AFEF funding is approved and disbursed based on a proposal submission process. The proposal submission process happens on a next-term basis (three times per annum) in accordance with the diagram outlined below. All funding proposals should be submitted one term in advance of the event/initiative it is intended for.

Deadlines
As proposals are reviewed each term, proposals must be submitted by the following deadlines:
- Fall 2020 deadline: October 23
- Winter 2021 deadline: February 18
- Spring 2021 deadline: TBD
General AFEF Guidelines & Funding Policy
The AFEF Board prioritizes proposals that will have the greatest benefit to the highest number of undergraduate SAF students at the University of Waterloo.
Proposals may include (but are not limited to):
- Event sponsorship to organize conferences
- Speaker/panel sessions
- Other student-led educational initiatives
AFEF funding will not be provided:
- To cover ongoing operating costs related to a proposal or club
- To charitable organizations or for charitable activities
- For multiple-year commitments (Approved project funding is a one-time allocation)
AFEF funding may be provided:
- To applicants who are affiliated with SAF at the University of Waterloo. This criterion includes but may not be limited to current undergraduate or graduate students, faculty or staff
- On a reimbursement basis only
All applicants acknowledge:
- Consent to allow AFEF to post a summary of their proposal and initiative in the event that the specific proposal is approved
- The applicant or a designated representative must attend an AFEF Board meeting to address questions about the proposal
- A complete, formal estimate of costs associated with your project is required with your submission. This may include invoices, on-line quotes, or estimates
- Funding decisions made by the AFEF Board of Directors are final. The AFEF Board provides acceptance communication confirming the extent of funding for successful applicants
- Any unused funds not claimed during the reimbursement process may not be carried over to another initiative or operating period
- If the cost of your project is higher than you expect, you or your group are responsible for the difference
AFEF funding will be reimbursed directly from the University of Waterloo Department of Finance. Parties whose proposal applications are deemed successful will be contacted directly for details regarding the reimbursement process.
Application Process
- Use the submit a proposal form on the AFEF website to apply for funding before the term deadline
- Present the proposal to the AFEF Board
- Receive confirmation of the proposal outcome from the Board
Presentation Guidelines
Presentations of AFEF funding proposals occur once a term and provide the AFEF Board of Directors with a chance to hear about the advantages of each suggested proposal. Eligible organizations/individuals will be invited to present their proposal at dates/times specified via email after the proposal submission deadlines.
Every proposal must be presented at this date; however, a proposer may choose a proxy if they are unable to attend.
Below are some guidelines on the presentation process:
- All presentations will be kept to a 5 minute maximum. Because of this scheduling, we strongly encourage every proposer to use the following format:
- Briefly explain the proposal, and how it benefits undergraduate SAF students (1 min)
- Describe the following (3 min):
- How many students could benefit and which clubs/organizations/courses could realistically benefit from this proposal
- What other funding sources have you pursued? It is strongly encouraged that proposers DO attempt to obtain funds from other sources (MEF, your Faculty, corporate sponsorships) as well as from AFEF
- For a department proposal, please indicate why the Faculty has not provided funding to cover this item
- With any time remaining, please mention any long-term impacts of the proposal, significant achievements by your student team, how AFEF will be acknowledged at your event, etc. (1 min)
- Following the presentation, you may be asked questions by members of the AFEF Board. Please keep your answers concise
- Please email any presentation files (PowerPoint or PDF preferred) to the AFEF Director in advance of the presentation to avoid unnecessary delays. The AV equipment in the presentation room will be used (E.g. a Nexus Windows XP Computer).
Funding Reimbursement
General Guidelines
* Please note, AFEF no longer reimburses individuals directly. All reimbursements will be made to the specific club or society.
In the event your proposal is approved to be funded, please take into account the following guidelines:
- AFEF provides funding on a reimbursement basis. After your event, you will submit a request reimbursement for the approved expenses
- Reimbursement requests should be consolidated (only one submission) to ensure that the reimbursement process is efficient for all parties
- Refer to UWaterloo Finance's reimbursement process for processing timelines and payment methods
Reimbursement Process: Student Society Clubs (AFSA and AFSA-afilliated clubs, ASU, Mathsoc, etc.)
- Complete the AFEF Reimbursement Package
- Send AFEF an email copy of the reimbursement package to saf-afef@uwaterloo.ca along with copies of all receipts. Ensure you keep all original physical receipts which should be submitted to your student society
- AFEF will review the package to ensure all documents necessary are present
- If there are no issues, AFEF will issue a request for an invoice to WUSA for the funding granted
- Upon receipt of the invoice, AFEF will forward WUSA's invoice to SAF's financial officer for payment and will email you notifying that the invoice is being processed for payment
Reimbursement Process: WUSA Clubs
- Complete the AFEF Reimbursement Package
- Complete the WUSA Cheque request form along with the submission of related physical receipts
- Please submit both the physical AFEF package and all cheque request forms to SAF's main office (HH 3157) and indicate to the front desk that the package for AFEF. Please keep photocopies of all receipts and forms for your own records
- AFEF will review the package to ensure all documents necessary are present and will submit the package to WUSA if the package is approved. AFEF will send you an email to notify you as well
- AFEF will request an invoice from WUSA, and after submission to SAF's financial officer, you will be paid to your WUSA club account. Individual reimbursement cheques will be available when ready at the WUSA office for pickup
If you have any questions about the funding policy and funding process, please do not hesitate to contact the AFEF Board of Directors.