For students & unions
Funding for student-led research, with independence built in
If you run a student think tank or work in a students' union, here is who can apply, how the process works, and the promises we make about your independence.
Who can apply
Eligibility at a glance
We fund through registered students' unions on behalf of the student think tanks they host. Both need to meet a short set of criteria.
The student think tank
- A registered society or group affiliated with a registered students' union at a UK university or HE institution.
- Its primary purpose is producing and publishing research — policy research, briefs, data analysis or reports with recommendations.
- Its research is publicly available, non-partisan and analytically balanced, on matters of public concern.
- Membership is open to the wider student body on a transparent, merit-based basis, in line with the union's EDI policies.
The students' union
- A registered charity in the UK (Charity Commission, OSCR or CCNI), or an exempt charity under the Charities Act 2011.
- Has appropriate internal financial controls and can hold and manage restricted funds in line with charity law.
- Willing to enter a formal Funding Agreement with the Trust.
- Willing to provide periodic reporting on grant use and student outcomes.
How to apply
Five stages, start to funding
A proportionate process designed to be fair, transparent and quick to begin.
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Expression of Interest
The think tank or union tells us about its activities, membership and research outputs, the students' union's charity registration, and the funding sought — with evidence the research is public and non-partisan.
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Assessment
Trustees weigh the educational and public benefit, the union's governance and financial capacity, the think tank's track record, and how the work aligns with the Trust's objects.
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Due diligence
We verify the union's charitable status, review recent outputs for non-partisanship and quality, check for conflicts of interest, and complete Know Your Donor / Know Your Partner checks.
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Funding Agreement
If approved, we issue a formal Funding Agreement for signature by the Trust and the students' union. No funds are released before it is executed.
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Disbursement
Funds are transferred to the union's designated restricted-fund account, following the payment schedule set out in the agreement.
Our promise to you
We fund your work — we never direct it
The Trust is explicitly committed to your operational independence. We do not direct or restrict your editorial content, research agenda or conclusions. Your research is yours.
- 30-day consultation Any change to bursary conditions comes only after at least 30 days' prior written consultation with your committee.
- Good-faith negotiation Raise substantive objections and we commit to a written response and genuine negotiation — never a unilateral change.
- No donor influence No donor may preview or shape your research; our CC9 conditions apply to every grant.
Think your society could be a fit?
Register your interest and we'll follow up about an Expression of Interest.