To maintain funds to operate as an organization, host events, and recruit students, many student organizations utilize fundraising. Additionally, RSOs often participate in volunteer and service programs where they raise money or collect items to donate to a cause. Student organizations can fundraise on campus; however, it must be pre-approved by the Center for Student Involvement and RSO fundraising policies must be followed.
Fundraising Definition
For student organizations, fundraising is defined as anytime the RSO is collecting money or items on campus, or financially benefiting from hosting an event (i.e. receiving funding from an organization that you partner with on an event). This includes donations (money or items), the sale of items or food (i.e. bake sales, item sales, etc.), charging a registration or admission fee, leaving a donation box on campus, etc. Any time the RSO is collecting money or items on campus, this is considered fundraising and the RSO fundraiser policies must be followed. Failure to do so can result in conduct and discipline for the RSO.
Fundraising Policies & Guidelines
The policies and guidelines that RSOs must follow when fundraising are based on the type of fundraising. Choose from the options below to learn more about each fundraising type and the respective policies that must be followed.
- Charging Admission/Registration Fee to an Event: Examples include having a ticket price for an event, requiring someone to pay to attend an event, etc.
- Donation Bin/Box on Campus: Example includes placing a box on campus to collect canned food to donate to a cause/organization.
- Food/Item Sales: Examples include bake/food sales, selling pre-made items, etc.
Fundraising Request Form
All RSO events or fundraisers that meet the fundraising criteria must complete an RSO Fundraising Request. This form must be reviewed and approved by the Center for Student Involvement before any fundraising can begin. Please submit this form well in advance of your donation timeline to ensure there is enough time for review, questions, and approval. Late submissions may be not be able to be reviewed in time.
