Community Action Fund
Who can apply?
Students and non-students working on grassroots initiatives both inside and outside the Concordia community are eligible to apply.
What is the fund’s mandate?
This fund is designed to grant funding to both on and off-campus initiatives or organizations aligned with the CSU Positions Book, and to accommodate costs needed by a Concordia University undergraduate student association in the case of a binding strike mandate voted by said association. Special attention shall be made to prioritize funding to initiatives organized by and advocating for Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, and other marginalized groups, as well as initiatives and organizations demonstrating scarce access to funding.
What expenses can/can’t you apply for?
The CSU Community Action Fund does not have expense restrictions. However, applicants are expected to conform to the CSU Ethics & Sustainability Policy to the best of their abilities.
How much can you apply for?
This varies on the stream you are applying for. There are 3 types of funding accessible through the CSU Community Action Fund: Strike, Project, and Operational Grant.
What is the application process?
Depending on the type of funding being sought, applicants must fill out the corresponding application form (see below) and include a detailed budget including revenues and expenses, as well as demonstrate financial need. Strike applicants must include the minutes of a strike general assembly, and Operational Grant applicants must include annual budgets from the past 3 years.
Application Deadline: The Committee meets on a monthly basis. The 15th of each month is the cutoff date for Project and Operational Grant applications. Strike applications must be reviewed by the Committee within 5 business days of their reception.
Strike Application
In the event that a Concordia undergraduate student association adopts a binding strike mandate, they can apply for funding under the Strike Application. Please note that according to the CSU Standing Regulations, the CSU Community Action Fund Committee must meet within 5 business days of the reception of the application. The Strike Applications to the CSU Community Action Fund are subject to a maximum of $1,000. In the event that a student association which does not represent Concordia undergraduate students or any other organization wishes to apply for a grant to fund a strike, they may also apply under the Strike Application or the Project Application form. However, the 5 day deadline does not apply and the application will be reviewed according to the same timeline as other regular applications, unless otherwise decided by the Community Action Fund Committee.
Strike Application Form
Project Application
The Project Applications to the CSU Community Action Fund are subject to a maximum of $3,000. The Community Action Fund has a mandate to fund community projects which have scarce access to funding. As such, if you apply on behalf of a student club or association, or for a project which is part of your program of study, you must prioritize other funding channels. Only applications which can demonstrate an exhaustive attempt to secure other funding will be considered.
Project Application Form
Operational Grant Application
The Operational Grant Applications to the CSU Community Action Fund are subject to a maximum of $2,500. The Community Action Fund has a mandate to fund community organizations which have scarce access to funding. As such, Operational Grant Applications from student clubs or associations, or from any organization funded through a fee-levy will not be considered.
Operational Grant Application Form
Please submit your application and direct any questions to caf@csu.qc.ca.