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.

For additional help please visit our Embark Resources training site.

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

full Fundraising guidelines

  1. !

    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 the approval of Student Involvement.

  2. 1

    You can collect payments through Embark

    It is possible to collect dues and sell items on Embark by creating an event. You can still also deposit checks and cash at the Business Office.

  3. 2

    Fundraiser registration should be completed at least 7 days in advance.

    The form should be completed at least 7 days before the proposed start date of the fundraiser. RSOs should not begin their fundraiser until it has been approved by the Office of Student Involvement.

  4. 3

    How to set up your fundraiser

    In your group, "Events," in the left sidebar, select "Create Event" and then click on the Student Group ERF template. Once you fill out your event information, you'll be sent to the ERF form. For "What type of gathering is this?" select "Fundraiser or Dues Collection." You'll be prompted to answer a few questions about your fundraising. Here is a detailed guide.

  5. 4

    Register any activity where your group is raising money (this is a non-exhaustive list):

    Fundraising with events: ticket sales, charging a fee for participation.

    Fundraising with merchandise: swag, t-shirts, candygrams, bake sales.

    Fundraising with contests/competitions: usually to raise money for charity.

    Fundraising by providing services or soliciting donations.

  6. 5

    All money raised must be deposited in your Org account.

    Funds must be brought to the SGA Business Office, 308 Blanchard.

    Deposit forms are found on Embark.

  • 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.

  • Payments

    • Payments made through Embark, cash or check are strongly preferred for RSOs.
    • RSO Authorized Signers may make deposits through Embark.

  • Sponsorship Solicitation

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

    Student organizations may advertise a sponsorship program; however, sponsorship programs cannot be exclusive to corporations and must be open to companies and individuals. A copy of the sponsorship packet and a list of prospects must be submitted to the offices of Student Involvement and Development in advance of being promoted to potential sponsors.

  • Crowdfunding

    Orgs should use the PayPal feature for fundraising and sales. No group should use a crowdfunding platform such as GoFundMe, etc

    • These online portals are strongly discouraged due to the high fees and potential personal tax implications of raising funds on an individual basis.
    • The use of crowdfunding platforms also places the responsibility and liabilty on the individual student(s) and orgs run the risk of losing all money raised.
    • Mount Holyoke alum, parent, or friend data may not be used in the execution of such outside campaigns (they cannot set up an individual fundraiser for an RSO).
    • If a student group uses a crowdfunding platform, they are in violation of Student Involvement policy and will be required to meet with the Associate Director and SGA Business Office Manager to review their group standing.