participation fund 

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Now that the Winter Term is coming to an end and we are preparing for the next academic year, we're temporarily pausing applications for the Participation Fund to assess our financial situation and plan for the future. All submissions received before 22/03 will be reviewed, and applicants will be contacted with decisions soon.

Your patience during this time is appreciated as we work to support your inspiring initiatives!

Thank you for your understanding and continued support.

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Getting involved with LSESU helps you make the most of your time as a student here. The Participation Fund exists to remove financial barriers to participation by covering the costs of activities within the LSESU

WHAT IS IT?

The Participation Fund is designed to provide financial assistance to students who cannot afford to participate in extra-curricular activities run by the LSESU. Clubs and societies will often lead these activities; however, we will consider any LSESU activity that would positively impact your student experience. Applicants can receive up to £500 per academic year.

who can apply?

Any currently registered LSE student on an undergraduate or postgraduate course (Summer School students are unfortunately not eligible).

What are the criteria?

The criteria are flexible. However, we expect applicants to be able to answer and provide proof to the four following questions:

1. Is the activity affiliated with the SU? (non-flexible)
   Only applications related to the LSESU activies will be reviewed. If the claim for funding is related to any other personal activity outside of the LSESU, please apply for the Students' Union Fund.
    
2. Why can’t participation be afforded? 
   This must be justified through an up-to-date bank statement from all accounts you hold (including overseas and savings) for the last month. Please also outline your current (and expected) income, if applicable. It can speed up your application if you highlight and explain amounts over £100.
    
3. How will the activity positively impact the university experience? 
   Benefits to participation can be multiple, from personal development to community building - a wide range of LSESU activities are covered. The applicant must explain and justify how the activity would add to their experience at LSE.
    
4. Why the amount requested?
   Evidence of the activity’s costs will have to be provided to justify the amount requested - through screenshots or invoices. If applying for money to purchase an item, evidence should be provided to prove good value (e.g. by price comparison or advice from an expert).

Additional notes

• If the amount applied for includes the purchase of some item(s) “considered necessary” for the good practice of the mentioned activity, you will be asked to justify why this purchase is necessary, and it will be recommended to consider the least expensive option. 
• The decision-making panel retains the right to evaluate and determine a fair price for any purchase related to the activity mentioned in each application.
• The decision-making panel also retains the right to approve a lower amount than is requested. If none, or only part of the amount claimed, is granted, the reasons will be explained in a feedback email sent within 14 working days following the Panel’s decision.

How to apply?

By completing the Participation Fund application form and submitting it along with the following evidence:

1. A copy of the last month’s bank statements for all accounts you own (including overseas)
2. The evidence of the cost of the activity in question (e.g., a screenshot of a website or a copy of an email with the organiser)

who to contact for help/information?

The Funds Coordinator is the central LSESU staff member to contact for any queries related to the application. You can book an appointment with the Funds Coordinator on the LSESU by looking for Pauline El-Khoury.