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Funding

Registered student organizations and their members have many opportunities to seek funding through institutional grants, student government allocations, individual financial need, and more. Please browse the appropriate opportunities below that best fits your or your group's needs.

Note that crowdfunding platforms such as Kickstarter, GoFundMe, and IndieGogo are strictly prohibited for fundraising for Northwestern registered student organizations. If you do not find your solution among the opportunities below, please connect with your advisor.

Student Activities Assistance Fund

The Student Activities Assistance Fund (SAAF, formerly known as Student Activities Scholarship Fund, SASF) was established in 2012 as a supplemental grant to assist students in registered student organizations with financial support to participate fully in their student organization’s programs and events. Student groups such as dance teams, service organizations, and a cappella groups often require their members to pay for group trips, supplies, and competitions. The SAAF is meant to help reduce the financial burden these activities may cause students.

The fund is meant to help those students who could not afford to participate without any external aid. This is a grant for individuals, not organizations. If multiple members of a group require assistance, they must each fill out an individual application. Examples of grantable expenses would include costume expenses for a student in a student organization theater production or travel expenses for a student attending a conference with their student group. FAQs, more information, and the application link can be found on the SAAF info page.

Associated Student Government Allocations

The student activity fee supports nearly 130 registered student organizations at Northwestern each year.  Registered student organizations who have been established at Northwestern for more than one year can apply to be eligible for ASG allocations. For more information about how to be eligible for ASG allocations, email: asg-finance@u.northwestern.edu

ASG Affinity Fund

The Affinity Fund is a newly launched ASG grant that serves student organizations that focus on groups with marginalized communities. If a student organization has an event that benefits one of these communities, then they can receive funding through this grant.

ASG Community Building Grant

The ASG Community Building Grant is back!

The purpose of the Community Building Grant is to provide the student body’s various student organizations a means to develop and strengthen the bonds within those organizations and the communities they represent. Furthermore, the CBG will allow for more development of safe-spaces on campus, further acknowledgement of identity and affinity based communities and investment towards a more inclusive and supportive campus for all.  Learn more and apply online.

 

ASG Wild Ideas Grant

Part of a student group that is seeking above and beyond funding for a special project or program that will enhance the Northwestern community? Apply for a Wild Ideas grant (also open to individual students, not just registered groups). More information found on the application page here (application link requires @u.northwestern.edu account to view).

Barrier-Free Grants *UPDATED 10/5/21

SOA has created the Barrier Free Grant to support student organizations and events that encourage a positive and inclusive experience for the NU community. Registered student organizations in good standing are eligible for up to $500 in grant funding per academic year if their organization allows members to join without any recruitment barriers to support an event, activity, or initiative. Applications reviewed on a rolling basis until the fund runs out. Application available on Wildcat Connection.

Catalyzer

Catalyzer, Northwestern’s crowdfunding platform managed by Alumni Relations and Development, enables registered students groups to raise money for projects that make an impact—socially, culturally, and globally. Through Catalyzer, student groups have raised money to launch new programming, bring in dynamic speakers, facilitate workshops, and more! Catalyzer projects benefit the broader Northwestern community, further the mission of the University, and include an educational component. Student groups can apply to participate in a fall, #CATSGiveBack, winter, or spring Catalyzer project cycle. More information and how to apply can be found here.

Corporate Engagement

There are often opportunities to connect with corporate sponsors who already have a relationship with Northwestern or your cause. Student groups have a designated corporate engagement officer who will work directly with you to make sure your fundraising efforts are compliant with Northwestern policy and meet your goals. Visit the Office of Corporate Engagement (OCE) site for resources, and be sure to connect directly with your RSO advisor or reach out to Corporate@northwestern.edu.

Co-Sponsoring with Other Student Groups of Campus Departments

Many student groups seeking to sponsor or host an event that is bigger than their budget will pool resources with similar groups, their graduate/professional student equivalent group or university offices that share their interest or cause. Wondering if that group is out there? Visit Wildcat Connection and search the database. Many large budget events with popular draws are the result of collaborations and cooperations with budgets, personnel, and marketing efforts.

Hillel Make It Happen Grant

Northwestern Hillel has grants available. Learn more about opportunities on the Hillel website.

InclusionNU Fund

The InclusionNU Fund is a grant distributed by Multicultural Student Affairs (MSA) that supports registered Northwestern University student organizations in implementing programs and initiatives that align with MSA's mission of supporting marginalized communities and creating an inclusive and welcoming campus. Please be sure to review the InclusionNU website carefully for application windows and deadlines. 

Ventures in Leadership

The Center for Leadership sponsors a grant for new teams, existing teams with new projects, and groups going through significant change. More information include deadlines and application can be found on the Center for Leadership website here.

More Opportunities

Student Organizations & Activities and the Alumni Relations & Development offices occasionally hear about opportunities for student groups to fundraise throughout the year. Information about these options are included in the SOA Newsletter emailed to presidents & treasurers. Connect with your president or treasurer or scroll down to the the news section on the SOA Wildcat Connection page for more details.