SOURCES OF FUNDING

Modified on Fri, 31 Jul at 4:28 PM

Student Groups receive funding from a variety of sources, each with different purposes and conditions. Understanding how each funding source can be used will help you make informed financial decisions and ensure your spending complies with Union policies.

The formal definitions of each funding source can be found in the Student Group Funding Policy. As each of our over 400 student group's activities and needs are different, it's not possible to list every type of expenditure that may be appropriate in any given circumstance.

Instead, the Student Activities Team and Deputy President (Activities) consider all funding and expenditure requests on a case-by-case basis, applying the principles outlined below alongside the Student Group Funding Policy.

Self-Generated Income (SGI)

SGI is income your group generates itself, such as membership fees, event income, merchandise sales and sponsorship.

Key principles:

Can be carried forward from one academic year to the next.
Should be spent for the benefit of your whole membership, not a small number of individuals.
Event budgets should normally aim for a variance of around 10%, rather than making significant profits or losses.
All expenditure must comply with the Union's Social Responsibility Principles.

Further guidance

Sponsorship:
Sponsorship is financial or in-kind support provided by an external organisation. Once received, sponsorship income forms part of your SGI.

Key principles:

Sponsorship income is subject to the same spending principles as SGI.
Sponsorship does not override Union policies or charitable restrictions.
Sponsorship cannot be used to purchase alcohol or support activity that conflicts with the Union's Social Responsibility Principles.
Sponsorship agreements must be approved before funds are treated as confirmed income.

Further guidance:

Grant Funding:
Grant Funding is allocated by the Union to support your group's approved activities and objectives.

Key principles

Grant funding is use it or lose it and cannot normally be carried forward.
It should be spent within the academic year it is awarded.
Spend grant funding against the purpose it was allocated for and code expenditure correctly.
Use grant funding as early as possible rather than leaving expenditure until the end of the year.

Further guidance:

Fundraising Income:
Fundraising allows your group to generate additional income for its activities or raise money for charitable causes.

Key principles:

Money raised for your own group becomes SGI and should be spent in line with SGI principles.
Where fundraising is for a charity, donations should be made after event income and expenditure have been reconciled.
Fundraising activities must comply with Union fundraising guidance.

Further guidance:

COMING SOON... : Imperial College Union
Fundraising for Charity | eActivities (please note, this page is currently being updated, and will be set live ahead of Term 1 of the 2026-2027 academic year)

College Funding:
College Funding is funding received directly from Imperial College or one of its departments, faculties, trusts or associated funds.

Key principles:

May include restrictions set by the funding provider.
May only be spent in accordance with the purpose for which it was awarded

Further guidance:

Student Group Funding Policy

ICU Funding Opportunities:

Need extra funding? Whether you're launching a new initiative, organising a trip, or planning a larger project, there are several funding opportunities available via ICU to help your group achieve its goals.

Further guidance:

Introduction to Funding : Imperial College Union

Still have questions? Check out the rest of our knowledge base articles or  submit a ticket to the Activities Team.