Student Initiative Fund

The Student Affairs Student Initiative Fund (SIF) provides funding to support student-led activities and events that advance Indigenization, equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and anti-racism (I-EDIAA), build community, promote wellbeing, and/or foster growth, skills development, and leadership. This fund supports the university’s values, and is designed to enhance the student experiences, while preparing students for impact in their careers and lives.   

The application deadline for the 2023-24 academic year is February 1, 2024.  

Applications received will be reviewed monthly.   

  • Applicant(s) must be registered Queen's student(s) - undergraduate, graduate, or professional.
  • The club or group must be recognized by, and be a member in good standing with, its sanctioning body (AMS, SGPS, Athletics & Recreation).  
  • Only one application per student/student group, per academic term. 
  • The event/activity must occur within the existing or upcoming academic year. 
  • The project must be not-for-profit. 
  • The project must support co-curricular events or activities, and not be part of any academic curriculum. 

The maximum amount of funding for group projects, events or activities is $1,500. 

The following factors will determine funding decisions and amounts:  

  • The availability of funds, and the total amount of requests received, over the fiscal year 
  • The alignment of the project, activity, or event with the stated goals of the Fund: 
    • advancing Indigenization, equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and anti-racism (I-EDIAA) 
    • building community
    • promoting wellbeing
    • fostering growth, skills development, and leadership 
  • Breadth of impact
  • The degree of initiative to identify funds from multiple sources 

Funding decisions will be determined by a committee consisting of two representatives from Student Affairs, a representative from the Office of the Vice-Principal (Culture, Equity, and Inclusion), a representative from the Human Rights & Equity Office, and a student representative. Decisions not to fund a project will be explained in writing. A committee member would be pleased to meet with an applicant to discuss the proposal and provide advice to inform future proposals.  Decisions of the Committee are final.  

Expenses could include: 

  • Speaker fees/honouraria/gifts
  • Marketing, event promotion, or communications 
  • Participation incentives, including  
    • food and beverages (no alcohol) 
  • Technology or streaming-related expenses for virtual events/activities. Please note that Queen's has institutional licenses for various online event platforms (Microsoft Teams, Zoom with capacity for up to 300 attendees, etc.) which are free for students - students are encouraged to use these platforms whenever possible. 
  • Other eligible event/activity expenses 

  • Events or initiatives that have the effect of marginalizing, discriminating, harassing, and/or excluding any identifiable group of persons 
  • Activities that are part of course curriculum  
  • Events at private residences 
  • Activities which pose inappropriate risk to participants 
  • Purchase of equipment 
  • Alcohol 
  • Charitable donations  
  • Wages  
  • Expenses related to individuals attending, or presenting at, a meeting, conference or activity 

Please see below for other university funds available to student clubs and teams. 

  • The Fund is not intended to provide an annual source of income for recurring projects. Applications for a repeat event that includes a new component, or changes that reflect and advance fund goals (i.e. funding to increase the accessibility of an event or to add a component promoting wellbeing or inclusion) may be accepted.  
  • SIF funding that supports a project, activity or event does not make it a Queen’s-sanctioned event. As such, the University assumes no liability for, or in consequence of, any attendance or participation in the activity or event. Student-led co-curricular activities and events will follow the usual event sanctioning process through the AMS,  SGPS, A&R, Faculties/Schools, etc. 
  • Certain proposals may require additional information, letters of support, or approval, depending on the nature of the initiative. 
  • Successful applications (including project title) may be identified on Student Affairs’ websites, in reports, or social media. Queen’s Student Affairs should be listed as a contributing funder in any digital or print material where funders are recognized. 
  • Applications submitted by staff or faculty members will not be considered; however, staff, faculty, and/or community members may be members of the event/project/activity planning/organizing group. 
  • Applications will not be accepted for projects, activities, or events submitted after the event has taken place. 

How to Apply:

  1. Complete the Student Affairs Funding Budget form, and save to your computer as an Excel file.
  2. Fill out the online Student Affairs Funding Application form and attach the budget file from Step 1 (and any other applicable documents) in the applicable sections and submit.
  3. Only completed applications will be reviewed.   

Reporting Requirements:

  1. Successful applicants must complete a SIF Report form and submit a final budget (please update the budget document you submitted with your application) within 30 business days of the completion of the activity
  2. Please email both documents to SAFunds@queensu.ca as soon as possible following your event! Failure to submit a report will disqualify future applications until report is received.
  3. Please keep copies of all receipts that pertain to the funding provided by Student Affairs; they may be requested for audit purposes

If you have any questions, please email SAFunds@queensu.ca.

Other funds for student-led events/activities: Principal's Student Initiative Fund, the AMS Clubs Grants and Bursaries, the Inclusive Community Fund, Faculty of Arts and Science Funds.