--- title: Fund Our Clubs date: 2026-07-14T07:39:14Z modified: 2026-07-14T07:50:49Z permalink: "https://saveourclubs.nz/fund-our-clubs/" type: page status: publish excerpt: "" wpid: 3230 timestamp: 2026-07-14T07:50:49Z tags: [] --- ###### Help build a university where student clubs have the funding, facilities, and support they need. Together, we can strengthen campus life and protect student-led communities. ###### A fair deal for clubs ## Supporting students, every day # Fund Our Clubs ![](https://assets.saveourclubs.nz/2026/03/27095232/557523-kelburn-campus-vuw-wellington-18-scaled.jpg) ###### PRIORITIES # What we are asking the University to do ![The Kelburn Campus of Victoria University, in Wellington, New Zealand](https://assets.saveourclubs.nz/2026/07/14072402/Victoria_University_of_Wellington_Kelburn_Campus_13.jpg) ###### 1 ## Increase the club grants pool Provide substantially more funding so the grants system can respond to the actual needs of clubs and the rising costs of running activities and events. ## Publish clear funding information Make grant criteria, decisions, available funding, and overall allocations easier for students and clubs to understand. ###### 2 ![](https://assets.saveourclubs.nz/2026/07/14072543/View_of_Wellington_from_the_Victoria_University_Kelburn_library_staircase.jpg) ![](https://assets.saveourclubs.nz/2026/07/14072842/VUW_unsorted_photos_26-e1784014397364.jpg) ###### 1 ## Improve access to University facilities Ensure clubs can book suitable rooms and event spaces and have access to storage, equipment, printing, and other shared resources. ## Provide skilled club-support staff Maintain accessible staff who understand club governance, finances, events, communications, and University processes. ###### 4 ![](https://assets.saveourclubs.nz/2026/07/14072919/VUW_unsorted_photos_10.jpg) ![](https://assets.saveourclubs.nz/2026/07/14073229/VUW_view_from_a_bridge-3.jpg) ###### 5 ## Reduce unnecessary bureaucracy Simplify forms, approvals, funding applications, reimbursements, and event processes so volunteers can focus on serving their members. ![](https://assets.saveourclubs.nz/2025/06/27111107/decor-building-copyright.svg) ## Keep clubs student-led Better funding and support must strengthen club independence, not be used to justify transferring control away from students. ###### 6 ![](https://assets.saveourclubs.nz/2026/07/14073107/Victoria_University_of_Wellington_Kelburn_Campus_03.jpg) # Clubs strengthen the entire University community ##### A larger grants pool Increase the funding available through club grants so that deserving applications are not reduced or rejected simply because the pool is too small. ##### Better practical support Provide clubs with accessible staff support, training, event assistance, financial guidance, communications tools, and clear administrative processes. ##### Facilities clubs can use Give student organisations reliable access to meeting rooms, event spaces, storage, equipment, printing, and other essential University resources. # What student clubs need to thrive ##### Increase the club grants pool ##### Invest in skilled club support ##### Improve spaces, storage and equipment ##### Make funding fair and transparent ##### Reduce bureaucracy and protect independence ### **Funding that reflects the real cost of running a club** The club grants pool should be large enough to meet the genuine needs of student organisations. Clubs face costs for venues, equipment, transport, promotion, accessibility, catering, technology, and the delivery of events and activities. When the available funding is too limited, worthwhile applications may be reduced even where the proposed activity would provide clear value to students. This can force volunteers to scale back their plans, personally cover expenses, or abandon activities altogether. The University should increase the total amount available for club grants and regularly review it against rising costs, the number of active clubs, and the level of student participation. Funding should allow clubs to develop and expand, rather than merely survive. ### **Practical help for student volunteers** Club leaders are volunteers, but they are often expected to manage finances, governance, health and safety, events, communications, room bookings, membership systems, and University requirements. Clubs need accessible staff who understand these responsibilities and can provide accurate, timely assistance. Support should include help with grant applications, financial administration, event planning, governance, conflict resolution, succession planning, and compliance with University processes. Proper institutional support would reduce pressure on volunteers, prevent avoidable problems, and allow club leaders to spend more time serving their members. This support should strengthen student leadership without transferring control away from clubs. ### **Give clubs the infrastructure to operate** Funding alone cannot address every challenge faced by student organisations. Clubs also need suitable places to meet, organise events, store property, prepare materials, and carry out their activities. The University should provide dependable access to meeting rooms, event venues, secure storage, printing, audiovisual equipment, tables, marquees, and other shared resources. Booking systems should be straightforward, and spaces should be available at times that work for students. Clubs should not have to store equipment in volunteers’ homes, pay unnecessary commercial venue costs, or repeatedly search for basic resources. Practical infrastructure is essential to creating sustainable, active, and accessible student organisations. ### **A system clubs can understand and trust** Clubs should be able to understand how much funding is available, how applications are assessed, why particular decisions are made, and what options exist when an application is declined or reduced. Funding criteria should be clear, consistently applied, and communicated before applications open. Decisions should include meaningful explanations so clubs can improve future applications and understand how student-paid funding is being distributed. The University should also publish accessible high-level information about the grants system, including total funding available, amounts requested, amounts approved, and the general reasons applications were reduced or declined. Transparency supports accountability and helps students evaluate whether the system is meeting clubs’ needs. ### **Support clubs without taking control of them** Administrative requirements should protect students and University resources without creating unnecessary barriers. Complicated forms, unclear approval processes, delayed reimbursements, and duplicated requirements can consume substantial volunteer time. The University should simplify routine processes, provide clear guidance, and establish realistic response times for funding, events, bookings, and reimbursements. Clubs should receive support that helps them operate effectively rather than adding another layer of administration. Better resourcing must also preserve club independence. Student organisations should remain governed by their members, accountable through their own democratic structures, and free to determine their activities within reasonable University policies. Institutional support should enable student leadership, not replace it. ### **Funding that reflects the real cost of running a club** The club grants pool should be large enough to meet the genuine needs of student organisations. Clubs face costs for venues, equipment, transport, promotion, accessibility, catering, technology, and the delivery of events and activities. When the available funding is too limited, worthwhile applications may be reduced even where the proposed activity would provide clear value to students. This can force volunteers to scale back their plans, personally cover expenses, or abandon activities altogether. The University should increase the total amount available for club grants and regularly review it against rising costs, the number of active clubs, and the level of student participation. Funding should allow clubs to develop and expand, rather than merely survive. ### **Practical help for student volunteers** Club leaders are volunteers, but they are often expected to manage finances, governance, health and safety, events, communications, room bookings, membership systems, and University requirements. Clubs need accessible staff who understand these responsibilities and can provide accurate, timely assistance. Support should include help with grant applications, financial administration, event planning, governance, conflict resolution, succession planning, and compliance with University processes. Proper institutional support would reduce pressure on volunteers, prevent avoidable problems, and allow club leaders to spend more time serving their members. This support should strengthen student leadership without transferring control away from clubs. ### **Give clubs the infrastructure to operate** Funding alone cannot address every challenge faced by student organisations. Clubs also need suitable places to meet, organise events, store property, prepare materials, and carry out their activities. The University should provide dependable access to meeting rooms, event venues, secure storage, printing, audiovisual equipment, tables, marquees, and other shared resources. Booking systems should be straightforward, and spaces should be available at times that work for students. Clubs should not have to store equipment in volunteers’ homes, pay unnecessary commercial venue costs, or repeatedly search for basic resources. Practical infrastructure is essential to creating sustainable, active, and accessible student organisations. ### **A system clubs can understand and trust** Clubs should be able to understand how much funding is available, how applications are assessed, why particular decisions are made, and what options exist when an application is declined or reduced. Funding criteria should be clear, consistently applied, and communicated before applications open. Decisions should include meaningful explanations so clubs can improve future applications and understand how student-paid funding is being distributed. The University should also publish accessible high-level information about the grants system, including total funding available, amounts requested, amounts approved, and the general reasons applications were reduced or declined. Transparency supports accountability and helps students evaluate whether the system is meeting clubs’ needs. ### **Support clubs without taking control of them** Administrative requirements should protect students and University resources without creating unnecessary barriers. Complicated forms, unclear approval processes, delayed reimbursements, and duplicated requirements can consume substantial volunteer time. The University should simplify routine processes, provide clear guidance, and establish realistic response times for funding, events, bookings, and reimbursements. Clubs should receive support that helps them operate effectively rather than adding another layer of administration. Better resourcing must also preserve club independence. Student organisations should remain governed by their members, accountable through their own democratic structures, and free to determine their activities within reasonable University policies. Institutional support should enable student leadership, not replace it. ![](https://assets.saveourclubs.nz/2025/06/27111106/decor-hands-copyright.svg) ###### Empowering Clubs # Latest Content [Press Releases](https://saveourclubs.nz/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/wp-mfa-exports/taxonomy/category/press-releases.md) #### [Save Our Clubs Releases Club Funding Data](https://saveourclubs.nz/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/wp-mfa-exports/post/save-our-clubs-releases-club-funding-data.md) 23 June 2026•No Comments• FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Save Our Clubs Releases Victoria University of Wellington Club Funding Data Save Our Clubs has today published a new unofficial database showing club, society, and group funding grants at Te Herenga Waka, Victoria University of Wellington. The database brings club funding records together in one searchable place, allowing students to see which clubs received support, what activities were funded, what recommendations were made, and how much funding was approved. The database can be viewed here:https://saveourclubs.nz/vuw-club-funding-grants-database/ A portion of the Student Services Levy paid by students is used to support clubs and student activities. Save Our Clubs says student … [Documents](https://saveourclubs.nz/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/wp-mfa-exports/taxonomy/category/documents.md) #### [JOINT STUDENT UNION BOARD: Review of Club Support and Structure – NOVEMBER 2016](https://saveourclubs.nz/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/wp-mfa-exports/post/victoria-university-clubs-review-jsub-2016.md) 8 May 2026•No Comments• EXECUTIVE SUMMARY BACKGROUND In 2012, Lumin reviewed Victoria University support to clubs and made recommendations under a range of high level headings including: strategic alignment, spaces and places, club services, supporting sustainability. The purpose of this 2016 review was to: AREAS OF PROGRESS Victoria University’s clubs continue to contribute to the student experience, allowing them to develop skills, knowledge and attitudes that reflect the University’s graduate profile, and are a key feature of the co–curriculum. Student clubs are integral to achieving the University’s own vision and implementing its strategies. The process of review included an online survey of University clubs, interviews … [Documents](https://saveourclubs.nz/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/wp-mfa-exports/taxonomy/category/documents.md) #### [VUWSA’s 2018 Clubs Proposal](https://saveourclubs.nz/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/wp-mfa-exports/post/vuwsa-clubs-proposal-2018-plan-club-administration.md) 8 May 2026•No Comments• THIS IS A REPUBLISH FROM THE ORIGINAL By VUWSA Background Before the Voluntary Student Membership Bill passed in 2011, a key service provided by Victoria University of Wellington Students Association was the administration of clubs. This role passed to the University after the Bill passed and Victoria Recreation have since run the administration of clubs. However, this is not the norm throughout the Tertiary sector in New Zealand as at many of the major universities, the Student Association holds the role. Intention of the Proposal The intention of this proposal is to investigate what a VUWSA administered club environment would look …