Quick Start Guide: Finding Funding
New to finding funding as a student org officer? This quick start guide is to get you up and running. Contact studentengagement@stanford.edu, come to drop-in hours (Mondays, 2-4pm), or use our contact form.
Function
Student organizations leverage funding and fundraising to support diverse programming. These financial activities are monitored by the Office of Student Engagement, the Associated Students of Stanford University (ASSU), and relevant campus partners to ensure compliance. To discuss your specific objectives or seek guidance, please attend a workshop, drop-in office hours. or email studentengagement@stanford.edu.
Funding For... | Notes |
|---|---|
| Club meetings | Monitored by ASSU Accounting Team and other campus partners. |
| Travel expenses | Monitored by ASSU Accounting Team and other campus partners. |
| Retreats | Monitored by ASSU Accounting Team and other campus partners. |
| Events | Approval by OSE and the space owner (reserving space approval). |
| Supplies | Within the guidelines of the application processes. |
| Swag | Pre-approval by OSE and final approval by Stanford Trademark Use & Licensing. |
| Other | Attend a workshop, drop-in office hours. or email us to discuss. |
Updated 3/10/2026
Origin
Student organizations may attain funds through three primary channels, though direct alumni solicitations are strictly prohibited. Instead, the Office of Development manages all alumni giving to ensure coordinated and respectful engagement. Direct ASSU funding supports student representation and initiatives that improve campus life, while the Office of Student Engagement facilitates the process by managing applications and ensuring university compliance.
On-Campus | Corporate Fundraising | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Funding from Stanford | Donations, Soliciting external fundraising |
| Approval | ASSU, The Stanford Fund, Others | OSE |
| Training | May Require Training | Mandatory Training from OSE |
| Questions | studentengagement@stanford.edu | cernekap@stanford.edu |
Updated 3/10/2026
Timing
Funding speed for student organizations depends on the source and application cycle. ASSU Quick Grants or specific campus entity grants provide the fastest access to capital. Most other funding sources require training, and annual applications. Once approved, these funds remain available indefinitely to cover organizational expenses.
Listed in order from less intentional (higher) to more considered (lower):
Funding Types | Notes |
|---|---|
| ASSU Quick Grants | Quickest option for student orgs that do not receive ASSU Annual Grants. |
| List of Funding Sources | Review list to see if there is a complementary source of funding for what you are attempting to organize. |
| ASSU Annual Grants | If your student org can predict and plan in advance of the application deadline in time. |
| The Stanford Fund | Review the criteria for your student org, do training for the fund, and submit application for approval. |
| Corporate Fundraising | Understand university guidelines, attend mandatory training, complete all approval steps to proceed with the ability to fundraise. |
Updated 3/31/2026
Free or Affordable Resources
Don’t have a lot of money but need some items or equipment make your programming run smoothly? From button-makers, to cameras — here is a list of resources to get these and other items free or at low cost. Quick links to some helpful campus pages below:
• Lathrop Learning Hub
• Stanford Arts Equipment Lending Library
• Spaces Quick Reference Guide