SPS Widening Participation Fund
Introduction
This fund is open for applications from the 1st October 2025.
The SPS Widening Participation fund is available to WP students in the School of Social and Political Science.
The fund aims to remove the financial barriers that some students face in taking part in sport, society, cohort and other community-building activities.
You are considered to be Widening Participation student if you were assigned a flag or a plus flag when you applied to the University of Edinburgh. If you are unsure if you are eligible to apply for this funding then please reach out to ssps.student-devlopment@ed.ac.uk and we can check for you.
This funding could be put towards costs that support you engaging with your wider peer group. This could include attending social events, purchasing student society memberships or equipment, and participating in activities, trips or other events.
Content
Key Information
The maximum available to request per year: £200*.
Students may submit multiple applications up to a maximum amount of £200 per individual per year.
*Please note that funding is not guaranteed.
Application Process
- Read the Guidance and Information section of the Funding Opportunities page.
- If your application requires travel please ensure you have read the Sustainable Travel Policy, the FAQs section is very useful.
- Applications must be made in advance of any purchases.
- Items not listed on your application will NOT be funded.
- A completed risk assessment may be required depending on what your funding request is for.
- You must be connected to the University VPN to access the risk assessment form. For more guidance on how to access the VPN read here.
Receiving Funding
- More information about these processes will be provided once your application has been reviewed.
- Money will not be transferred to you directly in advance of the funded activity.
- You will not receive any funding if other required documents have not been provided. Examples: Travel Risk Assessment, Ethical Approval Form, 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.
Guidance and Important Information
Before applying for any of these opportunities please read this key information.
Guidance and important information