Thinking of Applying for a Grant?
Student societies are welcome to apply for external or internal grants to support their events, projects, or initiatives. However, before submitting any applications, we strongly recommend speaking with the Students' Union. They can offer guidance, help ensure your application aligns with university policies, and may even suggest additional funding opportunities you hadn’t considered. Reach out early to make the most of your application!
Keele SU has a limited number of grants available for clubs and societies to support events and activities, and enhance the wider student experience at Keele. While we expect student groups to be largely self-sufficient through membership fees and fundraising, we understand that many face financial pressures.
Our student group grants are open for applications all year round, giving you the flexibility to apply whenever your group needs support. However, please note that applications are reviewed and processed by the panel at specific points throughout the academic year:
- Sustainability Grant – Reviewed in October and January
- Club or Society Development Grant – Reviewed in October and January
- New Society Start-Up Grant – Reviewed for in October, December, and March. Please note only new societies approved by the panel the previous month will be eligible for review during these periods.
Please note for our October grants we will review these WC 20th October. We encourage you to submit your application ahead of these review periods to ensure timely consideration.
Grants completed incorrectly or applications to the wrong fund will be rejected.
All groups are eligible to apply for grants. However, as funding is limited, we need to understand how the money will be used and why it is necessary. Please use the guidance below to support your application.
Grants available from the Students' Union
New Society Start-Up Grant - Up to £100
Starting a new student society at Keele SU? You can apply for a New Society Start-Up Grant of up to £100 to help get your group off the ground. This funding is designed to cover essential start-up costs such as promotional materials, basic equipment, or initial event expenses.
Eligibility:
- Your society must be newly registered with Keele SU.
- You must have an approved constitution and a minimum number of members.
- The grant must be used within the first term of operation.
How to Apply:
Grant Terms and Conditions
Club or Society Development Grant - Up to £500
All Keele SU student groups can apply for a Development Grant of up to £500 to support growth and development. Whether you’re planning a one-off event or need equipment to benefit your members long-term, this grant is here to help.
The panel will look for:
- How the funding will benefit your current members.
- Potential to attract new members.
- A clear plan and strong justification for the amount requested.
How much can we apply for?
Most groups apply for £50–£500. Larger amounts may be considered with a detailed and convincing justification. Make sure to read the Application Guidance Document before submitting your request.
Ready to apply?
Grant Terms and Conditions
Sustainability Grant - Up to £100
For Clubs, Societies & Student Groups
Multiple applications allowed per group
Want to make your activity more eco-friendly? Apply for the Sustainability Grant – a micro-grant of up to £100, funded by Keele’s Great Donate initiative.
This grant supports small but impactful projects that make Keele more sustainable. You don’t need to run a “green” event — just include a sustainable element in your existing plans!
Examples of past uses:
- Litter-picking kits
- Seeds and gardening supplies for biodiversity sessions
- Fair Trade or recycled merchandise
- Reducing waste or plastic use at events
You can combine this grant with others if your project requires more funding.
How to Apply:
Grant Terms and Conditions
Top Tips, Rules & Regulations
If your application is rejected, it may be due to one or more of the following:
- The application was not fully costed (i.e. we didn’t know exactly how the money would be spent).
- Not all questions were answered, or the responses lacked sufficient detail.
- The project would not benefit enough people (e.g. we won’t fund hoodies for committee members, but we might fund a design that all members benefit from).
- The application included requests for drugs, alcohol, card machines/readers, or donations to charity.
Additional Notes:
- While multiple applications are welcome for certain grants, priority will be given to groups applying for the first time or those with little to no funds.
- In some cases, we may approve partial funding. If so, we will explain our decision and offer tips on how to make up the rest.