Individuals

Eligible individuals may seek funding for project opportunities. To be eligible, you must

• Be a full-time student (9 credits or more), in good academic standing and registered in a diploma or degree program
• Have successfully completed one full-time term of academic studies prior to submitting a grant application

Part-time students, general studies students and students who are auditing courses are not eligible to apply; however, they may, if invited to do so, participate in an initiative proposed and managed by a student who meets the eligibility criteria.

A student may receive only one grant per year. If you have applied for funding as an individual, you may not also apply as one of the primary members for a group project.

The project cannot extend beyond convocation date.

Groups

Eligible groups may seek funding for projects. Groups must consist of two or more students who

• Are full-time students (9 credits or more), in good academic standing and registered in one of the university’s diploma or degree programs
• Have successfully completed one full-time term of academic studies prior to submitting a grant application

Groups may be made up of students in a SAMU Student Group, residence group or an academic cohort, or they may form a group for the purposes of the proposed initiative. Part-time students, general studies students and students who are auditing courses at the university may participate as part of the group if invited to do so, but they will not be considered as one of the four or more core students who must each meet the eligibility criteria for funding.

Students may apply for only one grant per year. If a member of your group has also applied for the grant as an individual, even if it is for a different project, they will not be considered as one of the two or more students who must each meet the eligibility criteria for funding.

Project Lead(s): The project cannot extend beyond convocation date.

Individuals or groups (two or more) may apply for project funding.

Project criteria (individuals and groups)

Whether they take place on or off campus, eligible projects must:

• Demonstrate the need for the initiative, needs assessments and communication with stakeholders
• Identify appropriate stakeholders
• Demonstrate a strong project plan and appropriate budget
• Include room for reflection and demonstration of learning and achievement
• Involve other students either in the execution or delivery of the project or as an audience for some sort of communication of the project, such as a social media channel, formal presentation, photo journal or artistic work
• Complete a report on the progress of the initiative and demonstrate that all grant money has been used for its intended purpose

All projects must be:

• New: An initiative that has not been funded by the grant before
• Student-led: The student(s) receiving the grant must be responsible for all major aspects of the project.
• Completed outside regular course work: Projects cannot be used for course credit. Initiatives that apply towards co-curricular credit are acceptable.
• Completed outside regular course work: Projects cannot be used for course credit or fund projects undertaken as part of the student’s credit load. Initiatives that apply toward co-curricular credit are acceptable.
• Supervised: Depending on the project, applicants must obtain letters of support from a community stakeholder and/or faculty or staff member who will supervise the project.
• Community-service focused: Scholarship research is not eligible. This is not a research grant.

On-campus initiatives

• Partner with existing university faculties, schools, departments, committees, services, clubs or groups and have a designated representative from that area who can co-sign the grant application
• Include volunteer opportunities that support the goals of the university and engage students to contribute positively to the university community
• Enrich the experiences of MacEwan University students beyond academics

Off-campus community initiatives

• Partner with a recognized organization in the Edmonton Capital Region that is an incorporated society, registered charity or public non-profit company and have a designated representative from the organization who can cosign the grant application
• Fill an identified gap in an Edmonton community’s needs, particularly within inner city or under-served communities
• Include volunteer opportunities that provide real-world, hands-on experiences

Application packages consist of several documents, including an application form, a project proposal, a detailed budget plan and supporting documentation needed to justify the project, letters of support (faculty supervisor and community partner) and the project's expected costs. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Complete an individual or group application package. Refer to the project scoring rubric while you prepare the package.

Individual or group projects

Seedling Community Engagement Grant • less than $1,500

Ideal for initiating small-scale projects or pilot studies that explore new community engagement concepts. This grant also welcomes any other small-scale community engagement initiatives within the funding range.

Application form

Community Catalyst Grant • $1,500 – $2,500

For projects that can catalyze change or development within a community that may expand on preliminary findings or support a new phase of an ongoing effort. Additionally, any project that fosters community engagement within this funding range is a good fit.

Application Form

Community Impact Grant • $2,500 – $5,000

Supports projects with the potential for substantial community impact, involving broader collaborations or more significant resource needs. Projects of any other nature that engage the community and fall within this budget range are also considered.

Application Form

Some expenses are not eligible for funding through the Student Community Engagement Grant. When you complete the budget template for your project, note the following:

Eligible expenses

• Kitchen supplies, arts and craft supplies
• Food ingredients, including snacks and meals served as part of the event
• Promotional materials, such as brochures, posters, signage and buttons
• Venue or short-term equipment rental fees or special insurance requirements
• Event supplies, including decorations, tablecloths and napkins
• Indigenous Elder and traditional Knowledge Keeper protocol
• Speaker fees

Ineligible expenses

• Alcohol or other drugs (prescription or otherwise)
• Food costs for regular meetings (i.e., food costs not associated with the feature event)
• Gift cards, door prizes or cash prizes
• Salaries or honorariums for the applicant or group members
• Charitable cash or gift card donations
• Past event deficits or expenditures, such as late invoices or expenses purchased before approval
• Events not completed within the approved time period
• Capital costs, such as computers, vehicles, printers and furniture
• Recurring initiative costs beyond the academic year and timeline approved
• Contingency funds
• Year-end celebratory or graduation events and initiatives

Discuss your proposal with a faculty or staff member from MacEwan University and/or from a non-profit organization who will provide project support and a written letter of support. This person may be contacted to confirm their support for your project.

Ready to push send? Make sure your package includes all the following:

• Individual or group application form (PDF) is completed
• Budget worksheet
• One brief letter of support from your faculty supervisor
• One brief letter of support from your community partner

Submit the application package electronically to sceg@macewan.ca by the appropriate deadline and using the correct application form. Late applications will not be considered, although they can be resubmitted by the student(s) if you want it to be considered for the following grant period.

You will be contacted regarding the status of your application within four weeks of the application deadline.