Student Organization Fundraising

The University of Rochester recognizes that student organizations may wish to seek external funds to support key initiatives and therefore may wish to explore certain fundraising and/or fundraising opportunities.

The University supports all appropriate student organization fundraising endeavors, however it is important that students understand that the University benefits greatly from the ongoing generosity of UR alumni, parents, and students who provide significant monetary support for student-related events, programs and services on an annual basis. In addition, businesses and vendors in the Rochester community also contribute significantly to the University by providing monetary support and services that enrich student life. For these reasons, it is imperative that all student fundraising opportunities are conducted in coordination with the Wilson Commons Student Activities Office and the Office of Advancement.

The overall purpose of this policy is to help student organizations be as successful as possible in their efforts!

Student organizations seeking fundraising opportunities are asked to:

1. review the following fundraising guidelines and application procedures thoroughly and direct any immediate questions to Brian Magee at brian.magee@rochester.edu or 585-275-7316;
2. acknowledge and confirm the organization’s adherence to this policy by checking the box below and clicking submit; and then
3. complete in full and submit the following Student Organization Fundraising Application.

Student Organization Fundraising Guidelines

1. The Student Fundraising Policy applies whenever a student organization seeks to raise private monetary or volunteer support, or sponsorship in the name of the University of Rochester from any entity (e.g. individuals including alumni, parents, students, foundations and corporations) via a fundraising opportunity.
2. A fundraising opportunity is defined as one that involves the solicitation of multiple individual donors/volunteers and is not already part of an on-going fundraising program.
3. Examples of opportunities for which student organizations may consider fundraising include annual programming, speaker series, leadership conference attendance or other leadership training, service trips, travel expenses, event sponsorship, materials and supplies, building/maintenance campaigns, honoring funds, organization-based annual funds, and scholarship funds.
4. Prior to embarking upon a fundraising opportunity, all interested student organizations must complete and submit the Student Organization Fundraising Application.
5. All applications will be reviewed by the appropriate staff from with the Wilson Commons Student Activities Office and the Office of Advancement and may be approved, recommended for revision, or denied in consultation with the Dean of the College.
6. Any student organization that does not agree to adhere to the Student Fundraising Policy and/or does not submit a Student Fundraising Application, yet otherwise proceeds with fundraising without approval will face the appropriate repercussions.
7. The Office of Advancement is a donor-centric organization and reserves the right to communicate with and solicit any and all alumni, parents, community members or friends of the University at any time for any opportunity.
8. Certain fundraising opportunities are exempt from the Student Organization Fundraising Application requirement:
   1. class campaign gifts (which are already administered through University staff support); and
   2. student fundraising events which do not involve University alumni, parents, faculty/staff or community friends.
9. Remember, the Office of Advancement and Wilson Commons Student Activities staff are your partners and guides in fundraising. During planning and execution of student organization fundraising opportunities, they will be available to:
   1. ensure that all fundraising opportunities are in alignment with the priorities and mission of the institution;
   2. maintain an orderly and respectful approach to private funding sources and prospects;
   3. help student organizations understand fundraising best practices, set feasible fundraising goals and develop opportunity plans; and
   4. ensure smooth donor communication, acknowledgement/stewardship, donation management and receipting processes. 

Applying for Fundraising OpportunityApproval

1. A successful fundraising opportunity requires commitment and energy from student organization leaders and members. Each group is encouraged to designate one member of the organization as a fundraising leader who can regularly communicate with UR staff members and lead fundraising efforts on behalf of the student organization. In addition, designating a group of dedicated organization members who will commit to completing action items is also recommended.
2. The fundraising opportunity leader should obtain approval from the group’s advisor before completing the Student Organization Fundraising Application.
3. Prior to beginning the application, student organizations should obtain the following information:
   1. Student Organization Information
   2. Organization Leadership Information
   3. Fundraising Opportunity Information
   4. Fundraising Opportunity Budget
   5. Fundraising Opportunity Timeline
   6. Prospective Donor Information
   7. Other Funding Sources
4. Applications must be submitted at least 30 days prior to the event or opportunity deadline for large scale fundraisers (Funderbolt, Event, etc.).  Applications must be submitted at least 10 days in advance for smaller scale fundraisers (tabling). Organizations planning ahead may submit applications at any time during the semester. Please allow 5-7 days for staff to review fundraising applications.
5. Incomplete applications will be returned to the organization for revision. If the student(s) initiating the opportunity needs assistance in completing the form, please contact Brian Magee at brian.magee@rochester.edu or 585-275-7316.
6. To submit an application. Please fill out this form