Funding Sources
Some groups get a certain amount of funds “automatically” every year, such as how the EUS and departments receive student fees. Virtually all groups bring in revenues through fundraising initiatives, like running a Blues Pub or charging event tickets. But there are also sources of funding that fall more along the lines of a “donation” from organizations that wish to promote student life. The following are a few of these organizations, and some first steps in applying for funding from them.
Note that some of these groups often send a cheque directly to the EUS Office if you are successful in your application. If this is the case, you must inform Dianne in the EUS Office how much you are expecting, and from who. (see Receiving Revenues)
EUS
If you are a committee, you receive funds from the EUS automatically if it is approved in your budget. For other groups, you must apply to one of several EUS funds and meet its criteria. Here are the funds which are currently in existence:
Departmental Trips Funding
Departmental Trips Fund for more info This fund is for trips taken by departmental societies that are beneficial to students. The trip may be a conference, a sports trip, a day trip industry tour, or an overnight industry tour. The details can be found in the Departmental Trips Funding Bylaws, but the short story is that you must apply in writing to the EUS Executive Committee prior to the trip, including a detailed itinerary, budget, and list of attendees (with their departments indicated). The maximum per-head supplement which may be received per student is:
- Conferences: $75 per student
- Sports Trips: $5 per student
- Industry Tours (day-trip): $5 per student
- Industry Tours (overnight): $15 per student
Keep in mind that these are maximum values. Depending on how full the fund is and how beneficial your trip is to students, the amount given may vary. Be reasonable when asking for support and indicate other funding sources when applying – the departmental trips fund is relatively small and does anticipate that students will still have to pay out of pocket for some expenses. This fund is only helpful in reducing but not eliminating trip costs. Apply early because MESC may require your attempt to get this funding before you request MESC funding.
Design Team Fund
Recognized design teams may apply to this fund. The value of the fund varies year by year and depends on available EUS funds. Distribution of the fund is according to the Design Team Funding Committee (DTFC) Bylaws, and the DTFC meets once per semester. Your design team will be notified prior to the meeting.
Clubs Fund
EUS clubs may apply to this fund. The value of the fund varies year by year, and depends on available EUS funds. Distribution of the fund is according to the Clubs Funding Committee (CFC) Bylaws, and the CFC meets once per semester. Your club will be notified prior to the meeting.
Student Space Fund
This fund, formerly known as the Space Improvement Fund (SIF), is a resource funded by student fees to improve the quality of student space. Up the a fifth of the fees collected every semester may be used for small projects, including improvements to the Common Room, the McGill Engineering Design Network Workshop, the Clubs Office, lounges of Departmental Societies, and other student space. Application instructions will be made available prior to the SSFC (Student Space Fund Committee) meeting to discuss proposals.
Equipment Fund
This fund is generally not applicable to EUS groups, as its purpose is to provide students with additional laboratory equipment supplemental to that normally supplied by the university. In some cases, this has included purchases made for design team permanent equipment, but is up the Equipment Fund Committee to decide what it considers to be purchasable under the fund.