The Plus Programme and Leeds University Union (LUU) established the 'LUU Fund' to remove financial barriers to society memberships. This fund allows students to participate in extracurricular activities, enhancing their academic experience, fostering community, and supporting personal growth.
The challenge
The LUU Fund was established through a partnership between the Plus Programme and Leeds University Union (LUU) to tackle financial obstacles that hinder students from fully participating in societies. Many students in the Plus Programme struggle with financial challenges that make society memberships and additional expenses unaffordable. This financial burden can restrict their involvement in extracurricular activities, which are crucial for community building, networking, and personal growth.
Recognising the need for inclusive participation, the Plus Programme and LUU decided to address these financial barriers to joining clubs and societies. Upfront costs often discourage students, especially when trying out new hobbies or interests. The fund provides a solution by covering not only membership fees but also ongoing participation costs, such as events and international trips.
The approach
We have monthly check-in meetings, provide updates on how the fund is performing, and coordinate ways to promote it more effectively.
The LUU Fund specifically supports Plus Programme students by subsidising the cost of society memberships and related expenses. Initially covering fees above £20, the threshold was reduced to £15 to further increase accessibility. The fund also provides financial support for related costs, including travel, event tickets, and necessary equipment.
Ross Hickman, from the Student Activities Team at LUU, emphasised the success of this collaborative model:
“We work very closely in collaboration with the Plus Programme team. We have monthly check-in meetings, provide updates on how the fund is performing, and coordinate ways to promote it more effectively. That strong working relationship helps everything run smoothly.”
When asked about their relationship with the Plus Programme, Ross stated, “Whenever I have spoken to anyone who works with the Plus Programme, the aims behind the initiative are definitely there to support students. I think that's really important, that there's that personal investment in actually delivering on the goals of the Plus Programme and LUU fund. They have definitely delivered on that aspiration, and I absolutely wouldn't hesitate to recommend Plus Programme to any other team looking to achieve that same kind of goal.”
The impact
It makes me feel valued and empowers me to get involved without financial stress.
The LUU Fund has had a significant impact, supporting 493 students in 2023/24, with over £50,000 allocated to membership and associated costs. Of the 1,200+ applications received, the majority were approved, demonstrating the fund’s necessity. Testimonials highlight how the fund fosters a sense of belonging, with students expressing gratitude for the financial relief it provides.
One student shared, “It makes me feel valued and empowers me to get involved without financial stress.” Another student expressed, “I greatly appreciate the scheme and would've missed out on my graduation ball due to financial constraints if it were not for it.”
Ross described the fund as “a massive success” during his time at LUU, pointing to the £43,859 in reimbursements processed during the academic year. He noted a shift in the nature of applications, with more students now requesting support for associated and ongoing participation costs, not just memberships. “The fund has grown considerably—even just this semester in 2025, we’ve accessed an increased portion of budget due to student demand,” he said.
Students have also emphasised the importance of sustaining and expanding the fund. Feedback suggests increasing the budget, improving promotion—especially for sports societies with high equipment costs—and ensuring applications remain open throughout the academic year.
One student commented, “Please continue it every year. It helps a lot. I'm sure students will continue to benefit from it long after I graduate.”
Another noted, “Without this fund, myself and many other students in similar financial positions would not be able to be a part of the Gryphons community, as well as the social community that sports and societies have associated to them.”
Ross summed up the collaboration by praising the shared commitment:
“Whenever I’ve spoken to anyone who works with the Plus Programme, it’s clear that there’s a real personal investment in supporting students. All of my experience working with the programme so far has delivered on that aspiration.”
If you would like to find out more about the LUU Fund, please email The Plus Programme at theplusprogramme@leeds.ac.uk.