About the fund
The Walter H. Gage Memorial Fund provides financial support for non-curricular student projects and activities that are campus-oriented, of broad general interest, enhance the reputation of the university, or have academic components involving merit and initiative.
The Fund is permanently endowed through gifts from alumni, students, faculty, staff and others. Income from the endowment fund amounts will vary based on the rate of return determined by Financial Services.
Named in honour of Walter H. Gage, who served UBC for over 50 years—including as President from 1969 to 1975—the Fund reflects his deep commitment to students and teaching. Known for his generosity, personal support of students, and dedication to financial assistance programs, Gage left a lasting impact across all faculties.
Eligibility requirements
Applications are accepted from the following:
- UBC students in good standing at the time of application and during the project period
- UBC student groups or clubs that are:
- Affiliated with the AMS
- Affiliated with a Faculty or School
- Associated with another officially recognized UBC organization
Applications will not be accepted from faculty members, staff, off-campus organizations, or from UBC students applying on behalf of off-campus organizations.
Eligible projects
The following projects are eligible for funding:
- Hosting an undergraduate conference at UBC
- Attending an undergraduate conference held elsewhere as a UBC delegate
- Participating in an education-related activity, such as:
- Youth parliaments
- Scientific or engineering competitions
- Participation in sporting competitions by athletes representing UBC on teams not fully sponsored by UBC Athletics
The Fund does not fund projects or activities that are in any way a part or extension of the academic curriculum at UBC, such as field trips or graduate student attendance at academic conferences.
Students should secure additional sources of funding, including personal contributions.
Funding limits
- The Committee may allocate up to $2,000 Canadian dollars, but the Fund must not be the only or largest single source of funding for any project or activity.
- A group may not apply for funding support in 2 consecutive years for the same project if its membership remains unchanged.
- After the completion of the activity or project, a final report, including a brief summary of the event and the final budget, should be submitted to the Committee. Future funding for the group or club will be contingent upon the receipt of this information.
- Any unspent amount must be returned to the Walter H. Gage Memorial Fund.
Conference-specific guidelines
- Each delegation may receive funding up to a maximum of $2,000 Canadian dollars.
- The grant may not exceed 50% of the total expenses of hosting or attending the conference.
- The Fund does not provide support for hosting or attending non-student conferences, or for graduate student travel or registration at academic conferences.
- After the conference, the delegation must provide a cost accounting and a final report. The student body represented by the delegation must also be given a report on conference activities.
Proposal review process
Proposals are reviewed by a 9-member committee, which includes:
- 3 representatives nominated by the Office of the Vice-President, Students
- A representative nominated by the Office of the President
- 2 representatives appointed by the UBC Alumni Association
- 3 representatives nominated by the Alma Mater Society, with normally one being the Vice-President Administration
The Committee reviews application submissions on separate dates throughout the year.
| Application deadline | Meeting date |
|---|---|
| Tues, Mar 10, 2026 | Tues, Mar 24, 2026 |
| Tues, Sep 15, 2026 | Tues, Sep 29, 2026 |
| Tues, Oct 13, 2026 | Tues, Oct 23, 2026 |
| Tues, Nov 10, 2026 | Tues, Nov 24, 2026 |
How to apply
Application timeline
Applications must be received by the Committee a minimum of 4 weeks before an event or project start date. Applications submitted after an event or project has been completed will not be considered.
There are multiple application deadlines throughout the year. Below are the most recent application dates:
- Tues, Mar 10, 2026
- Tues, Sep 15, 2026
- Tues, Oct 13, 2026
- Tues, Nov 10, 2026
Submit your application
- Gather the information required for your application, listed in the Walter Gage Fund Application Checklist (pdf). The supporting letter from the AMS or department can be submitted later, to meet the application deadline.
- Sign and email your completed application and supporting documentation in a single PDF document to vpsassist@mail.ubc.ca. The date on which the email is received will be recorded as the submission date.
Previously funded projects
The Fund has supported a wide range of student-led initiatives that create impact, such as:
- A global health initiative that delivered sickle cell disease education and screening in Nepal
- Cultural events like Langar Day, organized by the UBC Sikh Students’ Association, that foster dialogue, inclusion, and community on campus
- Student research and publications like the Undergraduate Journal of Art History and Visual Culture
- InnovateHer Conference, organized by the AMS Girls in STEAM, which empowers students from underrepresented genders in STEAM
- International academic competitions such as the Sauder Summit Global Case Competition
If you have questions
Email vpsassist@mail.ubc.ca if you experience any issues with your application or have questions about the fund.