Financial Aid, Sponsorships & Donations

Expandable List

McMaster University facilitates the applications for awards and bursaries through the AwardSping tile via Mosaic.  Complete the information section and your information will be applied across all relevant awards, reducing the need to apply to multiple awards. Learn more here. To apply for awards and/or bursaries:

    • Login to Mosaic, click on AwardSpring tile
    • Use your MacID to login, then complete the info sections
    • Submit your application and it is applied to all possible awards for which you meet the criteria
    • Follow-up with additional documents / reference letters as needed and track each award’s progress

Each year, the MSU allocates $10,000 to provide MSU members with emergency bursary funding. This funding is part of a larger pool available to McMaster students in need of financial assistance. Students experiencing financial need due to exceptional circumstances during the year, can follow the steps below:

  • Login to Mosaic, click on the AwardSpring tile
  • Use your MacID to login and apply to aid and awards
  • Contact Student Services using their online chat to schedule a Teams call to discuss your situation

You can find more information by visiting the Aid & Awards website.

The Sponsorship and Donations Committee accepts applications from McMaster students, MSU Clubs, and community groups. Students and community groups are eligible to apply for donations or make sponsorship requests, while MSU Clubs can only apply for sponsorship. You can find out more information about eligibility and limitations here.

Please note: The Sponsorship and Donations Committee meets less frequently during the summer (May-August), leading to longer response times. The first round of approved funding is typically released in August. To be able to receive funding before the summer break, applications must be submitted by the end of March. 

MSU Donation Request Form
Applications may not be considered if the request exceeds the maximum amount allowed, as outlined below:

  • Individual MSU members shall be eligible to receive up to $250 per fiscal year.
  • Non-MSU members from with the McMaster community shall be eligible to receive up to $100 per fiscal year.
  • There will be a limit of $750 for MSU members applying from the same organization, and $300 for non-MSU members within the McMaster Community per fiscal year.

Donation Timeline: Once an application is submitted, it can take approximately 2–3 business weeks to be reviewed and potentially approved. If approved, it will take approximately 5-10 business days for the cheque to be ready for pickup. 

MSU Sponsorship Request Form
Sponsorships requests must be received at least two weeks (10 business days) before the date of the event/conference. Requests submitted after this time period will not be considered.

Please note, there are specific differences between requests for donations and requests for sponsorship:

  • Donations are financial contributions to people or organizations with no reciprocal benefits, that have capped amounts.
  • Sponsorships are contributions made in return for advertising and/or promotion (e.g. logo use at event, etc.). If making a Sponsorship request, please include your Sponsorship Package detailing your Sponsorship Levels and commitments.

Sponsorship Timeline: Once an application is submitted, it can take approximately 2-3 business weeks to be reviewed and potentially approved. Once the event has passed and proof of meeting sponsorship requirements is received, it can take approximately 5-10 business days to receive the sponsorship money. 

Please download and complete the applicable form from above, and when completed please save the file and email the request, along with any questions and supplementary materials, to avpfinance@msu.mcmaster.ca.

Note for MSU Ratified Clubs: MSU Clubs cannot apply for donations, as Clubs are to apply directly to the Clubs Department for annual funding. However, Clubs may make sponsorship requests to the Committee. Please email a sponsorship application to the both AVP Finance (avpfinance@msu.mcmaster.ca) and the Clubs Administrator (clubs@msu.mcmaster.ca).

The Community Youth Bursary prioritizes donation requests that foster leadership among marginalized youth within the Hamilton community.

MSU Community Youth Bursary Form

Eligibility:  

  • All applicants must be 18 years or age or less 
  • Live in the Hamilton area.  
  • Have not previously applied for the bursary from May 1, 2020-current date 

Email completed forms to: avpfinance@msu.mcmaster.ca

Community Youth Bursary Timeline: Once an application is submitted, it can take approximately 2-3 business weeks to be reviewed and potentially approved. If approved, it will take approximately 5-10 business days for the cheque to be ready for pickup.