YuFund
Source: https://www.york.ac.uk/students/work-volunteering-careers/skills/student-project-funding/yufund/ Parent: https://www.york.ac.uk/students/work-volunteering-careers/skills/student-project-funding/
YuFund offers grants to developmental and community projects run by student clubs, societies and student college groups.
The Fund is supported by donations from alumni and supporters of the University of York, aiming to strengthen the student experience and widen opportunities for as many as possible.
YuFund's aim is to bridge an urgent funding gap for a student group development project.
YuFund supports projects that:
- make opportunities equally accessible for students;
- contribute to the work of the University locally, nationally or internationally, supporting the University's strategy as a University for public good
- contribute to student mental health or wellbeing;
- help student enterprise or employability to succeed;
- create an active creative community on campus and beyond;
- create physical or digital spaces to enrich the life of our community.
YuFund does not support:
- Operational, staff or casual worker costs
- Event costs for guest speakers, gift bags, food or drink
- Travel costs
- Accommodation costs
Please also note:
- The maximum amount a group can apply for is £5,000.
- YuFund cannot support applications from University staff/departments. For co-created projects, please see Student Success Projects Fund (SSPF).
- Successfully awarded student groups must wait one round before reapplying.
- Student groups should not repeat an application of a project that has been granted by YuFund before.
Recent successful projects
- Mountaineering Club received funding for their committee members to undergo trad climbing safety training, to be able to support their growing club membership. Through their teaching and shared knowledge, they have enhanced the experience of newer and novice members who have been able to try outdoor climbing for the first time.
- With their YuFund award, York Rugby Club were able to purchase a new VEO camera, allowing the club to regularly review match footage, resulting in improved techniques and safety for all players. The grant has subsequently contributed to the club’s sustainability through small fee rental to college rugby teams, supporting safety for the wider rugby community at York.
- YuFund supported the Norman Rea Gallery in their purchase of new mannequins and a projector to raise aesthetic quality, professionalism and a higher-standard of exhibitions.
Applications
Applications for YuFund are now closed. The Summer 2026 round will open after the Easter vacation. For flexible fundraising to suit your needs in the meantime, please visit YuStart.
Information for your application
- You can preview the questions you'll be asked in the application form to decide whether YuFund is the right platform for your funding needs. You can also use this overview to draft your responses before committing to the main form.
- For any applications that require storage or will utilise space within the university (eg new equipment), it is an expectation that you have already sought the relevant permissions from authorised York University staff/teams or York SU members. It is solely the responsibility of the applicant to make these enquiries, and YuFund have the right to withdraw any awarded grants if it is found that the required space has not been properly secured and authorised.
- All YuFund applications must be endorsed by either a member of the University of York staff, York SU staff or a York SU Sabbatical Officer. You should have your endorser’s permission before giving their details on the application form, and ensure you have discussed the project they’re expected to endorse. At the very least, you should forward them the automated copy of your application that you will receive on submission.
- A financial budget or forecast is a required element of your application. For more detailed guidance and information on what needs to be included in your budget breakdown, please read and fill out the YuFund budget template.
- YuFund bridges an urgent funding gap and does not cover operational or staffing costs, costs for event speakers, gift bags, food or drink, or travel and accommodation costs.
- All grants awarded at the 10 December 2025 disbursement meeting must be used by 1 June 2026, with your planned activity starting or taking place before then. Your group will be required to send an update report to yufund@york.ac.uk at the end of the funding period.
- If YuFund is not the right platform for your project, do consider YuStart, for flexible fundraising to suit your needs.
- To learn more about our data collection and privacy practices, please visit our privacy notice.
University of Opportunity
Supporting students is at the heart of what we do. Our mission is to ensure that every student at York can succeed, as a University of Opportunity.