Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to apply for the Lord Rootes Fund?
You must be a full-time or part-time student at the University of Warwick (undergraduate or postgraduate) for at least one year.
I am about to graduate — am I still eligible to apply?
Yes — as long as you are a registered student until the date of the Lord Rootes Fund Committee Meeting. You must remain registered until the end of the term.
Can I apply as a team?
Yes. Team submissions are accepted — please submit only one application form and include the contact details for all team members.
Can I apply more than once?
Yes — if your new application is for a different project. You cannot re-apply for further funding for the same project if you’ve already been awarded the maximum £3,000.
Can I be a team member on multiple projects?
Yes — you can be a team member on more than one project.
How much funding can I apply for?
Between £100 and £3,000. Apply only for the amount you genuinely need.
What can the funding be used for?
The Fund supports projects aligned with its core values of Innovation, Positive Impact, and Self-Development.
The Fund supports six project types:
- Business Ventures or Social Enterprises
- Personal or Skill Development Projects
- Social Impact Initiatives
- Arts or Cultural Initiatives
- Education or Outreach Initiatives
- Research
If your project doesn't fall under any type listed above, please send us an enquiry.
What can the funding not be used for?
The Fund does not support:
- Projects or activities that directly support credit-bearing activity or research as part of an academic program
- The payment of freelancers
- The purchase of promotional merchandise (including but not exclusive to apparel, pens, notebooks, keyrings, etc)
- Sports tours
If you are unsure of whether your project is eligible, please send us an enquiry.
When will I receive the funding?
If successful, you’ll receive:
- 80% upfront after your application is approved
- 20% on completion of your impact report.
How long do I have to spend the funding?
Projects should be between 3-12 months. For projects longer than 12 months, please send us an enquiry.
What makes a strong application?
We look for succinct applications that clearly articulate what your project is, why you are undertaking the project, and why your project will support both your personal development and impact.
We look for:
- Clarity of Idea: Is the project well-articulated with clear goals and expected outcomes?
- Impact & Alignment: Does the project align with the principles of Innovation, Positive Impact, and Self-Development.
- Feasibility: Is the project achievable within the given timeframe and budget?
- Innovation: Does the project show originality, fill a clear gap, or provide adequate reasoning it should be taken?
- Applicant Development: Does project support personal or professional growth?
What are my commitments if I receive funding?
Funds allocated through the Lord Rootes Fund are intended to fully support the completion of the approved project and should be spent in accordance. The Lord Rootes Fund reserves the right to recall funding that has been spent not in accordance with the approved project.
Important: If any significant changes are required, please send us an enquiry as soon as possible.
What makes a strong reflection?
We look for:
- Well-articulated description of what you did and what the outcomes were.
- Deep reflection of what you learned throughout the duration of the project, including highlighting any challenges you had to navigate.
- How your project has had impact and has been shared with the wider community.
- How your project has influenced your personal and professional development, and what you are going to do next.
Can I apply as a team?
You can apply either as an individual or as a team (maximum of five members). Only one application should be submitted per team, and the lead applicant must be a current University of Warwick student (undergraduate or postgraduate) or a graduate. Non-Warwick co-founders are welcome as team members.
Can international students and graduates apply?
International students and graduates are welcome to apply if you have the right to stay in the UK — regardless of your immigration status — and are based in the UK to develop and run your business during the programme.
Can I apply if I’m studying or working full-time?
Yes — the programme is designed to fit alongside study or work commitments.
Do I need to have a registered business?
No — you do not need to have a registered business to apply. We encourage participants to register a legal entity (e.g. limited company or sole trader) during the programme as part of our data reporting. However, if your immigration status does not allow you to register a business (for example, some student visas), you can still apply.
Do I need to be based in the UK?
You must have the right to reside in the UK while on the programme. However, you do not need to be permanently based in the UK for the duration of the programme.
Is there a cost to join?
No — the programme is free to attend, and we take zero equity.
What makes a strong candidate?
We look for:
- An innovative, viable idea with clear potential for scale, demonstrated in your business plan and financial model.
- A committed founder or leadership team with a clear vision and complementary skills.
- Evidence of early traction — e.g. customer feedback, prototypes, or pilot testing.
- A clear understanding of your target market and how you plan to reach it.
What are my commitments if accepted?
If you join the programme, you will be expected to:
- Hold a monthly meeting with each of your advisory board members, record brief meeting minutes and share with Alexander McLeod.
- Attend all programme workshops and your scheduled monthly one-to-one coaching session.
- Submit a monthly progress report in line with your Milestone & Action Plan (MAP) document.