SUN
Small Project Fund
The Small Project Fund (SPF) initiative gives specific schools across the SUN region the opportunity to bid for funding to deliver projects and activities that support the aims of the Uni Connect programme. Schools can bid for up to a maximum of £1,500. Unfortunately this opportunity is now closed. The details below relate to the 2024-25 academic year and are for information only.
The guidelines for the Small Project Fund activity are that it should support at least one of the learning objectives from the SUN Progression Framework. The SUN Progression Framework can be downloaded from the When and How to Apply section below.
SPF applications also must demonstrate value for money and economies of scale, so that these projects can be replicated in the future by other institutions.
The SUN team will then consider applications that either demonstrate plans for sustained and progressive activities across the academic year, or individual activities with clear objectives, which meet a student need. Activities and projects should be a new programme or activity introduced to the school, or, designed to enhance a school’s existing programme.
The Small Project Fund opportunity is open to specific schools across the SUN region. If you are unsure whether your school is eligible to apply, please contact sun@soton.ac.uk.
Small Project Fund activity should be targeted towards students in Year 9 – 13, who fall into at least one of the following categories:
*Uni Connect students are defined as young people in Year 9 -13 who reside in low HE participation areas. These students will be identified in your SPoC Activity Report. If you do not have access to a SPoC Activity Report, please get in touch with sun@soton.ac.uk.
The opportunity to apply is currently closed.
To apply, schools should complete the Small Project Fund Application form below. Applications will be reviewed on a half-termly basis by the SUN Project Review Board and schools will be notified of the outcome following the meeting of the review board.
If your application is successful, there will be a requirement to provide monitoring data throughout the project and an end of project report to the SUN. Further details regarding monitoring and reporting requirements and funding restrictions are outlined in the guidance below, so please read this document carefully before applying.
SPF activities may include the following:
The list above is not exhaustive, and the SUN is very keen to hear from schools with new and innovative activity ideas.
Read feedback from some of our previous projects via the button below:
Queries and Further Information
If you have any questions about the SUN SPF initiative, please contact sun@soton.ac.uk or:
Nadia Lester
SUN Project Lead at University of Winchester