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! 

Key Differences = Club Grants: Funding supports a club and its wider members. Individual Grants: aimed at helping a specific student selected to attend a competition or non-academic event.

There are conditions and limits to how much we can provide, but the goal is to give a helping hand to our Clubs and Societies, as well as students pursuing special opportunities outside of their academic study. We’re here to support you, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you need any help with your application!

Application Steps:

• Read the current OUSA Grants Policy and the Grants Funding Guide

• 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.

• There are a guaranteed 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.
• Grants be should be future focused. MEANING: you cannot make an application for something that you have already paid for.
• 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.

• Round 1, February 1st - 28th
• Round 2, March 1st - 31st
• Round 3, April 1st - 30th 
• Round 4, May 1st - June 30th
• Round 5, July 1st - 31st
• Round 6, August 1st - 31st 

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

Club Grants support OUSA-affiliated clubs running events, projects, or purchasing equipment that benefits their wider membership.

When applying, clubs must provide:

• Information about the event/project: Tell the panel your story - what you’re doing, why it matters, and how it benefits your club members.

• Quotes: A minimum of two quotes for your event, project, or equipment to show you are getting the best value.

• Budget: An accurate budget showing all income and expenses, excluding any potential grant amount.

• Club bank account details: Provide a deposit slip, bank statement screenshot, or account screenshot. The club name and account number must be visible (not typed into a document), and the account name must match the quotes provided.

• Letter of support (optional but encouraged): This can come from a community member or your club president to strengthen your application.

> Submit Your Club Grant Here <

Individual Grants are not available for conferences, academic study, or course-related activities - they are intended for students representing or participating in extracurricular competitions or events. Grants are only awarded to students currently enrolled at the University of Otago and cannot cover events where an individual is representing an OUSA Affiliated Club, volunteers holidays/work trips or university exchanges. Please review the Grants Policy for further terms and conditions

When applying, individuals must provide:

• Information about the event: Explain what the event is and your involvement.

• Confirmation of involvement: Written confirmation from the event organisers showing that you or your team are participating.

• Letter of support (required): You must be selected to attend the event to be eligible. This letter must come from an official. You’re also welcome to include additional support letters (for example, from a coach).

• Quotes: A minimum of two quotes for your project or costs to show the panel you are seeking the best deal.

• Budget: An accurate budget outlining all costs associated with the event.

• Bank account details: Provide a deposit slip, statement screenshot, or account screenshot. The name and account number must be visible and cannot be typed into a document.

> Submit Your Individual Application Here <

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

• University of Otago VC Grants
• University of Otago Performing Arts
• Lottery
• The Dunedin City Council
• Otago Community Trust
• Dunedin Venues Grants
• Skeggs Foundation
• Otago Regional Council
• New Zealand Community Trust

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