CiviContribution Fund
CIVICONTRIBUTION FUND
Strategy 2030 outlines Queen’s University’s ambition to shape and serve the world around us, identifying 'Social and Civic Responsibility, and Economic Prosperity' as a strategic priority.
To support this, the CiviContribution Fund has been established to provide funding of either £2,500 or £5,000 for staff and students, to allow them to develop and implement projects that make diverse and impactful contributions to our society.
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Eligibility
1. Applicants to the CiviContribution Fund must be one of the following:
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- Queen’s University staff members
- Enrolled Queen’s University students (including those affiliated with a club or society)
2. Applicants should be involved in a project with an external partner. This partner should be independent of Queen’s University.
3. The CiviContribution Fund focuses on supporting three themes that align with the core principles of the university's Social Charter. All applicants are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the Social Charter before submitting an application.
4. The project must clearly demonstrate local engagement in one of the following three Social Charter themes:
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- Addressing inequalities and promoting equity
- Civic culture and intercultural dialogue
- Education with a social purpose
5. The Social Charter is aligned to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The project should aim to address at least one of these.
6. Applicants should obtain project approval from the relevant Director, Head of School, Director of Operations, Head of Service or Clubs and Societies Manger. Project approvers should confirm their endorsement of the project and the applicant's credibility.
7. The applicant must agree to all terms and conditions of the CiviContribution Fund.
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How to Apply
The CiviContribution Fund application window opens on Monday 16 September 2024. All applications must be submitted via the online application form by the closing date of 5pm on Friday 11 October 2024.
To assist with the application, a downloadable version of the online application form is available here. We recommend that applicants draft their answers offline, as the online form may not save the progress of applications.
Applications must be supported by a project approver, who must complete this form. A completed project approver form should be attached to the online application form at the time of submission.
For queries outside of the provided guidance, please contact civicengagement@qub.ac.uk.
Terms and Conditions
If a successful applicant accepts funding of £2,500 or £5,000 from the CiviContribution Fund, they agree to the following terms and conditions:
1. Information Meeting
If funding is approved, the applicant must attend an information meeting with a member of the CiviContribution Fund assessment panel. Information meetings will be scheduled between 4 - 8 November 2024.2. Purpose of Funding
The funding must be used for the purpose approved by the CiviContribution Fund assessment panel.3. Funding Transfer
Funds will be electronically transferred via QFIS using the sub-analysis D2324PEU to the project code provided in the application. For clubs and societies, the project code will be provided after the application is approved.4. Funding Distribution
Any funds awarded to a successful applicant must be managed through internal Queen's University Belfast systems, such as QWork or QFIS.5. Permitted Expenses
Funding may cover costs associated with the hire of facilities, catering, promotional materials, travel, accommodation, and project materials.6. Financial Records
The applicant must maintain accurate financial records of all spending related to the funding and provide these records upon request. Any funding that is not required for the purpose approved, should be refunded to the CiviContribution Fund.7. Withholding of Funds
The CiviContribution Fund assessment panel reserves the right to withhold funding or will require repayment if:-
- Any false information related to the project or the use of funds is discovered.
- The work undertaken differs from what was approved, and those changes were not authorised.
8. Project Completion
Where possible, projects should be completed by 31 May 2025. However, we understand that some projects may extend beyond this timeframe. While some projects may run on, all funding must be spent within the 2024/25 financial year, which ends on 31 July 2025.9. Acknowledgment
The ‘Queen’s University CiviContribution Fund’ must be acknowledged in any communications regarding the funded project, including social media, reports, brochures, or websites.10. Project Report
Successful applicants are expected to provide a project report within 3 weeks of project completion. A project report template will be provided to successful applicants at their information meeting.-
Timeline
16 September 2024
Application window opens.11 October 2024
Application window closes at 5pm on this date.28 October - 1 November 2024
Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application.4 November – 8 November 2024
Information meetings for successful applicants will be scheduled between these dates. After the conclusion of these meetings, funds will be allocated to the applicants' chosen project code.31 May 2025
Where possible, projects should be completed by this date, but we understand that some projects may extend beyond this timeframe. If projects are due to finish beyond 31 May 2025, this will be discussed at the information meeting. Project reports must be submitted within three weeks of project completion.31 July 2025
All funding must be spent within the 2024/25 financial year, which ends on 31 July 2025.Alternative Funds
Before submitting your application we would ask that you consider whether you application is best suited to the CiviContribution Fund or one of these alternatives:
Agility Fund
The Agility Fund provides internal funding to support research activities of academic and research staff.Annual Fund
The Queen's Annual Fund supports student scholarships, campus improvements and community projects, enhancing the overall student experience. Contributions help fund key initiatives that directly impact student life and learning.Green Fund
The Queen's Green Fund supports sustainability projects, focusing on reducing environmental impact and promoting eco-friendly practices on campus.SU Fund It
The SU Fund It scheme opens annually in December to help support student-led projects which will benefit the Queen’s community. The projects should be planned for Semester Two and grants range from £50 - £500. Individual students and student groups may apply.