Am I eligible to apply?

All members of the St Helen's alumnae community can apply for a grant.

What is the deadline for applications?

The deadline for application is Friday 23 August 2024.

Can I apply by post?

The quickest and easiest way to apply is online by clicking the box at the bottom of this page, but we also welcome applications by post. Please email alumnae@shsk.org.uk for an application form.

When will I hear if my application has been successful?

Applications will be considered and decisions communicated by the end of Michaelmas term 2024. 

What information is required in support of my application?

Please see the information below, specific to each of the award categories.

Higher education academic study

Applicants will need to provide a breakdown of how the funds would be used; this might include the costs of travel or resources in support of academic research. Applicants will be expected to demonstrate the educational benefits they and/or others will gain from being awarded a grant. 

A supporting document from the department for the academic work being undertaken will need to be provided as part of the application process. Applicants should provide an outline of how the grant would be used. 

Entrepreneurial initiative

Applicants will need to provide a detailed proposal, explaining the use of the grant and how this fits within a wider funding context (detailing any other sources of funding). Applications should explain how this project creates value (financial and/or social/and or cultural and/or environmental and/or educational) and how that value will be measured/recognised. 

Entrepreneurial projects which have a clear social or environmental benefit will be prioritised. 

Retraining or upskilling

Applicants must be able to demonstrate why they and their career would benefit from retraining or upskilling. This may be to maximise employability due to a change in circumstances or a decision to take their career in a different direction. Applicants must give a detailed description of their proposed upskilling along with costs of courses or training activities.

Who assesses the applications?

Applications will be reviewed by an internal panel overseen by the Headmistress and the successful recipients will be informed by the Head of Alumnae Relations and Fundraising.

All awards are at the discretion of the panel and the panel reserves the right not to make an award if no application is considered strong enough. More than one grant may be awarded in each category. 

Would the School like to hear about how I use the grant if I am awarded one?

For each award type, the recipient will be expected to provide a report for the Governors on how the funding has been used. In addition the recipient will be expected to provide a summary for the annual SHSK Society alumnae magazine. 

Can a grant be donated to charity?

The grants cannot be used as donations to other charities, however worthy the cause.

If you have any questions about the Grants, please contact the Alumnae Office by email on: alumnae@shsk.org.uk