GROWING OUR CAMPUS COMMUNITY ECOSYSTEM

Transcription

1 GROWING OUR CAMPUS COMMUNITY ECOSYSTEM A how-to guide for accessing social justice project funding at Concordia Last updated Oct

2 2 So you have some spare time and would like to coordinate a project relating to social, environmental, and/or economic justice? Well, you re in luck because Concordia University is home to a wealth of funding totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars that is earmarked specifically to fund projects that students and community members have dreamt up! Now is the time to bring to life whatever our university community is lacking - whether a public art mural, in-class trainings, a new solidarity economy project, or a campaign seeking to make concrete gains and systemic change! The goal of this guide is to provide students and community organizations with a simple and straightforward map of all available project funding on campus. To simplify your search, we have categorized each fund based on the amount of money projects can access and the complexity of the application process. The categories of each are as followed: Funds available: $ Depending on the scope of the project, applicants can be awarded $1,000 or less $$ Depending on the scope of the project, applicants can be awarded $1,000-$5,000 $$$ Depending on the scope of the project, applicants can be awarded $5,000 + Application Complexity: Simple, Moderate, Complex For questions, please contact campaigns@csu.qc.ca. INDEX Sustainability Action Fund Concordia Council on Student Life Concordia Small Grants Funding Concordia University Alumni Association ASFA Special Projects Fund FASA Special Projects Grant CASA Conference Program CASA Special Projects Fund QPIRG Discretionary Fund CSU Special Projects Fund CSU Special Clubs Fund CSU Community Action Fund Food Systems Special Project Funding CSU Committee Funding

3 3 SUSTAINABILITY ACTION FUND Funds available: $$$ Application complexity: Complex Who can apply: Only Concordia undergraduates and graduates are eligible to apply. You are ineligible to apply if you are not currently enrolled at Concordia, if you have opted out of the fee levy, or if you are already the main applicant of a project receiving funds by SAF. What is the fund s mandate? The fund can be used for projects with an explicitly sustainable mandate/ goal. SAF takes a holistic approach to sustainability, so relevant project topics range from climate change and sustainable transportation to labour issues and poverty/inequality to gender and race to alternative economics and waste management. What expenses can/n t the fund be used for? To receive SAF funding, a project needs to have a sustainability mandate and use a sustainable process. The fund can pay for sustainable catering, event expenses, space bookings, promotional and outreach materials, sustainable materials, and technology/capital. SAF funds honoraria on a case-by-case basis. SAF does not fund airfare and retroactive projects. How much can you apply for? Depending on the scope of your project, you can apply for anywhere from $100 - $10,000 + What is the application process? SAF s application process is lengthy and rigorous. You must include substantial reflection and detail about your project, was well as a detailed budget, a thorough list of stakeholders, and numeric projections about your project s reach. For better chances of receiving funding, send an application draft to SAF s project coordinator (safexternal@gmail.com) at least 1 week prior to the deadline. Application Deadline: No set deadline. SAF reviews applications every month, but it is highly recommended to apply a few months before your event/project. If you need funding ASAP, contact them to know when their monthly application review will take place.

4 4 CONCORDIA COUNCIL ON STUDENT LIFE concordia.ca/special-project-fund Funds Available: $ - $$$ Application Complexity: Moderate Who can apply? Applicants must be currently registered students or a currently registered student association or group. Each project may make only one funding request per year, however individuals or groups can apply on behalf of multiple projects within the same funding year (June 1 May 30). What is the fund s mandate? To support projects that enhance or contribute to the quality of student life at Concordia through plans that seek to positively raise awareness or engage the student body in a social, political, educational or cultural context. The CCSL fund is designed to support innovative and unique projects rather than ongoing expenses of more long-term/permanent organizations. Summer projects may apply for retroactive funding in the fall semester. What expenses can t the fund be used for? CCSL will not fund: professional or personal development projects (like attending conferences or internships), projects that fulfill a university course requirement, business ventures, or projects that compete with or hinder existing university activities. The funds may not be used for alcohol or alcohol related expenses. How much can you apply for? Applications of $5,000 or less are reviewed by a subcommittee and applicants will receive a decision within 4 weeks of the deadline. Applications of more than $5,000 are reviewed by the entire council and may take longer to approve. You cannot apply for more than 50% of your project s total budget. What is the application process? The CCSL requests a 1-2 page project description, a detailed budget of expenses and sources of revenue, and that you answer a series of simple and straightforward questions through an online application. Application Deadline: The CCSL accepts applications twice a year at pre-set dates that change each year. They are usually in October and February.

5 5 CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY SMALL GRANTS PROGRAM Funds Available: $ Application Complexity: Moderate Who can apply? Full and part-time students in good standing who maintain their status during the project. If the project is associated with students registered at another university, external applications must include a project endorsement form completed by their program chair or their dean of students. Priority is given to applicants who have not applied before. What expenses can/n t you apply for? Applicants can use this fund for: conference travel, conferences on campus, bringing guest speakers on campus, internal or external community project development, and it is open to other categories as well. You cannot apply for: projects related to publications, retroactive funding, projects that are a part of curricula, bursaries and endowments, honoraria and staff salaries. How much can you apply for? A maximum of $1,000. What is the application process? The application process includes an application form, a completed checklist, a project endorsement form from the supervising professor, a letter of intent that references Concordia s Strategic Directions, a detailed budget, as well as more specific details specific to the project you re seeking to undertake (like a copy of the conference program if you re applying for conference travel funds). Application Deadline: Changes each year.

6 6 CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION FUNDING Funds Available: $ Application Complexity: Simple Who can apply? Full and part time Concordia students or a recognized Concordia student association. What is the fund s mandate? The CUAA funds projects that benefit a group of Concordia students or further student welfare on campus. The project must promote an awareness of the CUAA and its student benefits and services. What expenses can/n t you apply for? CUAA does not fund competitions or conferences. How much can you apply for? Depending on the scope of your project, you can apply for up to $1000, although the fund ussually allocates $200 - $500 per project. What is the application process? Applicants must submit a 250 word letter of intent describing the project, a budget including expenses and revenues, a timeline, and (optional) letters of support. Application Deadline: There are four application deadlines each year and they change annually. ASFA SPECIAL PROJECTS FUND Funds Available: $ - $$ and $-$$$ (depending on the applicant) Application Complexity: Simple Who can apply? Undergraduate students in the Arts and Science Faculty or member associations that are a part of the Arts and Sciences Federation of Associations (like the Geography Undergraduate Student Society). If you are neither, you can ask a member association to sponsor your project and apply on your behalf. Member association applications have access to larger amounts funding than Arts & Science students. What is the fund s mandate? To fund student-led projects that benefit Arts & Science undergraduate students. What expenses can/n t you apply for? ASFA SPFs do not fund salaries. How much can you apply for? There is no cap, however the fund is much smaller than many others. Generally, more funding is available for larger member associations. What is the application process? Applicants must fill out a form answering questions that detail their project plan and include a budget. Application Deadline: Not set deadline. Applications can be submitted on a rolling basis to be approved whenever the review committee meets.

7 7 FASA SPECIAL PROJECT GRANTS Funds Available: $ - $$ Application Complexity: Simple Moderate (depending on the level of funding) Who can apply? Students in the fine arts faculty, whether in a major, minor, or specialization. Students may only receive one SPG per year. What is the fund s mandate? The fund is mandated to support individual or group projects that will reach a wide number of students at Concordia particularly within the Fine Arts community. The fund does not require that projects take place at Concordia, but they should be accessible to Concordia students. What expenses can/n t you apply for? FASA will reimburse: artwork related expenses, equipment rental and purchasing, venue rental, printing and publicity, food and beverages, websites, transport and accommodation, and/or honorariums. How much can you apply for? There are three categories of funding. Individual SPGs can apply for up to $250. Moderate SPGs can apply for up to $500. Large SPGs can apply for up to $2000. What is the application process? It depens on your project level, however each application requires a budget and a project description. Application Deadline: Special project grants are disbursed once in the fall semester and once in the winter semester, and the deadlines change each year.

8 8 CASA CONFERENCE PROGRAM FUND Funds Available: $ Application Complexity: Simple Who can apply? Undergraduate students taking a major or minor at the John Molson School of Business; students may receive funding once per semester. What is the fund s mandate? To provide students with the opportunity to attend conferences focused on their fields of study or personal interest. What expenses can/n t you apply for? The CCP will cover only delegate fees; travel, meals and room & board is covered by the student. How much can you apply for? Not listed. What is the application process? Applicants must fill out an online form that is fairly straightforward and simple. Application Deadline: No set deadline. The CCP accepts applications on a rolling basis. CASA SPECIAL PROJECTS FUNDING Funds Available: $-$$ Application Complexity: Complex Who can apply? Undergraduate students taking a major or minor at the John Molson School of Business. What is the fund s mandate? To fund new membership requests under the CASA umbrella as well as projects that bring regional, provincial, national, and/or international representation to the JMSB and CASA, promote participation of JMSB students at large, are extraordinary in nature, have a unique purpose or focus on a student group not currently catered to or represented, have a significant amount of student interest in the prospective Subsidiary, and are aligned with CASA s strategic plan. What expenses can/n t you apply for? Not listed, however when listing expenses students must provide a realistic annual budget. How much can you apply for? Not listed. What is the application process? Funding applications must include a description of the initiative, a detailed budget highlighting both revenues and expenses, a clear disclosure of the funding being requested, a list of the members and initiative s organizing committee, as well as a detailed constitution and strategic plan with a minimum of a three-year outlook. Application Deadline: Changes frequently, and can be found on the SPF webpage.

9 9 QPIRG DISCRETIONARY FUNDING Funds Available: $ Application Complexity: Moderate Who can apply? Students, community members, and organizations (whether connected to Concordia or not) are eligible for this fund. What is the fund s mandate? To fund projects that support local actions, projects or movements, or local connections to global movements, organize around issues of social and environmental justice that are underrepresented at Concordia University, actively create campus-community links and engage with Concordia University undergraduate students, engage in solidarity organizing that takes leadership and direction from the communities with which they work and/or are organized by people who are directly affected or implicated in the group s mandate, and those that need access to QPIRG s resources and funding, and might otherwise have difficulty finding support. What expenses can/n t you apply for? QPIRG will not fund travel expenses (although exceptions will be made for accessibility-related travel expenses), major capital expenses (i.e. equipment that retains value from year to year), and personal or individual case support. How much can you apply for? Applicants can ask for up to $400 each disbursement period (which happens approximately once a month), and the fund usually allocates $50-$250 per project. What is the application process like? Applicants must fill out a questionnaire including various details of their project, a publicity plan, and a budget. Application Deadline: No set deadline. The fund is disbursed at board meetings, which take place approximately once a month.

10 10 CSU SPECIAL PROJECT FUNDING Funds Available: $ Application Complexity: Simple Who can apply? Concordia undergraduate students who are full or part-time are eligible for funding. What is the fund s mandate? To fund student-led projects that impact and benefit the Concordia undergraduate community What expenses can/n t you apply for? It broadly funds projects oriented towards the Concordia community; however it does not fund competitions and conferences. How much can you apply for? Requested funding may not exceed $1,000 and must not be more than 50% of the total project expenses. What is the application process? Applicants must fill out an online questionnaire about their project and include a detailed budget and any potential promotional materials Application Deadline: The fund is awarded 3 times each year, the dates are currently August 15th, November 25th, and March 31st (but are subject to change). CSU SPECIAL CLUBS FUNDING Funds Available: $$ Application Complexity: Simple Who can apply? Student clubs that are registered with the Concordia Student Union who are recognized as active by the Dean of Students Office. What is the fund s mandate? To provide funding for CSU Clubs who wish to develop a new initiative not included in their approved annual budget. What expenses can/n t you apply for? It broadly funds projects oriented towards the Concordia community, with an emphasis placed on how the proposed projects will enhance student life. However, it does not fund competitions, conferences, or salaries. How much can you apply for? Projects can be awarded up to $5,000 depending on their scope. What is the application process? Applicants must fill out an online questionnaire about their project and include a detailed budget and any potential promotional materials Application Deadline: No set deadline. The Clubs & Space Committee reviews SCF applications during their meetings which take place approximately once per month throughout the year. Applications should be submitted as far in advance as possible.

11 11 CSU COMMUNITY ACTION FUND Funds Available: $ - $$ Application Complexity: Moderate Who can apply? Students and non-students working on grassroots initiatives both inside and outside the Concordia community are eligible to apply. What is the fund s mandate? This fund is designed to grant funding to both on and off-campus initiatives or organizations aligned with the CSU Positions Book and to accommodate costs needed by a Concordia University undergraduate student association in the case of a binding strike mandate voted by said association. Special attention shall be made to prioritize funding to initiatives organized by and advocating for Black, Indigenous, People of Colour and other marganized groups, as well as initiatives and organizations having scarce access to funding. What expenses can/n t you apply for? The CSU Community Action Fund does not have expense restrictions. However, applicants are expected to conform to the CSU Ethics & Sustainability Policy to the best of their abilities. How much can you apply for? This varies on the stream you are applying for. There are 3 types of funding applications possible under the CSU Community Action Fund; Projects, Operational Grants, and student associations on strike. What is the application process? Depending on the type of funding they are seeking, applicants must fill out the corresponding application form (see below) and include a detailed budget including revenues and expenses as well as demonstrate a scarce access to funding. Strike Applicants must include the minutes of a strike general assembly and operational grant applications must include an annual budget from the past 3 years. Application Deadline: The review committee meets on a monthly basis. As such, applications are due on the 15th of every month. Types of Funding: 1) Project Application The Project Applications to the CSU Community Action Fund are subject to a maximum of $3,000. The Community Action Fund has a mandate to fund community projects which have scarce access to funding. As such, if you apply on behalf of a student club or association, or for a project which is part of your program of study, you must prioritize other funding channels and the Community Action Fund will not review your application before you have shown that you have exhausted other sources of funding. 2) Operational Grant Application The Operational Grant Applications to the CSU Community Action Fund are subject to a maximum of $2,500. The Community Action Fund has a mandate to fund community organizations which have scarce access to funding. As such, Operational Grant Applications from student clubs or associations, or from any organization funded through a fee-levy will not be considered. 3) Strike Application In the event that a Concordia undergraduate student association adopts a binding strike mandate, they can apply for funding under the Strike Application. Please note that according to the CSU Standing Regulations, the CSU Community Action Fund Committee must meet within 5 business days of the reception of the application. The Strike Applications to the CSU Community Action Fund are subject to a maximum of $1,000. In the event that a student association which does not represent Concordia undergraduate students or any other organization wishes to apply for a grant to fund a strike, they may also apply under the Strike Application or the Project Application form. However, the 5 day deadline does not apply and the application will be reviewed according to the same timeline as other regular applications, unless otherwise decided by the Community Action Fund Committee.

12 12 CSU FOOD SYSTEMS SPECIAL PROJECT FUNDING Funds Available: $$$ Application Complexity: Complex Who can apply? Full and part-time Concordia undergraduate students can access the Food Systems SPF. Groups are eligible to apply for this grant if they 1) are, and intent to remain, predominantly student run, and 2) if they are clearly focused on contributing to a sustainable food system at Concordia. Ideally, projects involve multiple partners primarily from organizations and individuals already working on campus. What is the fund s mandate? To facilitate the growth of a student-run community food system on campus. More specifically, projects must: include educating the community on food justice; contribute to environmental, social, and economic sustainability; be accessible to the Concordia university community; focus on the well-being of students rather than the generation of financial profits; demonstrate a significant level of advancement in its planning and preparation; special consideration is given to projects that involve social inclusion costs. What expenses can/n t you apply for? No limitations. How much can you apply for? No set limit. What is the application process? A multi-step process, applicants must work closely with the Sustainability coordinator at the Concordia Student Union in developing a thorough application that adheres to the Student Space, Accessible Education & Legal Contingency Fund s bylaws. The application must then be reviewed by the CSU sustainability coordinator, their committee, and finally voted on by CSU council, requiring a 2/3 majority vote in favour to be approved. Application Deadlines: In the fall semester, applications are due before the second Thursday of October. In the winter semester, applications are due before the second Thursday of February.

13 13 COMMITTEE FUNDING Funds Available: $-$$ Application Complexity: Simple Concordia Student Union committees manage annual budgets for CSU activities that also can be accessed for project funding, within certain limits. Each commitee has a specific mandate, and will only provide funding to initiatives within this mandate. Priority access to these funds is given to Concordia undergraduate students, however in some cases funding can be awarded to graduate students, Concordia community organizations, or external projects and organizations, especially if Concordia undergrads are involved in them. Each committee accepts applications on a rolling basis. The application process involves the submission of a standard question form that is slightly tailored to each committee, as well as a detailed budget including expenses and revenues. 1) SUSTAINABILITY BUDGET The Sustainability Committee is responsible for fostering and supporting a culture of sustainability for undergraduate students and the Concordia community. If you are organizing an event or initiative that will directly benefit undergraduate students at Concordia that revolves around environmental, economic and/or social sustainability and its intersections you can collaborate with the CSU through the sustainability committee. Not only can we help you financially but also in terms of outreach and logistics. Let us know what you need to make your sustainability project thrive! For other forms of support, send an to sustainability@csu.qc.ca. 2) EXTERNAL AND MOBILIZATION BUDGET The External and Mobilization Committee is responsible for overseeing the CSU s relationships with organizations outside of the university, for assisting in the planning and implementation of the CSU campaigns in accordance with the positions book, as well as supporting independent campaigns and initiatives aligned with the CSU positions book. If you are organizing an event, initiative, and/or campaign that is aligned with the CSU positions book, you can collaborate with the CSU through the external and mobilization committee. Not only can we help you financially but also in terms of outreach and logistics. Let us know what you need to make your political project thrive! For other forms of support, campaigns@csu.qc.ca.

14 14 3) LOYOLA BUDGET The Loyola Committee is responsible for advising the CSU on how to best serve students at Loyola. In addition, the committee is responsible for ensuring more food options and campus events. If you are organizing an event or initiative that will directly benefit Concordia students on the Loyola campus, you can collaborate with the CSU through the Loyola committee. Not only can we help you financially but also in terms of outreach and logistics. Let us know what you need to make your Loyola project thrive! For questions, please contact 4) BLACK, INDIGENOUS, PEOPLE OF COLOUR (BIPOC) BUDGET The BIPOC committee is a closed committee made up of Black, Indigenous and People of Colour. It is responsible for approving funding applications for events, initiatives, and projects organized by and for Black, Indigenous and people of colour. It was created as a result of lack of access to funding for BIPOC individuals, particularly within the CSU. If you are a BIPOC person organizing an event or initiative that will directly benefit BIPOC community members on campus and beyond you can collaborate with the CSU BIOPOC committee. The funding is available for students as well as community members, and there is no limit to how much can be applied for. 5) STUDENT LIFE BUDGET The Student Life Committee is responsible helping the planning, preparation, and execution of events organized by the CSU. If you are organizing a social event that will directly benefit Concordia students, you can collaborate with the CSU through the student life committee. Not only can we help you financially but also in terms of materials and logistics. Let us know what you need to make your event thrive! For questions, please contact studentlife@csu.qc.ca.

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