It is a funding process that allows affiliated societies & networks to access additional funds for events, projects, and campagins aimed at uplifting our community.
When are the funding rounds and key dates?
Who is eligible to apply for the Community and Liberation Fund?
Groups that meet the following criteria can apply for funding up to £1,500:
Contribute to community growth and change.
Be led by people with lived experience of the issues being addressed.
Be open to working in coalition with multiple groups to deliver projects, even if projects are duplicated.
What expenses does the fund cover?
The fund can be used for various purposes, including but not limited to:
Workshops
Speaker fees
Equipment and materials
Production of materials and resources
What expenses does the fund not cover?
The fund does not cover payments for student organisers (as this is voluntary) or funding for independent student shows/exhibitions as there is a separate non-academic show opportunity available to students via the Students’ union. Please see this page for further information about Non-academic shows.
How do I apply for funding?
Groups have two options for making an application:
Option one (video or audio):
Fill out an online Google form with basic information.
Submit a link to a single video or audio recording, explaining your group, its work, and plans. Your proposal should also touch upon all the necessary points stated below in the written submission.
Please fill out this form to make a video or audio submission:
Option two (Written proposal):
Fill out a google form, that covers all necessary information, including:
Description of society's activities.
Explanation of how your initiative benefits specific communities or individuals within the RCA community.
Identification of the issues your work aims to address and their impact.
Description of your approach to addressing the issues and why it is needed.
Mention whether your work is led by individuals affected by the addressed issues.
Explanation of the relationships you have built or hope to build to support your work.
Specify how much funding you are applying for and provide a breakdown of your budget/spend.
Please fill out this form to make a written submission: https://forms.gle/YuPC1XEZyQN86Ptm7
Please fill out this form to make a Audio and Visual Submission: https://forms.gle/iLorzVdomjfvXyGC8
How are decisions made?
A panel made up of Student Union representatives, Student Support and from the RCA EDI team. They will convene each term after applications have been closed and recieved.
How will the Students’ Union support me in delivering my project if successful?
For successful applicants, the Student Union will support with the following:
Support with budgeting
Logistical support with booking spaces
Promotion of organised events and initiatives
Is there a review and monitoring process?
Yes, students will be required to fill out a form at the end of each term to provide feedback about the Community and Liberation Fund process. This feedback will allow for any necessary changes to be made in subsequent terms and for further analysis in case the project continues and expands.
We hope this FAQ provides you with a comprehensive understanding of the Community and Liberation Fund process. If you have any additional questions or need further clarification, please don't hesitate to contact our Communities Officer, Halimo at halimo.hussain@rca.ac.uk