Student Initiatives Fund (SIF)

The Student Initiatives Fund (SIF) provides seed funding to TMU student-led non-profit initiatives. It recognizes the potential of student-led initiatives to:

Improve community engagement
Create meaningful dialogue on campus
Contribute to building a diverse and innovative campus culture
Enhance the reputation of TMU

up to $9,500 for new initiatives

up to $4,500 for established initiatives

The SIF Application Portal is Currently Open for Rolling Applications

The portal will open for Winter 2024 applications from November 4, 2024 - January 19, 2025, at 11:59 PM.

Fall 2024 Pitch Weekend will happen February 7-9, 2024.

Visit the Student Initiatives Fund Application Portal

Funding

An individual or student group can submit a SIF application for one (1) initiative per semester. SIF awards funding for two main projects:

undergraduate and graduate student-led initiatives
undergraduate and graduate student-led lounge upgrades

Black Initiatives Fund

The Black Initiatives Fund add-on is funding that you can apply to if your initiative meets the BIF criteria. The BIF aims to support our university’s Black students in developing and advancing events, meetings and information sessions that specifically support and centre Black students.

The BIF Fund will award up to $5,000 in funding to initiatives that are eligible for the SIF undergraduate and/or graduate student-led initiatives award, and which also meet the BIF fund criteria.

To be eligible for the SIF Black Initiative Fund, your Initiative must fulfill the 5 main objectives of SIF, as well as BIF Criteria:

Center and engage topics and issues relating to the Black Communities
Provide opportunities for students from diverse Black communities (e.g. Black, Black Canadian, Afro-Caribbean, African, International students, Diaspora communities) to engage with and learn from one another
Provide experiential learning for Black-Identified students
Intersectional initiatives that amplify Blackness, and Mental Health, Queerness, Ability, Gender Identity and Expression
Empower Black-Identified students to realize their unlimited potential

You will have the option within the SIF portal to apply for the BIF funding add-on and be asked “how will your event support Black students on campus?” Your application answer and presentation will be evaluated using the BIF rubric found in the appendix and the criteria listed above.

Visit these pages to learn more

Step 1: Submitting an Application

Step 2: Pitching Your Initiative

Step 3: Accessing SIF Funding

Optional: Student Space Upgrades

Career Mentor and Mentee having a meeting.

Ready to apply? Make sure you’ve read the entire SIF module below.

Complete the SIF E-Learning Modules for information on the application process and requirements

SIF Mandatory E-Learning Modules

SIF E-Learning Module (external link, opens in new window)

Project Supervisor E-Learning Module (external link, opens in new window)

Committee

Grant-funding applications are reviewed by a standing committee that reports to the Student Services Advisory Committee. SIF is administered by the Department of Student Life & Learning Support on behalf of the Vice Provost Students, Toronto Metropolitan University.