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
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 2023-2024 in their Fall applications. Requests for funding should cover the period from September 2023 to August 2024.
Additionally, since moving to a single cycle process in 2016, CPSIF has allocated $355,000 - $375,000 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. In 2022-23 however, the amount requested was closer to triple the available funding amount.
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 2023-24 CPSIF cycle are:
- Monday August 28, 2023 (12PM ET / noon): 2023-24 CPSIF application period opens
- Wednesday October 4, 2023 (12PM ET / noon): 2023-24 CPSIF application period closes
- Wednesday November 1, 2023: Student initiatives notified of funding decisions
- Monday November 20, 2023 – Wednesday January 31, 2024: Cheque pick up period
- Wednesday May 22, 2024 (12PM ET / noon): Successful applicants submit Impact Statement
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 Statements will also incur demerit points, and a group that does not submit an Impact Statement will be ineligible to receive future funding until a statement 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 Monday September 18, 2023. Please review the CPSIF Application Form (2023-2024) section for more details.
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 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 Statement 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 Statements
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.
In 2023-24, the format of Impact Statements will change. There will be two components to sharing your student group’s impact for the most recently funded year: 1) filling out a Form with information about your group’s activities and achievements, and 2) a visual infographic / poster (digital) that creatively showcases key highlights and moments. Groups are encouraged to leverage and repurpose the visual component for their own recruitment activities. Further details about this format change will be available in Fall 2023, before funding is released.
As a reminder, future funding is contingent upon your group submitting this Impact Statement; late submissions will incur demerit points. Impact Statements for 2023-24 will be due Wednesday May 22, 2024.
During the 2022–2023 school year, a total of $368,553.64 was granted to 83 student groups. The 2022–23 CPSIF Impact Report provides summaries of the impact that the funds have made for engineering students.
Resources
Staff and students across the faculty are willing to help review your application and student groups can request to have their applications reviewed prior to submitting to ensure that it will be in good standing with the CPSIF Committee.
You can contact Sania Hameed if you would like to have your application reviewed prior to submission, or if you have questions about the CPSIF application process. Please reach out in a timely manner.