RSO Funding

Applying for Funding

Please be aware of the guidelines and application deadlines communicated by SGA Ways & Means. You may direct additional inquiries to your Ways and Means representative.

To be able to request funding and access your Embark accounting book, you must complete the Ways & Means and Business Office trainings and associated quizzes to become an Authorized Signer.

Accessing Your Group's Money

The Business Office manages the Ways & Means funding to groups. For information about requirements and contact information, visit their page.

Fundraising & Fundraising Registration

Fundraising has three forms

  • Sale of goods or Services
  • Soliciting donations from MHC departments/offices
  • Outside Sponsorship - requires consultation with OSI

Fundraising Registration

Organizations wishing to fundraise (including soliciting donations from departments and outside sponsorship) must complete the Fundraising Request form in Embark at least 7 days before the fundraising is set to begin.

Food

Food prepared by students for the purpose of fundraising (bake sales, boba tea, etc) may not be sold. Foods in ‘factory packaging” are permitted (e.g. Oreo six-packs), unless they require heat or refrigeration, with approval from Student Involvement.

Alums

Organizations may not solicit donations through email or email alums directly to fundraise.

Collecting Money

Organizations should use the PayPal feature in Embark to collect payments. All fundraised money must be collected via the Embark PayPal account and/or checks, and cash can be deposited into the student organization’s account in the SGA Business Office. The use of Money Transfer services or Payment Apps of any kind for student organization fundraising or other org business is not permitted. Money Transfer services and Payment Apps may include but are not limited to PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, Square Cash, Google Wallet, Apple Pay, Dwolla, Skrill, Payoneer, Payza, 2Checkout, Intuit, ProPay, WePay, and others.

Crowdfunding

The use of online crowdfunding portals for student fundraising is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to: GoFundMe, Razoo, Network for Good, Kickstarter, etc. These online portals are strongly discouraged due to the high fees and potential personal tax implications. Mount Holyoke alum, parent, or friend data may not be used in the execution of such outside campaigns.

full Fundraising guidelines

  • Fundraising Policy Outline

    Organizations may fundraise but are cautioned to fundraise for their group with care.  RSOs must:

    • Be currently Recognized and in good standing with the College.
    • Have exhausted funding from on-campus sources for the initiative.

    The proposed activity must:

    • Be student-led and represent the initiative of student groups acting independently.
    • Follow OSI event planning policies and all other requirements of student groups.

    The fundraising effort must:

    • Be targeted toward individuals and/or organizations related to the group or activity.
    • Have a specific and reasonable timeline.
    • Request donations that do not require written agreements or contracts.

    Solicitations from off-campus organizations:

    • MHC policy does not allow organizations to solicit funding from outside organizations, including local or corporate sponsors, without direct consultation with a Department or Office at the College.
    • Organizations may not solicit donations through email or email alumni directly to fundraise.

Deposit Form

Ways & Means Guidelines

Ways & Means and SGA Business Office Training modules