Futureworks is proud to offer a range of financial support funds for our undergraduate students. We aim to actively support access to our courses from groups of applicants who are underrepresented in Higher Education that face financial challenges and hardship.
We know that doing your degree can come with financial challenges, and we’re here to help. Futureworks offers a range of financial support funds for eligible undergraduate students to make sure money isn’t a barrier to your education.
These funds are aimed at supporting students who may be underrepresented in Higher Education or facing financial hardship. The money you receive is not a loan – you don’t need to pay it back, and it won’t affect your Student Finance entitlement.
We currently offer four support funds:
- Disability Referral & Assessment Fund – to help with costs related to disability assessments
- New Students Support Fund – for new students who need financial help settling in
- Hardship Fund – for students facing unexpected financial difficulties
- Open Day & Interview Travel Reimbursement Fund – to help cover travel costs for attending interviews or open days
If you think you might be eligible or just want to learn more, feel free to reach out – we’re happy to guide you through the process: support@futureworks.ac.uk
How does it work?
Decide which fund(s) you wish to apply for.
Complete the relevant application form on our website (if the fund is application-based)
Applications are reviewed by our Access & Participation Steering Group panel
Successful applicants will be paid directly via bank transfer
Students may apply for more than one fund. Please note, all awards are discretionary, and the success of any application is not guaranteed, however we would encourage all students who believe they are eligible to apply.
Support funds
If you’ve been recommended a specific assessment or item that’s essential for your studies and without it, you’d be at a disadvantage or unable to continue – Futureworks may be able to offer financial support through our Disability Referral & Assessment Fund.
Before applying, you’ll need to meet with our Welfare Officer to talk through the challenges you’re facing and go over the process. They’ll also help complete any necessary referral forms. You can book a meeting by emailing support@futureworks.ac.uk
Funding amount: Between £100 and £200
Deadline for applying: Applications must be received before the end of Semester 2
Eligibility: fully enrolled at Futureworks and self-declared as one or more target groups (as identified in our Access & Participation Plan)
Process: Applications are reviewed anonymously by a panel that meets weekly. You’ll be notified of the panel’s decision within 3 working days of the panel meeting via your Futureworks email address.
Please note that this fund draws from a limited budget and is made available on a first-come, first-served basis.
What can you apply for:
- ADHD Referrals Assessment Contribution Fee (£199) – If you’ve been referred by Futureworks for an ADHD assessment, students are required to pay a £199 contribution fee toward the cost of the assessment. You can apply to the Disability Referral & Assessment Fund to cover the the cost of this fee.
- Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD) Referrals Assessment Contribution Fee (£100) – If you’ve been referred by Futureworks for a Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD) assessment, there is a £100 contribution fee that students are required to pay. You can apply to the Disability Referral & Assessment Fund to cover the cost of this fee.
- Disability Equipment Contribution Fee (£200) – If you’ve had to contribute £200 toward the cost of a computer or other equipment recommended through a DSA Needs Assessment, you may be eligible for full or partial reimbursement through the Disability Equipment Contribution Fund. This fund is designed to support students who need essential equipment for their studies but face financial barriers. If you think you might qualify, please reach out to the Welfare Officer to discuss your situation and get help with the application process.
If you have any questions or need help with your application, feel free to reach out to support@futureworks.ac.uk
You can apply for the Disability Referral and Assessment Fund here.
Financial support to help with the challenges encountered when starting your higher education journey.
The New Students Support Fund is open for new students only.
What can you apply for:
- Any costs incurred at the start of your degree course
- Equipment needed for your course
- Costs associated with moving into student accommodation
Funding amount: A minimum of £500 per term for the first year of study.
Eligibility:
- Newly enrolled students only (first time enrolled at Futureworks)
- Self-declared as having eligible for free school meals at Key Stage 3 and/or 4
or
- Newly enrolled students only (first time enrolled at Futureworks)
- Self-declared as being care-experienced
Process: Students who have self-declared will be contacted by Student Services during the first term.
Applications Open on 1st August 2025 at 9am.
It is allocated on a first come, first served basis. It is expected that students have measures in place to pay for their tuition fees and living costs whilst at Futureworks. However, we understand that students may find themselves in financial difficulty for a variety of reasons whilst they are studying with us.
The Hardship Fund is a discretionary fund available to undergraduate students to provide some relief from unforeseen financial hardship, for example to help pay for food, transport or accommodation.
Futureworks has limited funds each year to help students who are experiencing financial hardship.
Deadline: Last day of the academic year in Semester 2 or until funds are available in accordance with the budget. The hardship fund is limited by the total size of the budgeted funds.
Funding amount: Up to £500. Applications are reviewed on an individual basis, and payment will be made either via bank transfer or in the form of vouchers or travel tickets depending on what is needed.
Eligibility:
Students must be:
- fully enrolled at Futureworks
- experiencing temporary financial hardship
- Self-declared as one or more of the declared underrepresented groups
Process: Applications will be reviewed & approved by the Access & Participation Steering Group panel.
Please do not assume that an application will be successful, nor anticipate any amount that may be received, as awards are discretionary and not guaranteed.
Applications open all year.
Help for prospective students who may have difficulty attending Futureworks for interviews or Open Days.
Applicants looking at any year of study may apply.
You will need to send us a receipt of your travel expenses; for example, a bus or train ticket, or receipt for car parking or fuel.
Deadline: 14 days after attending an Open Day or interview.
Funding amount: Up to £50, paid directly to you.
Eligibility:
- First time recipient per admissions cycle
- Not enrolled at Futureworks
Process: Email admissions@futureworks.ac.uk with your full name, event you attended and a receipt of your travel expenses.
Please do not assume that an application will be successful, nor anticipate any amount that may be received, as awards are discretionary and not guaranteed.
Eligibility
Our financial support measures are primarily aimed at achieving higher representation of the following groups:
- Individuals from low participation neighbourhoods/socio-economic backgrounds
- Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic students
- Care leavers
- People estranged from their families
- People from Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities
- Refugees
- Children from military families
- Carers
Additional support
Free Food Essential Packs
Foodbank Vouchers
Futureworks works with Salford Foodbank to provide foodbank vouchers for students who need them.
We don’t think anyone in our community should have to face going hungry. That’s why Foodbank Salford provide three days’ of nutritionally balanced emergency food and support to local people. They are part of a nationwide network of foodbanks, supported by The Trussell Trust, working to combat poverty and hunger across the UK.
“The foodbank was there when we really needed it, it was an absolute lifeline.”
Everyday people in the UK go hungry for reasons ranging from redundancy to receiving an unexpected bill on a low income. A simple bag of food makes a big difference, with foodbanks helping prevent crime, housing loss, family breakdown and mental health problems.
How do I get a Foodbank Voucher and what is the process?
If you are experiencing financial hardship and are struggling to afford food, you should book a support meeting with our Welfare Officer to discuss your personal situation
If authorised, the Welfare Officer will discuss the process and issue you with an online code and the location of which to collect your food package. We try and allocate a foodbank within approx. 10 mins of where you live so you can access this service as easily as possible.
You can then take your code to the foodbank and collect your package. Just remember some strong bags!
How does a foodbank work?
- Food is donated – Schools, churches, businesses, and individuals donate non-perishable, in-date food to a foodbank. Large collections often take place as part of Harvest Festival celebrations and food is also collected at supermarkets.
- Food is sorted and stored – Volunteers sort food to check that it’s in date and pack it into bags ready to be given to people in need. Over 40,000 people give up their time to volunteer at foodbanks.
- Professionals identify people in need – Foodbanks partners, from a wide range of care professionals such as doctors, health visitors, social worker, police, and universities, identify people in crisis and issue them with a foodbank voucher code.
- Individuals receive food – Foodbank clients bring their voucher code to a foodbank centre where it can be redeemed for three days’ emergency food. In most Distribution Centres volunteers can meet clients over a warm drink and a chat, and together with our own trained team of specialist sign posters and Professional Financial Advisors are able to signpost people to agencies able to solve their longer-term problems.
They can adapt your food parcel according to the number of adults and children indicated on your voucher referral. They will also endeavour to provide foods that are age appropriate and in suitable quantities for any children. Usually, they can also adapt your food parcel to meet your dietary needs, for example, gluten free, halal or vegetarian. Please discuss this with our Welfare Officer when making a request.
A typical food parcel includes:
- Breakfast cereals
- Soup
- Pasta
- Rice
- Pasta sauce
- Tinned beans
- Tinned meat
- Tinned vegetables
- Tinned fruit
- Tea or coffee
- Biscuits
- Snacks
When you arrive at the foodbank centre, there will be volunteers available to chat to you about any special dietary requirements you may have.
We know that crisis can strike anyone, and we also understand how difficult it can be to think about walking through a foodbank door. That’s why there are volunteers on-hand to welcome everyone who comes to the foodbank with compassion, kindness and a listening ear.
Eligibility:
- Any student is eligible, please speak to our Welfare Officer to discuss this referral. You can book a support meeting here or email support@futureworks.ac.uk
Free Toiletries Essential Packs
Personal hygiene refers to the various practices and habits individuals use to maintain their physical and mental health. These practices include washing your hands, having a shower/wash, brushing your teeth, washing your hair, and using deodorant. By taking care of your hygiene, you can feel more confident, in control, and proud of yourself, contributing to positive mental health outcomes.
Personal hygiene aims to keep the body and mind clean and healthy by preventing the spread of germs and infections, reducing risk of illness, and preventing skin and dental problems. Good personal hygiene is also important in helping build and maintain relationships both in education and the workplace, contributing to a clean and pleasant environment for everyone.
For those who struggle with their mental health, self-care can be both challenging and rewarding, this includes personal hygiene. This may be something like showering, brushing teeth, or doing your laundry. Just like with everything, self-care looks different on everyone, and difficult areas will not be the same for each person. Showering can be a real challenge when your mood is low and poor hygiene can cause or exacerbate depression or anxiety problems and make a person isolate themselves.
Self-care means taking the time to do the things that improve both your physical and mental wellbeing. When it comes to your mental health, self-care can help you manage stress, lower your risk of illness, and increase your energy. Even small acts of self-care in your daily life can have a big impact. Keeping the body clean has positive effects on a person’s social life and their physical and mental health.
Personal hygiene is simply looking after the body and keeping it clean and healthy. Developing and maintaining a personal hygiene routine is key to having a healthy body and mind.
As another means of support, we offer free essential toiletries packs. These are available to all students. By providing the essentials to stay clean, we hope that our students will feel more confident and comfortable and that we can relieve some of the financial pressure they might be under.
What is included in these packs?
- Soap
- Shower gel
- Shampoo / Conditioner
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Face wash
- Deodorant
- Sanitary products
Eligibility:
The essential toiletries packs are available to all students.
Where can I collect these from?
Students can collect the packs from Floor 1. If you are unsure of where to collect or have any questions, please contact support@futureworks.ac.uk
Free Sanitary Products
Period poverty affects women, girls, transgender men, and non-binary people all over the world. Having your period should not impact on your ability to be able to attend lessons and lectures, but, unfortunately, that is the case for many students across the UK.
In the UK, 1 in 10 girls can’t afford to buy menstrual products, while 1 in 7 have struggled to afford them.
Not having access to a safe and hygienic way to deal with menstruation can have profound consequences; particularly in education. Research by Plan International UK found that 49% of girls have missed an entire day of school because of their period. 59% of these girls have made up a lie or an alternative excuse to avoid going to school. Over the course of a year, 137,700 children in the UK miss school because of period poverty.
Another problem intertwined with period poverty is the taboo surrounding menstruation, this can be particularly harmful to girls going through puberty. In a survey of more than 1,000 girls, nearly half were embarrassed by their period, many were afraid to ask for help because of the stigma and 68% said they felt less able to pay attention in class at school or college while menstruating.
As requested by our Student Partners, period products, such as pads and tampons, are available in our toilets at both Riverside & Media City to those who need them in order to access education. Having periods should not be a barrier to education for anyone.
Please help yourself to the products provided when you need them.
Emergency Loan
Emergency Loan Applications open all academic year
Deadline:
A student can apply for an emergency loan during any year of study at any time
Futureworks provides an Emergency Loan for any student who may have a temporary financial difficulty whilst studying at Futureworks.
This is useful for students who have received and exhausted their maintenance loan or bursary payment and are awaiting another source of income e.g. wages or next maintenance loan or bursary instalment.
Students must book a support meeting with our Welfare Officer to discuss this method of financial support and complete an application form.
Funding amount:
Up to £250 paid directly to you via bank transfer. The maximum assistance we can supply in one academic year is £250. A smaller amount will be offered if the application does not warrant the full amount. Gift cards/travel vouchers may be given if the loan is required for grocery/travel costs.
How does it work?
Students must apply via the Welfare Officer. All applications are assessed on an individual basis by the Head of Student Affairs who will make a recommendation as how much assistance should be offered and in what form.
Recommendations are then authorised by the Vice-Principal. The decision of the Vice-Principal is final. If approved, the loan must be re-paid within 10 working days after you receive your next maintenance loan instalment from Student Finance.
Emergency Loan payments are assessed on an individual basis and the loan amount will be given in accordance with the student’s needs. No decisions regarding the application will be made during the meeting with our Welfare Officer.
What do I need to do to apply?
- Complete an application form via the Welfare Officer
- You will need to prove that they you have been approved a maintenance loan by Student Finance, by supplying official correspondence from your funding body showing your entitlement letter. If you do not have Student Finance please discuss this with our Welfare Officer
- You will need to provide a copy of your current bank statements for the past 3 months
- You will need to provide a form of Photo I.D. e.g. passport, current driving license
If you do not receive a maintenance loan but are struggling financially, we would encourage you to come and speak to us in the Student Advice Centre so we can work out how best to support you.
Eligibility:
Students must be:
- Fully enrolled at Futureworks
- Experiencing temporary financial hardship
- First time recipient of an Emergency Loan per academic year
Who is not eligible?
- Any student who is currently in debt to Futureworks
- Any student who is currently suspended from Futureworks.
What happens if I don’t repay the loan?
Futureworks reserves the right to place the debt into the hands of a debt collection agency and to take action through the Courts, if the debt remains unpaid. Debt recovery fees will be charged to the student as appropriate.
Book a support meeting with our Welfare Officer here or you can email support@futureworks.ac.uk
Process:
Applications will be reviewed & approved by the Head of Student Affairs and Vice-Principal. Students must attend a support meeting with the Welfare Officer to discuss their individual situation.