Application for Funding
The Ferguson Bequest Committee meets twice a year to consider applications for funding. The Committee is keen to hear from clubs or societies, or staff with an idea for a one-off event, or series of events, that can bring staff together from across the University in a social environment.
Before applying, take the time to read the information on the web pages.
- Be concise in the information you give the committee - exactly how much money you are requesting, specifically what it will be used for, and who it wil benefit.
- When applying you should ensure your application is in line with University policies (e.g. travel), values and ethical statements.
- You can apply once for each upcoming Committee Meeting. You should note on your application form if you have previously received funding from the Committee.
- You should also note if there are, or have been, similar events, in the past, and their success.
- If your application is successful, you will be asked to complete an evaluation on the success of the funding.
- There is no set funding amount.
All successful applications must include acknowledgement on relevant materials:
“is funded by the Ferguson Bequest. Professor Thomas Ferguson (1900-1977), Henry Mechan Chair of Public Health (1944-64), bequeathed his estate to the University, with the instruction that the money should be used to “foster the social side of University life"
Terms & Conditions of Funding Applications
- All funding applications should be made in line with all relevant University policies. For the avoidance of doubt, applicants requesting funds for the purchase of goods or services should consult the University Procurement Policies & Guidelines
- Applicants must consider any ethical and reputational issues associated with the disbursement of awarded funds, and ensure minimal risk exposure to the University.
- Applications must not cause an unacceptable conflict of interest. Applicants are directed to read and declare any conflict of interest in accordance with the University Conflicts of Interest Policy.
- Funding will be confirmed on 1st August 2025. All purchases must be made and received by 31st July 2026.
- Overspend is not permitted and successful applicants are expected to manage their budget accordingly.
- Any underspend of awarded funds must be returned to the Ferguson Bequest.
- Successful applicants will be required to provide a short statement of success and feedback of the funded specifics.
- Successful applications must include acknowledgement on relevant materials, as provided by the Ferguson Bequest.
Application Form
The application is in the format of a Microsoft Form, which does not allow you to Save and Return. It is suggested that you save a version of your application and copy and paste into the final form when you are ready to submit.
Below you can see guidance on the application form and the questions.
Before you start, please take the time to read all the Ferguson Bequest web pages relating to the application, including payment and feedback.
You must also read the Terms & Conditions and Conflict of Interest, and confirm that you have done so on your Application.
There are 2 applications available, either for Clubs & Societies, or individuals applying on behalf of a one-off event / events. Click the buttons below to access the application when you are ready.
All applications for Clubs & Societies must be supported with a set of the previous year’s financial accounts, where applicable, emailed directly to fergusonbequest@glasgow.ac.uk
Application Form Guidance
Below are the questions you will be asked on the application form:
Club / Society Title - this will not appear on the individual event application, just the Clubs & Society application.
Applicant Name - insert the name of the person who will be the point of contact throughout the application and funding year. If that person will change throughout, please give details. We strongly advise it be the same person, for consistency.
Do you hold a current contract of employment with the University of Glasgow? The Bequest is open for applications from staff with a contract of employment only, as they will be deemed the Budget Holder. However, non-staff members may also be a part of the club or society.
Estimated timeframe of funding use - include information on the academic session and financial year you are applying for
Funding Information
Amount of funding requested - add the maximum amount you wish to apply for. This should be based on forecasted costings of what you wish to use the funding for. Make sure you have researched in advance how much everything will cost as there can be NO overspend!
Please state the name of the local Purchasing Officer who will be dealing with the Financial aspects of the award - Your Purchasing Officer will be able to access the fund through the Agresso system. This will be someone in your Subject / School / College / Service / Department that deals with financial matters, raising requisitions, ordering goods, arranging events, etc. They should have access to Agresso. If you have no Purchasing Officer, please state that on your application. The Ferguson Bequest Administrator may make purchases on your behalf.
Please be aware of the procedures surrounding purchasing for the University.
University of Glasgow - MyGlasgow - Agresso - Information for users
University of Glasgow - MyGlasgow - Finance - Download a Form - New Supplier Process
Membership Information
If the Club or Society charges membership, you should include information on:
Current Membership Subscription Rate for Club / Society (including breakdown of tiers)
Membership breakdown if applicable (including staff / student numbers)
Do you rely solely on funding or do you have other forms of income as well (e.g. membership)
(These will not appear on the individual event application, just the Clubs & Society application).
Purpose of funding
You will be asked 4 questions about what you wish to use the funding for. Each question allows for 4,000 characters each.
Purpose of funding - What will funding be used for - include information on what sort of activities you are planning to use the funding for, and where they will take place, costs involved. Will there be other funding or are you asking for sole funding from the Ferguson Bequest?
Purpose of funding - Who is the funding aimed at - include information on who the events are for, it is just certain staff members, or all staff, members of the public, etc? Are events ticketed - and free, or sold? How will you advertise?
Purpose of funding - timeframe of activities - include information on when events will take place.
Purpose of funding - how will this benefit staff - include information on how you think the funding relates to the Ferguson Bequest, and how the Club or Society or Event helps staff with socialising, health and wellbeing.
Other Info
What other information would you find helpful when applying? We are in the process of improving the application form, so it would of real benefit to know what you think works, and what could do with some improvement!
Ferguson Bequest Staff Funding Application - Events
Ferguson Bequest Staff Funding Application - Staff Clubs / Societies
Ferguson Bequest Staff Funding Application - Staff Clubs / Societies
Key Dates 2025
Applications Open
Thursday 20th March
Applications Close
Thursday 24th April
Committee Meeting
Tuesday 13th May
Applications Open
Tuesday 30th September
Applications Close
Tuesday 4th November
Committee Meeting
Tuesday 25th November