RSO Finances

 The Student Activity Fee (SAF) is a semesterly charge on the Student Bill that is used only for enhancing campus life for students at Michigan Tech. A portion of all SAF funds are administered to Open RSO's , by the Undergraduate Student Government. To learn more about requesting a budget from the SAF contact usg-treasurer@mtu.edu.

The Opportunity Fund, administered by USG, is money set aside from the Student Activity Fee (SAF) which RSO’s may access once during each academic year. This fund can assist new RSO’s who may have missed the previous SAF funding request cycle or existing organizations who learned of a new opportunity not included in spring’s budget hearing process. The Opportunity Fund is accessible to all Michigan Tech RSO's seeking to sponsor campus-wide events or initiatives. To learn more or submit and Opportunity Fund Request click here.

 The Reserve Fund, administered by USG, is money set aside from the Student Activity Fee (SAF) which RSO’s may access once during each academic year. The primary purpose of the Reserve fund is equipment replacement costs, equipment upgrade costs, and equipment safety concerns. This fund is earmarked for emergencies within your RSO especially those pertaining to the health and safety of students. To learn more or submit and Reserve Fund Request click here. 

The Alumni Association Student Initiative Support Program fund is used to promote student involvement on campus. Preference is given to those requests that impact the most students and support the Alumni Association’s mission:  “Celebrating Traditions. Creating Connections.” This fund is for requests up to $1500 and RSO's can apply here. Email alumni@mtu.edu for more information.

RSO's planning cultural programs or events may request financial support from the  Cultural Events Fund, administered by the Center for Diversity and Inclusion. The purpose of the Cultural Events Fund is to increase the campus community's knowledge and/or appreciation of diversity and/or inclusion by providing financial support for student-driven events and activities. For guidelines and to apply online click here. Email culturalevents@mtu.edu for more information.

If your organization is made up of more than 50% graduate students, once per semester, you may be eligible for funding through the Graduate Student Government (GSG). To request GSG Discretionary Funding you must submit the Discretionary Funding Request Form. Email gsg@mtu.edu for more information

If your RSO’s mission, or an event your RSO is planning, align with a Michigan Tech department (academic or non-academic), you may be able to request sponsorship. This is not guaranteed funding or support and each department has rules for funding RSO operations and events. Reach out to potentially interested departments politely requesting support or touch base with your advisor, faculty members, and staff.

RSO's may choose to change a membership due in order to supplement funding. For questions about membership dues please contact rso@mtu.edu 

When fundraising for charity it is important that RSO’s keep careful records and have a well laid out plan for how these donations or proceeds will be handled. There could be very serious consequences, both academically and legally, if these donations or proceeds are not: handled very carefully, in a timely fashion, and in accordance with how the event was presented to the public and the charity.

For food sales , other than bake sales, on or off-campus your RSO must follow all food and alcohol policies, including approval from Dining Services. See the Bake Sale Procedure for more info.

You must apply for a Raffle license from the State of Michigan before your event and wait for approval. More information here. Bingo, as with all Charitable Gambling, is regulated by the State of Michigan. More information here. Looking to run a 50/50 at a sporting event on campus? Fill out this form and Athletics will be in touch!

Must follow all Hazing and Conduct Policies and you must have a Risk Management Plan if the event is to occur on campus.

An interested donor looking to support your organization requires special consideration. Generally, donors are looking to make a tax-sheltered contribution and that is why the donations taken from individuals, businesses, or corporations must be processed through the Michigan Tech Fund and designated for your organization. In order to process these donations, please have donors follow the instructions here. These funds will be visible on your organization's Involvement Link Finance tab.

Corporate Relations partners with RSO's seeking funding from corporations. Corporate Relations can match you up with a corporation who is interested in sponsoring your event. Generally, you will need to submit a page long write-up with the details of your request,the outcome desired, and how the sponsor will be recognized. Email industry@mtu.edu for more information

Registered Student Organizations often use private banking institutions to manage organizational funding. In cases where RSO's are receiving Student Activity Fee (SAF) funds, a bank account may be required, as all funds will be issued in the name of the organization and not an individual. Student Leadership & Involvement does not keep record of banking information for RSO's so it is important that necessary information is passed down to new leadership and documented in Involvement Link. Organizational funds held in private bank accounts are not subject to the same rules and regulations as SAF funding. Organizations with questions should reach out to rso@mtu.edu and usg-treasurer@mtu.edu 

 In order to open an account in the name of a Registered Student Organization, many banking institutions require your organization to apply for an Employer Identification Number or EIN from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). An EIN is your organization’s identification number with the IRS, similar to how your Social Security Number is used to identify you on your personal tax returns. Your RSO can apply for an EIN here. The IRS provides a helpful video, guide, and FAQ's including what to do if you've lost your RSO's EIN. Student Leadership & Involvement does not keep records of RSO EIN’s so it is important that this information is passed down to new leadership and documented in Involvement Link. Contact the IRS business tax line at 1-800-829-4933 with questions.

*NOTE: Only use websites with "irs.gov" in the URL when handling sensitive information!

An organization with a Special Budgetary Group distinction may have a University Index in addition to any private bank accounts help by the organization. For more information about your SBG index reach out to your Advisor.