our dedicated fundraising society, Raise & Donate.

4. Budget Allocation:

Funding can be requested for project-related expenses, including but not limited to supplies, equipment, marketing materials, event venues, and travel expenses. Funds may not be used to cover salaries, stipends, personal expenses or to purchase alcohol.

4.1. Collaboration: Collaborative projects involving multiple students are encouraged – this is a great opportunity to work as part of a team and use different skills.

5. Reporting and Accountability:

5.1. Project Updates: Recipients of the Student Project Fund must provide updates to The SU on progress of the project, including any changes. This should be written updates via email. Frequency of updates will be agreed with The SU and the project lead.

5.2. Final Report: A final report must be submitted upon completion of the project, detailing the outcomes, impact and lessons learned. The reports will be published on the Students’ Union website to encourage other students to apply for the fund. A member of The SU team will be able to offer support with writing the report. The final report deadline will be two weeks after completion of the project, any changes to this deadline must be discussed and agreed with The SU.

6. Approval and Disbursement:

6.1. Approval: Once the project is approved for funding, The SU will notify the lead applicant. Before receiving the funding, the student will be asked to submit relevant documentation, such as risk assessments and project plan. The SU will then provide instructions for the disbursement of funds and support students with documentation

7. Deadlines:

An appropriate notice period is needed to have time to set projects and events up. Applicants must provide at least two weeks' notice for small events/projects and at least eight weeks for larger scale events. Any less and we cannot guarantee that we will meet proposed date

Please note dates for applications opening and deadlines for the Student Project Fund:

• 7th October open - 7th November close
• 2nd December open – 13th January close
• 3rd March open – 3rd April close

The SU reserves the right to temporarily close applications due to volume of applications or using up of the funds

We encourage students to promote the projects using their own platforms. We also encourage students to design their own promotional materials, such as posters or social media assets.

The Students’ Union will promote the projects/events on the website and include them in weekly What’s On post on social media pages

We encourage students to promote the projects using their own platforms. We also encourage students to design their own promotional materials, such as posters or social media assets. The Students’ Union will promote the projects/events on the website and include them in weekly What’s On post on social media pages.

All ticketed events must use the ticketing system on The SU website, a member of The SU team can support you to set this up. This is so we can manage event capacity in line with risk assessments. Tickets can be free or paid. You may choose to offer paid tickets to cover additional costs of the event, should your project exceed the fund limit of £300.

In addition to funding, The SU will offer guidance with filling out any relevant project documentation, such as risk assessments and budgets. Furthermore, if you need additional support on the day, the Student Crew may be able to assist you.

We do not transfer the money directly to applicants’ account. Instead, the funding will cover your projects costs directly:

Direct payment – the Students’ Union will directly pay for any expenses, i.e. we will order your requested supplies or pay invoices for venue hire.

Please note that all expenses must be agreed before any purchases take place.