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Applying for TUSA Grants

This guide explains how to apply for grants to fund your club’s activities, events, and initiatives.


What Grants Are Available?

TUSA offers several grant programs throughout the year to support club activities:

Grant TypePurposeTypical Amount
Event GrantsFunding for club events and activitiesVaries by event
Equipment GrantsPurchase equipment for your clubUp to approved limits
Development GrantsTraining, workshops, competitionsVaries
Special Purpose GrantsSpecific initiatives announced periodicallyAs advertised

Note: Available grants change throughout the year. Check the grants page to see what’s currently open.


Before You Apply

Bank Account Requirement – IMPORTANT

Grants cannot be paid out until your club has:

  • An open club bank account
  • A completed Bank Signatory Form that has been approved by TUSA Clubs Admin
  • This applies to ALL grants, including the startup grant that comes with initial club affiliation.

    If you don’t have approved bank details:

  • Your grant application can still be submitted and approved
  • But funds will NOT be released until bank signatory form is approved
  • Submit your Bank Signatory Form via Club Dashboard โ†’ Club Admin โ†’ Bank Signatories
  • If your bank details have changed:

  • Submit a new Change to Bank Signatories form
  • Go to Club Dashboard โ†’ Club Admin โ†’ Bank Signatories
  • Wait for TUSA Clubs Admin approval before expecting payments
  • Check Eligibility

    To apply for grants, your club must:

  • Be an affiliated TUSA club (completed reaffiliation for current year)
  • Have an active committee with registered president
  • Be in good standing with TUSA
  • Have an approved Bank Signatory Form on file (required for payout, not application)
  • Gather Required Information

    Before starting your application, have these ready:

    Club Details:

  • Your club’s official name
  • Club bank account details (BSB and Account Number)
  • Current membership numbers
  • Project/Event Details:

  • Clear description of what you’re funding
  • Itemised budget with quotes where possible
  • Event date(s) if applicable
  • Expected number of participants/beneficiaries
  • Supporting Documents:

  • Quotes for purchases over $100
  • Risk assessment (if event-related)
  • Any relevant permits or approvals

  • How to Apply

    Important: Grant applications can only be made by affiliated clubs and must be submitted through the Club Dashboard.

    Accessing the Grants Section

    URL: https://tusa-dev.its.utas.edu.au/club/{your-club}/resources/grants/

    Or navigate: Club Group โ†’ Resources + Forms tab โ†’ Grants

    TabWhat’s Here
    How Grants WorkInformation about the grant system
    Grants Applied ForYour applications and their status
    Grant Application FormApply for a new grant
    Grant ClaimsClaim funds for approved grants

    Step 1: Access the Grant Application

  • Log in to the TUSA website with your club admin account
  • Go to your club group
  • Click Resources + Forms tab
  • Click Grants section
  • Click Grant Application Form
  • Step 2: Select Your Grant

  • Choose from the available grant programs
  • Only grants currently open for applications will appear
  • Read the grant description and requirements carefully
  • Step 3: Complete the Application Form

    The form automatically prefills with your club details, so you can focus on the specifics of what you’re applying for.

    Basic Information (prefilled):

  • Club name and details
  • Contact person for this application
  • Project Description:

  • Clearly explain what you’re seeking funding for
  • Describe the benefit to your members and/or the broader student community
  • Include timeline and key dates
  • Budget:

  • List all items you’re requesting funding for
  • Include quantities and unit costs
  • Attach quotes where required
  • Specify if you have other funding sources contributing
  • Supporting Documents:

    You have two ways to attach documents:

    Option A: Use your Club Document Library

  • Look for the checkboxes listing your previously uploaded club documents
  • Tick the boxes for documents you want to attach to this application
  • Documents appear based on their category
  • Option B: Upload New Documents

  • Upload new documents directly in the form
  • Bonus: Any documents you upload here automatically get added to your club’s document library for future use
  • Step 4: Review and Submit

  • Double-check all information is accurate
  • Ensure all required fields are completed
  • Submit your application

  • What Happens Next?

    Application Review

  • Acknowledgement – You’ll receive confirmation your application was submitted
  • Initial Review – TUSA staff check your application is complete
  • Assessment – Your application is assessed against grant criteria
  • Decision – You’ll be notified of the outcome
  • Possible Outcomes

    StatusWhat It Means
    ApprovedFull amount granted – funds will be processed
    Partially ApprovedSome items/amounts approved – see notes
    Request for InfoWe need more information – respond promptly
    DeclinedApplication not successful – feedback provided

    Timeline

  • Simple applications: 1-2 weeks
  • Complex applications: 2-4 weeks
  • Peak periods (start of semester): May take longer

  • Tracking Your Application

    Check Status

  • Go to your Club Dashboard
  • Navigate to the Grants tab
  • View My Applications
  • Click on any application to see its current status
  • Responding to Requests

    If we need more information:

  • You’ll receive an email notification
  • Log in and go to your application
  • Provide the requested information
  • Resubmit for continued processing

  • After Approval

    Understanding Approval vs Claim

    Grant approval and receiving funds are two separate steps:

    StepWhat It Is
    Grant ApprovalYour application is approved – you have a grant allocation
    Grant ClaimYou submit a claim form to actually receive the money

    Approval does NOT automatically send you money. You need to submit a Grant Claim Form to receive your funds.

    Exception: The startup grant for new clubs does NOT require a separate claim form.

    Making a Grant Claim

    To receive your approved grant funds (except startup grants):

  • Go to your Club Dashboard
  • Navigate to Resources + Forms โ†’ Grants
  • Click Grant Claims
  • Select the approved grant you’re claiming against
  • Enter the amount you’re claiming and attach any supporting documents
  • Submit the claim
  • What you’ll need:

  • A successful (approved) grant application
  • An approved Bank Signatory Form on file
  • Supporting documents (receipts, invoices, proof of expenditure)
  • Claiming in Stages

    You don’t have to claim the full approved amount at once. If your grant was approved for $500, you can submit a claim for $200 now and another for $300 later. The system keeps track of how much you’ve already claimed and how much is still available.

    You won’t be able to submit a claim that exceeds your remaining balance.

    What Happens After You Submit a Claim

  • Your claim is assigned to a TUSA grants administrator for review
  • They review your claim โ€” checking the amount, supporting documents, and remaining balance
  • You’ll receive an email with the outcome (approved or rejected)
  • Important: When a staff member approves or rejects your claim, any notes they write are included in the email you receive. Read these carefully โ€” they may contain conditions, feedback, or instructions for next steps.

    Requirements for Payout

    Before funds can be released, you must have:

  • An approved grant application (the allocation)
  • An open club bank account
  • An approved Bank Signatory Form on file
  • A submitted and approved Grant Claim (except startup grants)
  • If any of these are missing, your funds will be held.

    Once everything is in place:

  • Approved funds are transferred to your club bank account
  • Allow 5-10 business days for processing
  • Keep receipts for all purchases
  • Acquittal Requirements

    After your event or purchase:

  • Submit receipts for all funded items
  • Provide brief report on outcomes
  • Share photos if applicable
  • Complete acquittal within required timeframe
  • Important: Failure to acquit grants may affect future applications.


    Tips for Successful Applications

    Do:

  • Apply early – don’t wait until the last minute
  • Be specific about what you need and why
  • Provide accurate quotes and costings
  • Explain the benefit to students
  • Check your application before submitting
  • Don’t:

  • Submit incomplete applications
  • Overestimate numbers or costs
  • Apply for items not covered by the grant
  • Forget to include required documents
  • Miss submission deadlines

  • Frequently Asked Questions

    Can we apply for multiple grants?

    Yes, you can have multiple grant applications, but not for the same items/expenses. Each grant application should be for distinct funding needs.

    What if our event is cancelled?

    Contact TUSA immediately. Depending on circumstances, you may need to return funds or reallocate them with approval.

    Can we change what we spend the grant on?

    Minor variations may be okay, but significant changes need prior approval. Contact TUSA before making changes to your funded activities.

    How long do we have to use the funds?

    Grants typically need to be used within the semester/period specified. Check your approval letter for specific requirements.

    What if we spend less than approved?

    Return any unused funds or seek approval to reallocate to related expenses.

    Why haven’t we received our grant funds?

    Check these common issues:

  • Did you submit a Grant Claim Form? (Required for all grants except startup grant)
  • Is your Bank Signatory Form approved? (Club Dashboard โ†’ Club Admin โ†’ Bank Signatories)
  • Was your grant application actually approved? (Check status in Resources + Forms โ†’ Grants)
  • All three must be in place before funds are released.

    For startup grants: You don’t need a claim form, but you still need approved bank details.

    Our bank details have changed – what do we do?

    Submit a new Change to Bank Signatories form via your Club Dashboard. Wait for TUSA Clubs Admin approval before expecting any grant payments to the new account.

    We’re a new club – when do we get our startup grant?

    New clubs receive a startup grant as part of affiliation, but it can only be paid out once you have:

  • Opened your club bank account
  • Submitted your Bank Signatory Form
  • Had the Bank Signatory Form approved by TUSA Clubs Admin
  • Submit your bank details as soon as your account is open to avoid delays.


    Need Help?

  • Email: clubs@tusa.utas.edu.au
  • Visit: TUSA Clubs & Societies office
  • Dashboard: Use the feedback form for questions

  • Last updated: March 2026

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