Solar SOAS Green Community Fund How to Apply

The Solar SOAS Green Community Fund exists to support projects that make a positive difference to the SOAS community, our environment and the local area.

We have £5,000 available each year to support new ideas, campaigns, and projects. We welcome applications from individuals and groups, particularly ideas that bring people together, build green skills, support wellbeing and create lasting positive change.

Grants of up to £500 are considered on a rolling basis throughout the year, subject to available funding. Grants of £501–£5,000 will be considered at scheduled funding rounds at the end of Reading Week and the end of each term. Most projects will be expected to request between £250 and £1,500, although exceptional projects may receive up to £5,000.

Previous projects include the bike maintenance and community garden societies, a clothing repair group, energy efficiency measures in the local community, green skills and supporting the London community energy network.

1. Develop your idea

Your project could be big or small — from a student-led campaign or community event to a workshop, growing project, repair initiative or something completely new. We particularly welcome ideas that:

  • Make a positive environmental impact on campus or locally

  • Benefit or bring together the SOAS community

  • Support wellbeing and community connection

  • Create practical opportunities to live and work more sustainably

  • Build green skills and knowledge

Not sure if your idea is suitable? Get in touch before applying, email us on team@uni-solar.org.

2. Submit your application

Our online application form below is designed to be short and accessible. You'll tell us about your idea, who will benefit, its environmental impact, how you would use the funding, and how you will measure its success. The link to apply is below.

3. Applications are reviewed and selected

Applications will be assessed on:

  • Sustainability impact

  • Community benefit

  • Feasibility

  • Value for money

  • Additionality – would the project happen without this funding?

The Solar SOAS Board will review applications and select the projects that best meet the fund's aims, and we aim to support a diverse range of ideas from across the SOAS community. We may get in touch if we need any further information or to discuss how your idea could be developed.

4. If your application is successful

We'll work with you to agree the final project, budget and funding arrangements. The way the funding is provided will depend on your project and whether you are applying as an individual, student group, society or staff member. We'll explain the process when your application is approved and make sure you have what you need to get started.

We may also work with you to refine your idea or budget before the funding is released. Our aim is to make this as simple as possible so you can focus on making your project happen. Once the funding arrangements are in place, you can get started!

5. Deliver and share your impact

As your project unfolds, we'll ask you to share updates, photos and videos showing how it's going. We may share these on our website and Instagram to celebrate your project and inspire others across SOAS. At the end of your project, we'll also ask you to tell us what you achieved, who benefited and what you learned.

Have an idea? We'd love to hear it. Whether it's a small activity or a bigger project, the Solar SOAS Green Community Fund is here to help our community turn initiative into action. Let's make change together!

Applications must be submitted via the form below