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. Find your ASG account executive (Tier 1 groups) or group executive (Tier 2 groups) or Student Activities Resources Committee representative (non-ASG funded groups) online for information about funding guidelines, deadlines, and other information related to ASG student group funding. ASG Community Building Grant *UPDATED 10/21/19
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. More information on the ASG Wildcat Connection page. Navigate to the 'forms' section. 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. 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 plus Sheila Kessleror the appropriate representative from OCE. 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 options on their 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. Changes have been made to the application process to reflect the current environment. Please be sure to review the InclusionNU website carefully. The first deadline for the quarter is October 9.
SAA Alumni Engagement Grant
In an effort to support other Northwestern student organizations that engage current students with alumni, SAA has created the quarterly SAA Alumni Engagement Grant, which gives up to $500 in funding for a program or initiative that connects current students with alumni. A wide variety of organizations have been funded in the past, including NUDM for its Alumni Gala and Wave Productions for its Alumni Night.
The grant application for events and initiatives in Spring 2018 is live now until Sunday, February 11 at 11:59pm. Student groups can apply at tinyurl.com/SAAGrant. Questions can be directed to studentalumnialliance@u.northwestern.edu.
Sustainability Fund
The NSF (Northwestern Sustainability Fund) is sponsored by the Northwestern Office of Sustainability. More details about this opportunity including deadlines and application can be found here. 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.