Seed funding for student initiatives

Unfurling tendril of a fern - photo by Emme Kearns

This small seed fund was proposed by students participating in discussions arising out of the Access & Participation Plan. It has been designed for Black students to support and encourage their student peers.

It is envisaged that the seed funding will support student social events, small-scale research projects, seminars or workshops with themes relating to Black student induction and belonging to the University of Cambridge. It was piloted in the 2023-24 academic year, and further rounds were offered in 2024-25.

Please note that the BAH Seed Fund is not intended to replicate available funding support from Colleges or the University, but to fill in the gaps where funding criteria does not cover costs that are often then carried by individuals or small groups.

Applications for 2025-2026 project ideas

A new approach to funding student-led projects that focus on racial equality via the Alexander Crummell Fund is being developed this year.   Please keep an eye out for BAH news items about project funding sources across the year. 

If you have any questions or to check if your project might be suitable, please get in touch with the BAH team at contact@blackadvisory.hub.cam.uk.

Details and eligibility

Who is eligible to apply for this BAH seed funding?

  • This seed funding is available to current Black undergraduates or postgraduates at the University of Cambridge.
  • Individuals may apply, but small group initiatives or projects will be prioritised.
  • Student-staff partnerships are welcome, but a student must be nominated as the lead.

How much funding is available?

  • Funding will be offered of up to £500 per initiative.
  • An anticipated 3-6 projects will be funded across the academic year.

When are applications open?

  • There will be two opportunities to apply for this seed funding across the 2025-2026 academic year.  The application due dates have not yet been set, but will be announced on the BAH news page.
  • It is anticipated that the funding will be spent and documented so that payment or reimbursement is processed before the end of the academic year.

What will be funded?

  • The funding is intended to support social events, small-scale research projects, workshops or other initiatives that will engage with the Black student community within Cambridge.
  • This includes support for catering, guest speaker travel, communications or marketing materials. The funding can be used to augment other grants or funding, but will not usually be granted where other funds are drawn from a society's membership fees, for instance for a society-branded event.

What will successful applicants have to do?

  • It may be that students will have to pay costs upfront and seek reimbursement. Where possible, we would prefer to pay the supplier directly, but this is only possible if they are a University-recognised supplier and can be paid by invoice. Otherwise, payments may only be made on production of relevant receipts. Applicants are advised to consult with the BAH before making any purchases and keep very good financial records and receipts.
  • The expectation is that the project lead for any successful bid provides a short report of the outcomes of the event / project, which will be shared on the BAH website to inspire upcoming student initiatives.