Funding: Transfer Student Action Fund

Are you a student who transferred from one college, university, or Indigenous Institute to another? Want to have an impact on other students’ experiences of transfer? ONCAT is now offering funding to support projects developed by transfer students for transfer students, through the Transfer Student Action Fund (Action Fund).
 
We value your lived experiences and insights into what would have made the transfer process better for you. Your ideas and projects can help other transfer students at your school in real time and can also serve as models for other schools to learn from.

 

Who Can Apply?

Any project that is primarily created an led by (a) transfer student(s), for a project that focuses on and benefits transfer students.
 
For logistical purposes, students must partner with an accredited organization for any granted funding to be released. Partners could include your postsecondary institution, a student group or union, or another not-for-profit organization. You don’t need to have this partner confirmed at the time of applying, and ONCAT is happy to help you find a partner – please reach out for assistance.

 

Project Ideas

The Action Fund will support projects by and for transfer students that include:
 
  • Community-Building: activities that help transfer students feel more connected and supported in their postsecondary education journey. This could include events (e.g., orientations, stress busters, social activities, etc.) focused on making the transfer process smoother for incoming students.
  • Tools and Resources: activities that support transfer students during and after the transfer process. This could include peer-to-peer mentorship activities, developing school-specific ‘how-to/what you need to know’ guides for incoming transfer students, and so forth.
  • Awareness Raising: activities that bring attention to transfer student experiences. This could include participatory action research projects led by transfer students that explore the experiences of transfer students; awareness campaigns; advocacy activities that bring transfer student experiences and needs to a postsecondary decision-maker, and so forth.
  • Other ideas developed by transfer students to improve the transfer process.
     

Funding

  • For shorter-term projects, grants could range from $500 to $5,000.
  • For longer-term projects, grants could range from $1,000 to $10,000.
  • Larger grants will be considered based on the scope and potential impact of the project.
     

Expenses

Eligible expenses include:
 
  • Personnel costs (honoraria; stipends)
  • Food/Venues/Transportation costs related to project activities
  • Project materials
  • Costs associated with making activities accessible and inclusive for participants
However, you cannot apply for funding to cover:
 
  • Capital expenses
  • Scholarships
  • Fundraising campaigns
  • Debt reduction
     

How to Apply

  • Action Fund Proposals are accepted through our online application portal at: www.grantinterface.com/Process/Apply?urlkey=oncat
  • We will accept proposals on a continual basis and aim to respond within 2 to 4 weeks of receiving a proposal.
  • Need any help? Please reach out to discuss your project ideas; we are happy to provide support during the application process. Please contact Carolyn Poplak, Project Lead: Collaborations and Community Programs, at cpoplak@oncat.ca or at (416) 640.6951 x304
     

Apply


 

Working Together

For projects that receive ONCAT funding, there are a few reporting requirements/check-ins as part of the grant. This includes:

  • Entering into a grant agreement;
  • Providing an interim update (by phone, email, or in person) on how the project is going;
  • Providing a final report that outlines major activities, accomplishments, challenges and advice for other projects; and,
  • Providing a financial report that outlines how the funding was spent.

Have questions or want to discuss your ideas?

Please reach out to Carolyn Poplak, Project Lead: Collaborations and Community Programs, at cpoplak@oncat.ca or (416) 640.6951 x304.