Dreamlarge Knowledge Transfer Student Grant

The Student Ambassador Leadership Program is nothing if not a learning process. You learn how to work effectively with a group of people who could be very different from you, you learn how to develop and manage a project that will impact on people’s lives and challenge you along the way and you learn a variety of processes that are necessary to make this happen. Finding funds is often crucial to the successful implementation of your group’s project.

After making some enquiries we discovered we could source some food and ingredients for our Cooking Program from Second Bite, however we still needed to find funds for cooking utensils, utilities and providing some sort of remuneration for the asylum seeker teachers as well as tram tickets for people travelling to the centre. We discussed many ways of coming up with the funds including: grants, fundraising events, and sponsorship from local business.

We were encouraged to apply for a Dreamlarge Knowledge Transfer Student Grant. None of us had undertaken such an endeavour before and we didn’t know exactly how to go about it. Also, given how long it took us to formulate a concrete project we were running late in applying. So it is not surprising that we didn’t achieve what we’d hoped to. In fact our application didn’t even make it to the KT Grant Office.

Below is a copy of parts of our application with the comments of our mentor from the Economics and Commerce department. It is a great example of what not to do when applying from one of these grants and though we were disappointed with the outcome it was a great learning experience, which will help us in applying for other grants.

Things we learnt:

• We heard the committee actually met before the deadline for applications and given that the application needs to be checked by a mentor from your faculty, your deadline should be at least three days before the official deadline.
• Make sure you understand what the questions are asking and answer them fully and clearly.
• Pay attention to detail, things like getting dates right and spelling things correctly. Double check before sending off the application. Making mistakes looks sloppy and shows that you have not put in much effort.
• Make sure you know your project inside and out and know what you need money for and how much money, have research to back this up.
• Make sure you are familiar with the criteria for the grants as the bar is quite high, so your application must be tailored to the criteria and be professional.

DREAMLARGE KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER

STUDENT PROJECT GRANTS

DREAMLARGE Knowledge Transfer Student Project Grants will be available for students enrolled in a University of Melbourne degree for projects commencing in 2009.

Grants will not normally exceed $2,500. Up to six grants of $5,000 will be provided where funding for travel or other essentials for the project are required

Each project must have an external partner contributing equal funding for the project.

An electronic copy of the application is required as well as a hard copy containing original signatures. Supporting documentation must be attached to both paper and electronic copies.

Late applications will not be accepted.

Applications close on friday 15 May 2009

(The notes accompanying this form provide details on the eligibility conditions for the Scheme and the 2009 selection criteria. Applicants are advised to read these notes before completing the application form.)

TITLE OF PROJECT

COMMUNITY THROUGH COOKING

DETAILS OF PROJECT (Please provide summary of your project in no more than 500 words.

The summary to include: project aims, outcomes timelines and details on how the project will further the University’s Knowledge Transfer agenda which connects student groups with external partners – See guidelines for applicants - http://www.knowledgetransfer.unimelb.edu.au/ )

Aims: Developing a sense of community for marginalised people. Increasing self respect, dignity and a sense of achievement by creating a meal. Facilitating dialogue in order to gain an understanding of different. communities i.e. between homeless people and refugees and university students. Providing temporary source of income for refugees. Keep a permanent record of the sessions and stories in book.. Provide a certificate upon completion of the program for each member so as to promote a sense of achievement and self worth There is no project description at all. Timeline: May 08 to July 08: Finalise details of project Wrong year June 5th: SALP Project Proposal due July 1st : Session 1 (sessions to be held of the first Wednesday of each month) August 5th : Session 2 September 2nd: Session 3 September 22nd: SALP Symposium- presentation of project to university and community leaders October 7th: Session 4 November 5th : Session 5 February: Project report written for SALP Coordinator How the project furthers knowledge transfer: Includes other SALPers Creates a source of information through book/blog/video Positive reputation for the University (Uni students are community orientated) Establishes links between Brotherhood of St. Laurence and University of Melbourne for future student involvement through SALP and Engineers Without Borders Creates a link between two marginalised communities to celebrate commonalities and foster an attitude of acceptance.