What types of organisations do you work with?
We partner with not-for-profit organisations and social enterprises. Shopfront tries to work where we will be having the most impact. This has meant that, over the years, we have prioritised smaller, less funded, community-based organisations on projects that will have lasting impact for the organisation and associated communities. The term community is used broadly to refer to formal community organisations, peak bodies or groups drawn together on an issue or interest.
What type of projects can Shopfront support?
We can support a range of projects from design, business to research and more. The types of projects we support depends on what existing subject and faculty partnerships we have and the needs of our community partner organizations more broadly. Please see our project submission page for more in-depth information about the types of projects we support or sign up to our newsletter on the same page for the latest deadlines.
When, how long and how often does the program run for?
The Shopfront program runs twice a year in Spring and Autumn semesters for approximately 12 weeks each. The key dates vary across the Spring and Autumn semesters, these dates are contingent on the UTS academic timeline and may vary slightly each year. We provide all community partners with key semester dates after the project proposal has been submitted.
Approximate semester dates:
Spring Semester 1: March to June
Autumn Semester 2: August to November
Do you do regional or interstate projects?
That depends. Our community partners are required to attend 1-2 face to face client-student meetings a semester. In general, this means regional or interstate projects are not feasible as clients cannot generally travel to Sydney for these meetings. We assess these submissions on a case by case basis, depending on availability of community partners and requirements of each subject we partner with. Read more about the Shopfront program cycle and commitments for clients. Contact us at if you would like to discuss this further. shopfront@uts.edu.au
How do you decide which projects are offered to students?
The three key questions that we ask about when assessing a project is: Does it address an identified need? It is achievable in the timeframe? Do students have/or are learning the right skill set to deliver the project?
Is this a free program?
Yes, there is no cost for students or community organisations to participate.
What do I need to propose a project and how do I apply?
Your organisation must nominate a key contact to collaborate with the student/s. This key contact must have capacity to dedicate maximum 2 hours per week of their time and be able to visit UTS campus.
The project inquiry should provide enough information to work out if the project is suitable for Shopfront community coursework. This is based on a few factors including timeframe, availability of expertise, and student availability.
Need help developing a project proposal? We can then work with you to develop a shopfront project. If your project does not fit into the Shopfront program, we will endeavour to place you with an alternate UTS Social Impact program.
You can apply on our Project Submissions page.
Can I make multiple project proposals? Can I work with UTS Shopfront again if I’ve already partnered in the past?
Yes, you can make multiple project proposals at the same time.
Previous Shopfront partners are welcome to reapply to Shopfront. However, as we have a limited number of places, we will prioritise new organisations in our selection process to provide them with the opportunity to benefit from the Shopfront program.
What happens after I apply?
Once we have received your proposal, we will determine whether your proposal is a suitable Shopfront project. We will be in touch if we require any further information, or if your project requires any changes to be eligible for the Shopfront program. If it does not fit the Shopfront program, we will refer your project to other Social Impact programs at UTS or keep your project on file for a later date should anything arise.
How do I keep informed projects, deadlines and other Shopfront activities?
Sign up to the Shopfront e-newsletter. The Shopfront newsletter contains information about upcoming project call-outs, submission deadlines as well as workshop, event and partnership opportunities for community partners from across UTS.
How much time and support do I need to provide Shopfront students?
Your organisation must nominate a key contact to collaborate with the student/s. This key contact must have capacity to dedicate maximum 2 hours per week of their time and be able to visit UTS campus 1-2 times a semester.
Does our organisation need to have volunteer insurance? How does Shopfront manage issues around insurance for students?
UTS students are covered by UTS insurance for the work they undertake as a part of their coursework. Your organisation does not need to have volunteer insurance to partner with UTS Shopfront.
Have a question we haven’t answered? Contact us at shopfront@uts.edu.au