How to Apply for Grants

• Go to ookslife.ca.
• Select your club.
• Click Organization Tools > Finance > Create Request > Create Budget Request.

“Create Budget Request” is the ookslife.ca term for submitting a grant application. We can’t change this wording—but it means the same thing!

On the Create Budget Request page, you’ll see a list of all available intakes (application deadlines) for the 2025–26 school year.

Choose the intake that matches your project timeline. Your event or initiative must take place at least three weeks after the intake deadline.

Select one header that best matches your request type:

• Branded Merchandise: For swag like clothing, mugs, or pens—items with your club’s logo given away or sold.
• Up to 50% coverage. 
• Posters, brochures, and business cards go under Event Funding or General Operations instead. 
• Conference/Competition Attendance: For attending events relevant to your club’s purpose. 
• Up to $100 per student. 
• Event Funding: For hosting any club event or activity. 
• Submit a separate application for each event you want to fund. 
• General Operations: For general promotional or operational needs (e.g., business cards, equipment, supplies). 

Take your time here! A clear, thoughtful title and description helps reviewers understand the importance of your project.

This section is where you explain the why, what, who, and how behind your request. It gives the Grant Review Committee insight into your planning, purpose, and how the project benefits students.

You will be asked the following questions:

1. What is the purpose of your project, event, or purchase?
• Be clear and specific about your goal. 
• Explain how it supports your club’s mission and contributes to the NAIT student community. 
2. Who is your target audience and how will they benefit?
• State whether the event or resource is for club members, all NAIT students, or a specific group. 
• Include how it fosters inclusivity and student engagement. 
3. When and where will this take place?
• Share the date, time, and location. 
• Mention if it is on-campus or off-campus, and include relevant booking details if applicable. 
4. How will this initiative be promoted?
• Outline your marketing plan (social media, posters, word of mouth, class visits). 
• If you need printed materials, say so here and ensure it matches your budget tab. 
5. What resources or equipment are needed?
• Connect this answer to the budget items you’ve included. 
• Explain why these items are necessary to make your event or initiative successful. 
6. How will you ensure the project is inclusive and welcoming?
• Highlight any actions you’re taking to remove barriers to participation (physical, financial, cultural, etc.). 
7. How will this activity contribute to a positive student experience at NAIT?
• Link back to community-building, student leadership, or skill development.

Tip: Read each question carefully. The prompts are there to guide you—use them to shape detailed, thoughtful answers. Think of this section as telling the story of your project and showing why it matters.

8. What is your close-out date?

• This is when your final reporting, receipts, and Purchase Requests must be submitted.
• Your close-out date must be one month after your event, activity, or initiative ends. Set a realistic date to ensure you have time to gather all documents and complete the process.

Show you’ve planned for possible issues by outlining:

• The risk (e.g., “Technical difficulties”).
• Severity (Low / Medium / High).
• Likelihood (Low / Medium / High).
• Your plan to manage it. Risk management is carefully reviewed, so don’t skip this step!

Break down your costs clearly. Upload quotes, screenshots, or spreadsheets to support your pricing. Only approved items will be eligible for reimbursement, so include everything you need!

Make sure to:

• Fill out each line item with a clear description.

• Upload documents or links for each item.

Make sure the Requested Total accurately reflects the amount you’re applying for and includes everything you need to bring your idea to life.

Getting approved is just the start—following the rules of grant funding is key to keeping your club in good standing and eligible for future support.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Training Completion Required. Before each intake deadline, your club’s President, VP Operations, and VP Finance must complete:

• Clubs Basic Training Path, and

• Clubs Advanced Training Path.

• Stick to Your Approved Budget. Only items listed and approved in your grant application will be funded. Any unapproved purchases will not be reimbursed, and your club will be financially responsible.
  

• Submit Receipts on Time. All receipts for grant-related purchases must be submitted through a Purchase Request on ookslife.ca by your close-out date.
• Lost receipts will not be accepted. Late or missing receipts = loss of funds and club responsibility for the expense.
  

• Track Attendance for Events. If your event is grant-funded, you must track attendance using the Check-In App. Failure to track attendance may affect your club’s future grant eligibility.
  

• Respect the Decision. The decision made by the Grant Review Committee is final. Once funding is approved or denied, the status will not be changed.
  

Double-check your details. Then, submit your application!