OUSA Grants

Did you know that each year OUSA puts aside some funding to support our Affiliated Clubs and Societies? We know how important it is to have some extra help with expenses to make your projects, workshops or events a reality. And that's not all – we also have some designated funds to support individual students who are selected for special events and competitions!

There are some conditions and a limit to how much we can provide, but our aim is to give a helping hand to our Clubs and Societies, as well as individual students with specific pursuits. We're here to support you, so don't hesitate to reach out if you need any assistance!

Application Steps:

Read the current OUSA Grants Policy
Scan over some historical grants to gauge what kinds of grants have been awarded and to what degree.
Familiarise yourself with "good application" examples.
1. Otago Varsity Woman's Basketball Club - Playing Uniform
2. Otago Samoan Students Association - Conference
3. Otago University Cambodian Club - Pull Up Banner
4. Otago Malaysian Students Association - Cultural Show Case
Submit your application, uploading supporting documentation and evidence.

Timeframes (Grants are a Slow Burner!)

There are a garunteed 6 grant rounds over the course of the year.
As per policy, you need to submit your application no later than 14 days prior to your project/event taking place.
1 - 2 weeks post a grant round closing date, the panel will meet to discuss your application.
Recommendations are then made to the OUSA Executive for ratification.
Once approved, the CDO will update with the outcome, formalise the approved grant via a contract, and request you to agree and sign the document.
Pending all supporting information has been received, your grant will go to our accounts team for processing.
As such, you should expect payment 1 - 2 months from the grant round application closing date.

Grant Closure Dates (all 5 pm)

Round 1, February 28th
Round 2, March 31st
Round 3, April 30th
Round 4, June 30th
Round 5, July 31st
Round 6, August 31st
Wild Card Round, September 30th (only held if there are any remaining funds after Round 6)

For clubs you must provide:

Application submitted via your Clubs Portal > Knowledge Library form
Information about the event/project - tell the panel your story!
Quotes - a minimum of 2 quotes for your event/project/equipment to show the panel you are getting the best deal.
Budget - an accurate budget that showcases all incoming and outgoing costs, not including potential grant amount.
Bank account name and number - in the form of either a deposit slip, screenshot of a statement or of account. Club name and account number must be visible and cannot be typed into a document. The account name needs to match the quotes provided.
It's not necessary but always a good idea to include a letter of support - this could be from a member of the community or your club president showing their support.

For individuals you must provide:

Application submitted via OUSA website link below.
Information about the event/project.
Confirmation from the organisers that you/your team are involved in the event/project.
Letter of support - you must be selected to attend the event to be eligible for a grant, this letter of support must come from an official. Feel free to also provide a letter of support from a coach to support your application.
Quotes - a minimum of 2 quotes for your project to show the panel you are getting the best deal.
Budget - an accurate budget that showcases all incoming and outgoing costs.
Bank account name and number - in the form of either a deposit slip, screenshot of a statement, or of account. The name and account number must be visible and cannot be typed into a document.

Apply for an Individual grant now >

Contextual Information

When looking to fund an application the panel look and considers the following:

Alignment with the grants policy
Purpose and intent
Measurable outcomes
Must-haves verse wants
Community impact and applicant investment
Vision and mission alignment
Fair quotations and credibility
Accuracy and membership base

External Funding

You may also be eligible for funding outside of OUSA. Here's some ideas to look into!

For more suggestions head to Sport NZ Funding or the Dunedin Public Library for free access to GIVEUS.

Questions? Contact our Clubs Development Officer now