Each year, the amount of funding requested from the Student Initiated Fee: Activities fund exceeds the amount available for awards. With that in mind, the following "TIPS" are offered to help you and your organization maximize your potential for receiving funds.
Partnerships Work!
Find another (or better yet, several) organization to collaborate with in terms of your programming proposal. This may help you reach a broader portion of the campus community with your programming efforts. Since the fee rarely funds a proposal at 100% of request, sharing financial resources will also be of help to your group, and historically has been viewed positively by the Allocation Committee.
Not sure where to find potential partners? We suggest starting in the Center for Student and Civic Engagement, 126 Slep Student Center for a complete listing of registered student organizations. Other resources would include the Student Government Association (109F Slep Student Center) and the Office of Student Affairs (103 Slep Student Center) as well.
Show us your $$$!
As mentioned above, it is rare for the fee to fund a program in its entirety. Resources vs. demand simply don't allow for this to happen on a regular basis. Therefore, when you are drafting your proposal, give serious thought to the resources which your organization will invest in the program for which you are requesting funding. Partner with the fee to help make your proposal as viable financially as possible.
Your Audience Matters!
Fee funds, by policy, should be invested in programming that is open to all campus students. Keep that in mind as you write your proposal.
Be Specific!
Complete the proposal form in its entirety. Be specific, especially when it comes to what your program goals are, and how the program will benefit the campus community. Submit a detailed budget request. Make certain you consider all anticipated expenses including food, travel, advertising, maintenance and / or technical service costs, etc.
We recommend making an appointment to discuss your proposal with the staff in the Student Life Office (126 Slep Student Center). They can assist your group with building a comprehensive budget, and making certain you have covered all necessary points for your proposal.
Plan Ahead!
Don't wait until the final few days to submit your proposal. Plan ahead, and submit as early as possible. Funding is allocated quickly, so if you wait there is always the possibility of there not being resources remaining when your proposal comes in. In addition, if your proposal does not receive funding (tabled or denied), you may have an opportunity to appeal or re-write the proposal based on Committee recommendations and input. The allocation Committee has established both proposal deadline dates and meeting dates.
Proposals must be received by the deadline date to be considered at the next allocation meeting. Proposals submitted late will not be considered for that allocation meeting, but rather held over to the next (future) meeting date.
Need Help?
If yes, please contact the Center for Student and Civic Engagement, 126 Slep Student Center or the Office of Student Affairs, 103 Slep Student Center. Staff in both areas will be able to provide you with advice and help regarding the submission of a funding proposal.