Corporate Fundraising for Student Organizations

There are several ways for registered student organizations to seek funding to support the financial needs of their team or organization, including through school-approved grants, student government allocations, and corporate fundraising. The Corporate Engagement team provides guidance for eligible student organizations seeking charitable donations from companies in the form of cash (check/wire/credit card) or in-kind donations (products, materials, food, beverages, swag) for their events or activities. Start by determining if your organization is eligible.

Is your student organization eligible?

In order to request funds or donated goods from a corporation or local business, your student organization must:

Be a currently Recognized Student Organization (RSO) in good standing with the University. If your group is not registered, click here to learn more about becoming registered.
Have previously exhausted funding from the sources listed by Student Organizations & Activities (SOA).
Have had at least one member of your organization's leadership review the Corporate Engagement Student Organization Fundraising Step-by-Step Guide and watch all available Corporate Engagement Student organization training videos.
- We suggest this be whoever is responsible for fundraising or organizational outreach.
- Please note that once that member no longer serves as a leader in your organization, a new student will need to complete training.
Have a proposed event or activity that meets the criteria below.

Is your event or activity eligible?

Your group’s proposed activity or event must:

Be student-led and represent the initiative of your registered student organization.
Follow event planning policies and all other requirements of SOA.
Have a detailed, realistic budget and a contingency plan if fundraising efforts are not as successful as expected.
Have a fundraising effort that is seeking charitable donations from corporations or local businesses in support of your organization’s event or activity.

What Can My Student Organization Fundraise For?

Northwestern has implemented guidelines on what student organizations can and cannot use gift funds for. These guidelines are based on IRS regulations and Northwestern’s status as a tax-exempt institution. It’s important to understand what you may and may not use your gift funds for before soliciting companies and local businesses, so as not to lead any prospective donors astray.

Gift funds may be used for and towards what Northwestern deems an educational event. The following are a few examples of what would be allowed:

Educational Events, such as speakers, that are open to all students on campus.
Renting space for an event, as long as space is not available on campus that suits your needs. Professional services, such as lighting for the space, are allowable as well.
Purchasing club equipment or items of which Northwestern will retain full ownership.

Gift funds would not be allowed for the following examples:

Travel costs to competitions, conferences, etc. and any registration or membership costs included.
Equipment or items that Northwestern would not retain ownership of, i.e. club shirts, club swag, etc.
Events that are not considered educational events, i.e. concerts, dances, festivals, etc.
Food, beverages, alcohol, or tobacco. Food or beverage used for teaching purposes is an allowable exception.

Ultimately, it is up to the Student Organization Finance Office (SOFO), and not the Corporate Engagement team, to deem whether a charitable gift can be used for a specific activity, purchase, or event. Please use caution, as using charitable funds for unapproved activities, purchases, or events may come with fines or other sanctions against you or your organization.

If your organization and related activity or event meet all the qualifications above, watch the training videos and follow the step-by-step guide to begin your corporate fundraising efforts. Please do not reach out to a prospective company until you have completed Steps 1-5 and gained clearance from Corporate Engagement for your corporate support packet.

NOTE: If your activity or event meets all of the qualifications above AND your student organization is affiliated with the Kellogg School of Management, follow the steps listed on the Kellogg Corporate Sponsorship Page.