YuFund

The Fund is supported by donations from alumni and friends of the University of York, and aims to provide students with as many opportunities as possible. YuFund's aim is to bridge an urgent funding gap for a group development project and does not cover annual operational costs of the society or club, or pay for core staffing.

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 costs
• Staff or casual worker costs
• Food and drink for events

The maximum amount you can apply for is £10,000. The majority of applications received are between £1,000 and £5,000, but you may apply for any amount up to £10,000.

Applications

Applications for YuFund 2025 are currently open.

The deadline for applications is 12 noon on Wednesday 14 May.

YuFund application form

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.
• YuFund should receive endorsements by separate email. It is your responsibility to ensure your endorser sends an email backing your project to yufund@york.ac.uk on or before Wednesday 14 May 2025. Due to the large number of applications we receive, any without endorsement by the closing date may be considered incomplete and so rejected without consideration.
• 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 costs, staffing or costs for event gift bags, food or drink.
• All grants awarded as part of the June 2025 disbursement round must be used by 1 December 2025, 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.

Find out more about the University of Opportunity