School of Social and Political Science

SPS PGR Community Building Fund

This fund is open for applications from 18th of February 2026

The SPS PGR Community Building Fund supports inclusive, high‑impact activities that strengthen belonging, peer support and wellbeing across the PGR community in the School of Social and Political Science.

The fund can support School‑wide initiatives, as well as events for specific departments, programmes or annual cohorts. The fund is administered by the SPS PGR Representatives. We are piloting this process in Semester 2 (2025/26), after which this will be reviewed. 

Who can apply and what is supported

All SPS PGR students, as individuals or in small groups, can apply on a rolling basis. Activities must be PGR‑led, clearly community‑building, open and accessible to the relevant SPS PGR audience, and feasible and safe within University policies. We cannot fund academic research costs, fieldwork, conference travel or fees, teaching activities, or anything primarily for staff.

How much you can apply for 

Although there is no fixed maximum per application the annual fund is £1,200.00*. Awards are made in line with the available annual budget and with fairness across cohorts, programmes and the academic year. The final deadline for submitting purchases and claims each year is 30 June to meet University financial year requirements.

*While every application is reviewed funding is not guaranteed nor the amount requested.

How to apply 

Apply at any time using the online form PGR Community Building Fund:

What happens after you submit

  • Your application is first considered by a panel chaired by the SPS PGR Representative includes three PGR subject area reps where possible and aims to meet fortnightly. The panel decides in principle. Panel members recuse themselves where a conflict of interest exists.
  •  The decision in principle is then reviewed by the Directorate of PGR and the SDO Manager.
  • You will receive a brief written outcome confirming the approved maximum amount and any conditions. The SDO is copied in to this email to advise on the expense claims process.

Payments and claims of expenses 

Only make purchases after you have received written approval; we cannot reimburse costs incurred beforehand. Keep all receipts. All claims must be submitted by 30 June.

Questions 

For any queries before applying, please contact the SPS PGR Representative at ssps-pgr-reps@mlist.is.ed.ac.uk. Applicants may also request brief feedback from the Panel.