Challenge For Change
"The grant meant the event was done at no personal cost to our members. Often large-scale events require an initial personal investment, which is simply not possible or affordable for a lot of our members, so the grant was fantastic in that regard."
- Paul Bedey (2024-25 Treasurer)
Type of Grant
Big Ideas
What the Grants Supported
"Big Ideas grant funding supported the Charity Fundraising Gala held by Challenge for Change across two years. The two galas raised over £3,200 for Teenage Cancer Trust, Meningitis Research Foundation, Street Child, and Amnesty International. The grants covered key event costs, including subsidising UofG student tickets to maintain an affordable pricing model while funding catering and entertainment, thereby maximising the amount raised for charity."
Long-Term Impacts
- Raised £3,200 over two years for Teenage Cancer Trust, Amnesty International UK, and the Meningitis Research Foundation, supporting charities directly relevant to student experiences and concerns.
- Significantly increased online and campus engagement, with Gala-related posts achieving the highest interaction rates of the year.
- Strengthened the society's reputation and visibility on campus, improving awareness and attendance at wider events.
Inclusivity and Accessibility
"We had picked the space because we wanted it to be accessible for all students. We additionally had a quiet room for our member who suffers from migraines so that she had space to be should she need it. We encouraged all the members to get in contact with accessibility needs (if they felt comfortable) so we could make sure they could attend and have a good night."
Lessons Learned
"Give it more time and make sure we improve communication between members... This means that for future events, we will make sure that should anything happen we have clear handover process so that nothing gets missed and committee members have all the support that they need."
Additional SRC Support Provided
- Met with the Clubs and Societies Engagement Coordinator at multiple stages to discuss the grant and confirm key details, which helped maximise the effectiveness of the funding.
- Committee members attended the SRC's Events and Comms Workshop.
- Utilised the SRC Club Spotlight to promote the event, increasing ticket sales and enhancing the society's visibility on campus.
Would Yout Society Apply for an SRC Grant Again?
"Yes. Absolutely. We have ideas that could make the society much more inclusive, boost member retention and also make it a more fun experience overall."