Raising Money for Your Organization
MUSG Financial Quick Facts
All recognized undergraduate student organizations may apply for funding from Marquette University Student Government (MUSG) through the Student Organization Allocation process. Please note that funding is NOT guaranteed. Any funds allocated can only be used for those programs or activities. For questions, contact the MUSG Financial Vice President, AMU 133, 288-7416, musg.finance@marquette.edu.
Student Organization Funding:
Each academic year, there are seven opportunities for non-club sport organizations to request funding from MUSG. Each organization can only apply for funding three times during an academic year. Application deadlines are as follows:
For Events Occurring: |
The Application Deadline is: |
August 27, 2012 - September 30, 2012 |
April 20, 2012 |
September 28, 2012 - May 4, 2013 |
September 7, 2012 |
October 25, 2012 - May 4, 2013 |
October 12, 2012 |
February 8, 2013 - May 4, 2013 |
January 25, 2013 |
March 15, 2013 - May 4, 2013 |
February 22, 2013 |
August 26, 2013 - September 29, 2013 |
April 19, 2013 |
Club Sports Allocation:
Each semester, club sports have one opportunity to request funding from MUSG. Application due dates are as follows:
For Events Occurring: |
The Application Deadline is: |
August 27, 2012 - December 9, 2012 |
April 27, 2012 |
January 14, 2013 - May 4, 2013 |
November 16, 2012 |
In an effort to make the funding process as easy as possible, the following guidelines have been established to assist the student organization by informing them of what type of events MUSG does and does not fund.
Student Organizations:
What MUSG funds:
- Recognized student organization activities approved by Office of Student Development
- Speakers, documentaries, or films
- Advertising/promotion for events
- Conference fees (expectation is that participant will enhance Marquette’s community after attendance)
- Educational events
- Events, services, or activities that are open to the entire membership of Marquette University and enhance the Marquette campus community
What MUSG does not fund:
- Recruiting events
- Fundraisers (e.g., any event that charges admission or suggests a donation)
- Capital goods (e.g.. organization t-shirts or promotional item giveaways), operating expenses (e.g. organization office supplies), miscellaneous or non-current expenses (e.g. expenses from previous years)
- Events that are exclusive (e.g., any event that is not open to the entire Marquette University campus community)
Club Sports:
What MUSG funds:
- Team, coach, and fan transportation and lodging
- Field or facility rental
- Officials
- Salaries for non-playing coaches
- First aid supplies
- League entry and tournament fees
- Publicity for events
What MUSG does not fund:
- Player and team equipment (e.g., capital goods, etc.)
- Fundraisers
- Any event that charges admission
Remember that all events must be open to the entire Marquette campus community
Fundraising Policy
Student organizations are permitted to sponsor fundraising activities. Only recognized and registered student
organizations may sponsor a fundraising activity. There are three different types of fundraising activities:
internal fundraisers, external fundraisers, and solicitations, donations, or in-kind contributions.
The Office of Student Development must approve all fundraising activities sponsored by student organizations
through completion and acceptance of an Event Registration Form. Fundraising activities must be consistent
with the mission of Marquette University, and comport with all local, state, and Federal laws and ordinances.
Internal Fundraisers
Internal fundraisers are defined as events sponsored to raise money for internal organizational use (e.g., operating expenses, organizational activities, etc.)
- Contributions to internal fundraisers are not tax deductible. Student organizations may not rely on
the university’s tax exempt status in organizing or operating such an event and shall in no way imply
that the university is a sponsor of the event.
- The net proceeds of the fundraiser are to be dedicated only to funding the organization’s activities
that comport with the organization’s stated purpose(s).
- No raffles, lotteries or sweepstakes may be held. An event involving all three of the following: (1) an
entry fee (2) a prize (3) chance/luck, may fall under the legal definition of gaming, which is regulated
by state law. Please contact the Office of Student Development to determine if a proposed event
would be considered a “raffle” or illegal gambling.
- Fundraisers that promote the use and/or sale of alcohol (e.g., happy hours) will not be approved.
- Fundraisers involving credit cards (e.g., credit card applications) will not be approved.
- All applications must be submitted to the Office of Student Development for approval at least two
weeks prior to the fundraising activity by completing an Event Registration Form.
External Fundraisers
External fundraisers are defined as events sponsored to raise money for charitable, tax-exempt organizations
external to the university.
The following policy allows recognized student organizations to use university facilities and sponsor events
to raise money for another tax-exempt charitable, educational, or religious off-campus organization as defined
under the Internal Revenue Code Section 501 (c) (3).
- The proposed recipient must be an IRS-recognized 501 (c) (3) organization. A copy of the IRS
determination letter verifying this status must be submitted with the application. All commercial or
political activities or organizations as well as unorganized or unrecognized public groups irrespective
of their avowed aims or purposes are strictly excluded as recipients.
- The funds devoted to such purposes are to be confined to the net amounts realized from voluntary
contributions made to such activity, and may not include any sums budgeted or allocated out of
student activity fees, residence hall fees, or other general university revenues.
- Contributions to external fundraisers must be made payable directly to the external charitable
organization and charitable organization. Contributions may not be made payable to the university.
The student organization and charitable organization shall in no way imply that the university is a
sponsor of the event.
- No raffles, lotteries or sweepstakes may be held. An event involving all three of the following: (1) an
entry fee (2) a prize (3) chance/luck, may fall under the legal definition of gaming, which is regulated
by state law. Please contact the Office of Student Development to determine if a proposed event
would be considered a “raffle” or illegal gambling.
- Fundraisers that promote the use and/or sale of alcohol (e.g., happy hours) will not be approved.
- Fundraisers involving credit cards (e.g., credit card applications) will not be approved.
- All applications must be submitted for approval at least two weeks prior to the fundraising activity
by completing an Event Registration Form, and include a copy of the Internal Revenue Code Section
501 (c) (3) form obtained from that organization.
Solicitations, Donations or In-Kind Contributions
Asking for funds or donations of goods or services either for internal organizational use, activity, or in support
of an approved internal or external fundraiser.
The following policy provides a means for recognized student organizations to occasionally solicit funds or
contributions (in contrast with conducting a fund-raising activity or event) from students, faculty/staff, alumni,
individuals who are not alumni, parents, corporations, and/or foundations, for the student organization’s
internal use directly related to its stated purposes, for an approved campus event, or in support of an approved
internal or external fundraiser.
In addition to the guidelines delineated in this handbook for Internal Fundraisers, requests for solicitation
of monies by recognized student organizations may be considered for approval by the Office of Student
Development provided they meet at least the following requirements:
- The net proceeds of the fundraiser are to be dedicated only to funding the organization’s activities
that comport with the organization’s stated purpose(s), or for a previously approved campus project.
- No solicitations will be made or given for the benefit of another tax-exempt charitable, educational,
or religious off-campus organization; or any commercial or political organizations or activities; or
unorganized public or private groups irrespective of their avowed aims or purposes.
- Funds requested are to be derived from voluntary contributions specifically made to meet the
purposes of the approved solicitation.
- Solicitation of a student organization’s own members does not require approval from the Office of
Student Development. Solicitations of any person or entity other than a student organization member
(e.g. faculty/staff, alumni, individuals who are not alumni, parents, corporations, foundations)
require review and approval from the Office of Student Development, in consultation with
University Advancement as appropriate.
- All applications must be submitted for approval at least two weeks prior to the fundraising activity
by completing an Event Registration Form.
- Solicitations or in-kind contributions (e.g., donations of gift certificates, products or services) must
also comply with this policy.
Drop Safe Information
Student Organizations are able to use the drop safe located in the AMU Event Management Office for temporary storage of cash from fundraising activities. Guidelines for use of the safe are as follows:
- Deposits are to be made in sealed envelopes and should include the following:
- Name (depositor)
- Phone Number
- Organization Name
- Date
- Amount being deposited
- Each deposit must be logged on the form provided.
- Signature of witness ONLY confirms deposit NOT content/amount of deposit or withdrawal.
- One line should be used for EACH deposit. Withdrawals for that deposit should be made on the corresponding line.
- Student organizations, including MUSG, may use the drop safe to hold cash but it must be picked up within 48 hours of deposit.
- Student organizations returning cash banks must return the original bank amount in one envelope marked “cash bank return”. Any proceeds may be held in a separate envelope but must include the requested information and will be held for up to 48 hours.
Tax Identification Numbers
Tax identification numbers are the way the government tracks organizations. Even though your organization
is not an ‘employer,’ its federal identification falls under the same classification as a business or employer. If
your organization currently has a checking account, then it already has a federal Employer (Tax) ID number.
If your organization does not have an account and would like to open one, you will need to apply for a federal
Employer (Tax) ID number. Contact the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) at 1-800-TAX-FORM or visit their
website at www.irs.gov and look for form SS-4.
Tax Reporting
Student organizations are responsible for filing all applicable tax documents with the Internal Revenue Service
and/or the Wisconsin Department of Revenue. Marquette University is not responsible for the repayment of
any principal, fines, fees or interest associated with such obligations.
Bank Accounts
Because of the convenience of the US Bank branch inside the Alumni Memorial Union, US Bank has
provided the following information to aid student organizations in their banking practices.
All checking accounts are heavily regulated by the Federal Government and State Agencies and, therefore,
require certain documents to prove the existence of, and representatives of the business/organization. Opening
a business account should not be taken lightly and proper documentation as to each person’s role within the
organization should be accurate so as to prevent problems in the future. Due to the events of September 11,
2001, even more scrutiny has been placed on banks to make sure they are taking the necessary steps to prevent
money laundering and the funding of terrorism. To make sure your banking experience goes smoothly as
possible, we ask that you provide the following documentation prior to opening a business account:
- Documentation of the organization’s status in the state in which it is operating.
- Student organizations only need to show that they are recognized by Marquette. Organization
bank forms can be completed on Marquette Involvement Link, and may be picked up in the Office of Student Development, AMU 121.
- All organizations need to have a valid EIN number issued by the IRS.
- Documentation of the identification for the person/persons’ who plan to be signers on the account
- The proper forms of identification are:
- State ID
- State Drivers License
- US Passport
- Foreign Passport
- Opening Deposit
- This amount varies with the type of account you open and usually starts at $100. Please see a
bank representative to get the exact amount.
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