Student Life Grant
The Student Life Grant provides year-round funding opportunities for student-led initiatives and events that enhance student life at UVic and positively impact our university community. All UVic students are eligible to receive up to $1,500 in funding once each fiscal year (April 1-March 30).
Apply for one of the following funding streams:
- Anti-racism initiatives
- Community engagement initiative
Funding can be used to support a wide variety of different events and initiatives (see previous recipients), but cannot be put towards equipment, prizes, transportation or program/courses worth academic credit. Preference will be given to first-time applicants who have not received funding in previous fiscal years.
How to apply
To apply, students must fill out all sections of the Student Life Grant Application and email their completed application.
The application form will require the following information:
- personal information
- overview of the project
- accessibility & inclusion plan
- work plan
- budget
- additional supporting information
Students applying for the Anti-Racism Supplement will need to complete a short additional section. Applications are received on a rolling basis; however, funding decisions are made 5 times per year based on applications received by the following deadlines:
- January 31, 11:59 p.m.
- March 31, 11:59 p.m.
- June 30, 11:59 p.m.
- September 30, 11:59 p.m.
- November 30, 11:59 p.m.
If you have additional questions and/or would like support with the application process, we encourage you to attend one of our information sessions or email us.
Information sessions and email updates
Upcoming info sessions:
- Tuesday, September 26 from noon to 1 p.m.
Drop in during an info session
Receive email updates about upcoming application deadlines and new information session dates.
Review of applications
Assessment criteria
Assessment of applications will be based on the following 5 criteria:
- Is the applicant well positioned to bring forward this initiative?
- Does the applicant identify an important student issue or topic that the initiative seeks to address?
- Does the applicant outline an initiative that meaningfully engages the UVic campus community?
- Does the applicant include details that demonstrate the feasibility of the initiative, including a definition of success, a clear work plan and a reasonable budget?
- Does the applicant provide additional information that is relevant and supports their application?
If applying for the Anti-Racism Supplement, the assessment will also include the following 2 criteria:
- Has the applicant clearly identified a specific racism issue and demonstrated their understanding of the issue as it relates to the UVic community?
- Has the applicant identified the level(s) of racism they will be focusing on, as well as appropriate anti-racism strategies and approaches to address the issue?
Grant applications are reviewed by a committee comprised of representatives from across campus, including:
- UVic Office of Student Life (OSL)
- UVic Indigenous Academic and Community Engagement
- UVic Equity and Human Rights
- UVic Athletics and Recreation Services
- UVic Student Awards and Financial Aid
- University of Victoria Students’ Society
- UVic Graduate Students’ Society
- UVic International Student Services
- UVic Students of Colour Collective
Funding distribution
The distribution of approved funds will be organized on a case-by-case basis that meets both the needs of the grant recipient and the payment procedures of the university.
Accountability and recognition
Successful applicants are required to provide a report back on their initiative in the form of:
- A short (1-2 page) summary report of the initiative and associated learning, outcomes and any next steps; OR
- A 5-10 minute presentation on the learning and outcomes of the initiative to the Student Life Grant Committee at the committee meeting immediately following completion of the initiative.
Successful applicants may also be asked to share photos or videos of their initiative, and are invited to participate in social media campaigns or UVic news stories. Participation in these activities is not required.
The Office of Student Life will maintain a list of approved grants on the Student Life website in order to provide transparency and accountability.