Activity Hardship Fund
Bristol SU recognise that membership fees, events, kit and other student group costs can be prohibitively expensive for some students.
The Activity Hardship Fund was created to support these students who wouldn’t otherwise be able to participate in their chosen activity due to the cost.
Any University of Bristol Student can apply for the fund.
You can apply for up to £200 a year to enable you get involved with Bristol SU student societies and activities, if there is a financial barrier preventing.
Criteria
Applications must:
- Be from University of Bristol students, submitted by the individual student, not on their behalf
- Apply for funding to enable their participation in a Bristol SU student group e.g. membership fees, trip costs or the purchase of equipment or kit specifically required for the activity
- Show evidence of financial hardship and being unable to participate without the assistance of the Activity Hardship Fund
- Only apply for up to £200 each academic year. This can be split across multiple rounds but cannot exceed £200 in total.
We strongly advise that you do not apply for funding for something you will have to pay for before the grants are allocated, as we cannot guarantee that your application will be successful.
How to Apply
When you are applying for the fund – please give a clear breakdown of what you will use the funds for e.g.
Example:
£20 for essential kit +
£20 for essential equipment +
£60 for membership fees =
£100 total
In the form, you will be asked to calculate your average monthly incomings and outgoings.
- For the income – total how much money you receive each month such as maintenance loans, employment, family support, bursaries etc
- For the outgoings – total how much money you spend each month, such as rent, bills (wifi, water, electricity), food, fuel, insurance etc
Please use our Excel template for further support!
Key Dates
Round 1
- Applications open: Monday 23rd September
- Applications close: Monday 7th October at 5pm
Round 2
- Applications open: Monday 28th October
- Applications close: Monday 11th November at 5pm
Round 3
- Applications open: Monday 13th January
- Applications close: Monday 27th January at 5pm
Round 4
- Applications open: Monday 3rd March
- Applications close: Monday 17th March at 5pm
All applicants will receive a decision by email, giving the reason why the application was approved or rejected 1 week after the deadline (at the latest).
The decision-making panel comprises a Student Development Coordinator, the Sports and Student Development Officer and the Union Affairs Officer.
Please note that due to limited funding available to the panel, the application process is competitive as the panel is unable to fund every application. In addition, we have a limited amount of money to award each year so even if your application is successful, you may not be given the full amount requested.
If you have any further questions about the application process, please contact bristolsu-development@bristol.ac.uk
Top Tips
FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
What should I include in my impact statement?
Please include as much detail as you feel comfortable with sharing. This is your chance to demonstrate why you should have the fund and what the consequences would be if you didn’t receive it.
We receive lots of applications and we find it a heartbreaking task to reject people’s applications because they haven’t showcased enough evidence as to the financial hardship they are experiencing.
How much detail should I put in the form?
As much as you feel comfortable to share. The more specifics you go into about why you cannot cover the cost of these activities – the better.
For example, I cannot afford this membership as I do not have the funds vs I cannot afford this membership because my rent has increased from 600 pcm to 900 pcm, therefore my basic living costs (food, rent bills) have increased and my maintenance loan no longer covers them. Without this fund, I will not be able to get involved with any extra-curricular activities.
Should I add any extra information?
We recommend adding any extra information which explains other avenues of income you have explored but been unable to use, e.g. employment, family, maintenance loans.
For example, I am a medical student and am on constant placements away from Bristol, alongside my incredibly busy studies – I cannot commit enough time for a job. Having this membership fee covered will allow me to socialise and build a community – with informal time commitments.
Can I apply again if my application is unsuccessful?
Yes! There are 4 rounds/opportunities in each academic year to apply.
