Student Initiative Fund
Content
Guidance updated 4th November 2024
The Student Development Office has a budget for undergraduate and postgraduate (taught and research) students to support initiatives that will benefit the student community within the School of Social and Political Science.
This funding could be put towards setting up a conference, hosting a speaker, holding a writing retreat, organising an event, or facilitating collaboration and networking. Once your funding has been confirmed in principal and you have completed your activity, you will need to write and submit a short, 600 word reflection on the impact this has had on the student community within SPS. This must be submitted alongside your expense claim to receive your funding.
Key Information
The maximum available to request per student over the academic year is up to £250*.
* While every application is reviewed funding is not guaranteed.
For events with associated costs such as venue hire, catering, and transport, all suppliers must be approved University suppliers.
Application Process
- Read the Guidance and Information section of the Funding Opportunities page.
- Research your requirements and explore all possible alternatives. Example: You are planning an event with speakers who are travelling, explore all travel options including flight, rail and bus and note in your application the reason for selecting your preferred transport method.
- Applications must be made in advance of any purchases or agreements with suppliers.
- Items not listed on your application will NOT be funded.
Receiving Funding
- More information about these processes will be provided once your application has been reviewed and a decision made.
- Money will not be transferred to you directly in advance of the funded activity.
- All bookings with suppliers must be with approved suppliers who can invoice the School directly. All invoices must be proceeded by a purchase order created through the Student Development Office. Invoices with no purchase order will not be paid.
- You will not receive any funding if other required documents have not been provided. Examples: Travel Risk Assessment, Ethical Approval Form or Fieldwork Risk Assessment.
Student Expenses
- We are only able to fund activities through reimbursement of receipts and the completion of the Student Expenses Form (with the exception of Diversity Travel bookings). This form will be sent to you upon your application being successfully reviewed.
- For more information regarding expenses, please see the University of Edinburgh expenses policy.
Travel
- Any requests requiring travel will need to be accompanied by a Travel Risk Assessment and can booked through Diversity Travel, in accordance with the University of Edinburgh Sustainable Travel Policy. This policy has been updated (1st September 2024) with exemptions to allow bookings through other travel companies, please check the policy for details.
- Travel booked through Diversity Travel will be invoiced directly to the University. If the cost of travel is more than the funded amount, you will need to reimburse the university for the difference.
- Risk Assessments must be submitted for approval at least 2 weeks prior to travel. Always await risk assessment approval before you travel.