Fundraising
VSOs organizing fundraising events or activities need to follow established guidelines. This includes securing approval from the OSE through a formal application process, and ensuring all involved personnel have completed mandatory fundraising training.
VSO Operational Fundraising
Student organizations can raise funds to cover a variety of operational costs, such as club meetings, travel for conferences or competitions, retreats, event expenses (as long as the revenue covers the full cost), supplies, promotional materials (like swag), and other administrative needs.
Requirements for Operational Fundraising
Benefit (Charity) Fundraising
Stanford allows events to be held on its campus or under its name for fundraising purposes, as long as the proceeds go to a qualified charitable organization. These organizations must be domestic-based 501(c)3 non-profits. It's important to note that university departments and individuals cannot sponsor such events under the Stanford name.
Guidelines for Benefit Fundraising
Off-Campus Fundraising Guidelines
Student organizations looking to raise funds off-campus for the following academic year will need to follow a specific process. University policy requires prior approval for any solicitation efforts aimed at corporations, and this approval must be secured during Spring Quarter. To ensure a smooth process, organizations are encouraged to consult with OSE before Spring Quarter even begins. This will allow ample time to receive proper guidance and navigate the approval process effectively.
Guidelines for Off-Campus Fundraising
Alumni Fundraising Guidelines
Recognized student organizations at Stanford University are not permitted to directly solicit gifts, funding, sponsorships and similar monetary-based requests from Stanford University alumni. Stanford Alumni coordinates the alumni charitable relationships in order to respect their time, assistance, and contributions as efficiently as possible. Stanford provides tools and official processes for charitable giving through programs, initiatives, campaigns, and one-time/recurring gifts.
