What is the Student Ideas Fund?

Our Student Ideas Fund is an exciting collaboration between Leeds University Union, the University, and you to help empower you to be your best self. If you have an idea to improve the student experience, build a sense of belonging, strengthen ties with local communities, promote sustainability, or share your knowledge and skills, we want to hear from you!

We have £40,000 to support student-led ideas, with £5000 up for grabs per idea. This fund is open to all students; you can apply individually or as a group. We aim to be as flexible as possible when supporting your ideas, so your idea could be anything from a campaign to a Give it a Go (even if you’re not a society) or a new initiative within your faculty or society.

 

Have an idea that could improve the University and your student experience? Apply for support and funding from the Student Ideas Fund to help turn it into a reality.

Tell us about your idea here

Eligibility

Since the SIF is made up of donations from our alumni, it must hit specific donor wishes. We have outlined the criteria below to help you work out if you are eligible:

  • Projects can be one-time initiatives, new concepts, or a relaunch of stalled ideas.
  • Proposals must not duplicate existing funding opportunities or contravene UoL/LUU policies.
  • Funding excludes personal academic research, scholarships, and direct financial benefits to the applicant​
  • Proposals won’t support projects that should be supported by existing or ‘core’ funding (e.g. the replacement of old equipment)
  • Projects where other sources of funding are available or appropriate, including direct Service/School/Faculty funding, won’t be supported
  • Projects that require several years of funding will only be funded for their initial launch or relaunch
  • Staff and/or commission costs will not be funded.

What ideas have we funded before?

Don’t be afraid to go ahead and fill in the form! Even if your idea isn’t eligible, we will help support you in getting your idea going.

Once you have submitted your initial idea form, our team members will check if it is eligible and let you know within the next two what to do next.

Questions? Get in contact at studentideafund@luu.org.uk