what is the essex (alumni) fund?
The Essex Fund is the University’s annual-giving, fundraising initiative, which raises funds from alumni, friends and staff in support of the University’s overall development. ‘Unrestricted’ funds raised in this way are distributed annually and applications are invited from individuals or groups of the University of Essex community identified as sharing the aims and objectives of the University of Essex Annual Fund in supporting the University. The Essex Fund is managed by Jo Rogers in the Development and Alumni Relations Office.
what are the areas of greatest need & student support programmes?
The Essex Fund is split into two broad categories. The Student Support category can be used for student financial support initiatives and also for student welfare projects (eg. Nightline). The Areas of Greatest Need category is a totally unrestricted source of funds that is judged on a set of criteria (defined below) by a panel including donors, alumni and senior university staff.
who will decide how the money is spent?
Decisions about how 'unrestricted' funds will be used are made by a disbursement group, which the Development and Alumni Relations Office organises. Heads of Departments/Sections will be asked to prioritise and comment on applications where appropriate. For Students’ Union applicants, the President will be asked to prioritise applications.
how do I apply for funds for my project?
By sending your 150 word statement as to why you should receive the funding to the Students’ Union President - president@essex.ac.uk. The Students’ Union President will receive and review your statement and decide if you should submit an application. If you statement is approved, then you will be send the application form, which will need to be returned to the president by e-mail by Friday 2 December 2011.
what types of project will be considered for funding?
Preference will be given to projects or activities which:
• offer the widest possible benefit, i.e. to the University as a whole or to a large constituency. Projects benefiting only one individual will be given lowest priority.
• offer long-term benefit or added-value to existing initiatives. Pump-priming grant applications are welcomed.
• meet a clearly expressed student, academic or overall University need.
• require one-off funding.
• would struggle to find funding from alternative sources
what types of project will NOT be considered for funding?
The following applications will not be considered:
• require retrospective funding.
• require funding for research
• applications from students seeking support for tuition, maintenance or other course fees. The Student Support Office is eligible for funding of bursary and hardship schemes.
• applications from staff for replacement staff costs for sabbatical or other leave
what size of grant is available?
Awards are almost always around £500-£5,000 (though there will occasionally be projects worthy of funding up to a maximum of £15,000).
how will I know if my application has been successful?
The board will meet in December 2011 and you will be notified shortly after that date. Grants which are not claimed within 6 months of an award being made will elapse unless a prior arrangement has been made with the Development and Alumni Relations Office.
For further information contact:
Chris Newson, Development and Alumni Relations Office, External Relations
(01206 87) 4472
FURTHER INFORMATION
Successful applications are those that clearly demonstrate a benefit for students and the University community. If you have an idea in mind and would like to discuss it further before submitting an application please contact Jo Rogers, Alumni Relations Manager on (01206 87) 4185.