The money can be used to develop the clubs and build student fraternity according to clubs and societies coordinator James Vicars.

Dr Vicars gave the example that a trade skill club could apply for money to purchase resources and have an expert come in and teach them.

Another example includes giveaways and tent rental for clubs to put on Orientation Week events. 

The money comes from the Student Service and Amenities Fee, a charge applied to internal students to help run and maintain certain university facilities and activities.

Previously student organisations had to apply to the Services and Amenities committee for funding.

But Dr Vicars said applying to the committee was mainly for major projects such as helping the Enactus club to compete internationally.

Dr Vicars said if a particular project was worthwhile it could be funded up to $15,000 but major projects can still go through the main committee.

“The doors aren’t shut on that one, this is more to build on the 30-40 clubs … and helping give them a leg up in making their activities more viable,” he said.

While the University of New England Student’s Association is looking for well thought out and well costed Dr Vicars said there was no brief for the funding and they wanted students to be innovative.

“What will happen is students will be applying for clubs and societies funding that build amenities in different ways,” he said.

Clubs and societies wanting to apply for funding can do so through the association’s office at the university or by contacting clubsandsocities@une.edu.au.

Submissions close on May 12 with the receivers of funding expected to be announced about two weeks later. But Dr Vicars said applications submitted throughout the year would still be assessed.