CPSIF core values
The CPSIF is a program supported by the Dean’s Office, Engineering Alumni & Friends, departments and divisions of the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering, the Engineering Society (EngSoc), and the You’re Next Career Network (YNCN). The program supports student initiatives that align with the following core values:
- Enhances the undergraduate and/or graduate student experience in the Faculty
- Builds an inclusive community among students and alumni
- Contributes to leadership and/or professional development of students in the Faculty
- Increases the visibility, profile and/or awareness of the Faculty, EngSoc, and/or the discipline of engineering itself
Given differences in the goals and activities of student groups, each group is not required to demonstrate alignment with all four listed values; however, at least one the values (and preferably more) should be evident when groups apply for funding.
Key dates & deadlines
The 2025-26 CPSIF cycle opened on Thursday August 28, 2025 (12PM ET / noon).
Since 2016, CPSIF has moved from three cycles to a single cycle, with a Fall deadline for student group applications. Student groups are encouraged to start considering their plans for the next school year in preparation for requesting all funding for 2025-2026 in their Fall applications. Requests for funding should cover the period from September 2025 to August 2026.
Additionally, since moving to a single cycle process in 2016, CPSIF has allocated $375,000 - $400,000 annually towards funding an average of 90+ student groups each year. The total funding requested by groups each year tends to be approximately double the amount of funding available.
Groups are encouraged to keep these numbers in mind when developing their budget and CPSIF applications. For groups that are looking for additional funding, there are other options that can be considered, including UTSU funding, UTGSU Donation Requests, the Student Initiative Fund, or additional funding opportunities from other Faculties or University offices (subject to eligibility). Some groups may also consider exploring working with corporate donors.
The key dates and deadlines for the 2025-26 CPSIF cycle are:
- Thursday August 28, 2025 (12PM ET / noon): 2025-26 CPSIF application period opens
- Monday September 29, 2025 (12PM ET / noon): 2025-26 CPSIF application period closes
- Wednesday November 5, 2025: Student groups notified of funding decisions
- Thursday November 27, 2025 – Friday January 30, 2026: Cheque pickup period
- Tuesday May 19, 2026 (11:59PM ET): Successful applicants submit Impact Report
Groups are expected to demonstrate professionalism throughout the CPSIF process and adhere to the published deadlines. Cheques that are not picked up by the end of the pick-up period will be returned to the issuing funding area, and will also incur a demerit point, which will factor into funding decisions for the next CPSIF cycle. Late submissions for Impact Reports will also incur demerit points, and a group that does not submit an Impact Report will be ineligible to receive future funding until a report is submitted.
Note: You may only apply once per academic/fiscal year. To ensure an accountable and fair process, student initiative funding requests made outside of this program deadline will not be considered. Additionally, groups working with corporate donors or non-U of T students under the age of 18 must contact the relevant offices by Thursday September 11, 2025.
Please review the 2025-26 CPSIF Application Form (DOC) for more details.
Applications are only accepted via Folio between August 28–September 29, 2025
Eligibility & guidelines
While there can be variances across the different funding areas, the CPSIF Committee generally leverages the following criteria when making decisions:
- Student groups that are either recognized by the University of Toronto or are recognized by the Engineering Society (affiliated clubs, associated entities, project directorships, and Discipline Clubs)
- Student groups comprised of undergraduate and/or graduate students.
- Overall Engineering student engagement with group activities
- Student groups and activities that build an inclusive community and foster Skule™ pride amongst students and alumni
- Student groups and activities that build the reputation of the Faculty and highlight the ingenuity of U of T Engineering students.
- Student groups and activities that benefit the students, University, and the broader community both locally and globally.
- The number of members or executive members that are connected to a particular funding area (e.g. affiliated groups, departmental representation) and/or activities related to the mission of a specific funding area (e.g. alumni involvement, professional development focus, discipline-specific groups).
- A clear budget document outlining how previous funding has been spent, how requested funding will be spent, and an explanation of any carryover
Proposals with the following requests will not be funded:
- Requests made for the purpose of fundraising.
- Any student group activity held outside of the University of Toronto community, i.e. an application is submitted by a University of Toronto St. George student on behalf of his/her community-based organization.
- Proposals that include personal expenses.
- Student group activities that include travel-related or alcohol-related expenses.
- Applicants who have not submitted the Impact Report for previously approved CPSIF funding.
- Any student group that excludes any student or student group from participation.
- Any student group that has not taken into account event planning and/or risk management practice.
- Retroactive expenses will not be funded (i.e. the expense does not fall within the current academic/fiscal year).
Impact reports
The CPSIF Impact Report is compiled to highlight the accomplishments of funded student groups. By sharing your story, you will be inspiring the engineering community and encouraging more students to get involved.
The 2024–25 CPSIF Impact Report provides summaries of the impact that the funds have made for engineering students. During the 2024–2025 school year, a total of $413,909 was granted to 98 student groups.
As a reminder, future funding is contingent upon your group submitting the Impact Report Form; late submissions will incur demerit points. Impact Report submissions for 2025-26 will be due Tuesday May 19, 2026.
While Impact Reports allow student groups to demonstrate their success at the end of the year, there are also opportunities to showcase your achievements during the year. You are encouraged to share any group accomplishments or major events with the Registrar’s Office; they can share this with the wider Skule community on your behalf via their e-newsletter.
