The SPARKfund was launched in Winter of 2026 in partnership between Student Senate and Event Services. The funding opportunity was created to assist Registered Student Organizations in obtaining funding for their weekend events in the Kirkhof Center spaces. Throughout its first semester, the SPARKfund has had the opportunity of working with numerous categories of RSOs and sponsored many different events that continue to infuse our vibrant campus community!

• RSOs can receive event funding for numerous types of things, like Food, Supplies, and Event Services Equipment, as well as Promotional Items
• RSOs can request up to a maximum of $500 per event
• Funding requests must be submitted at least 10 business days prior to the event date
• Requests will also require a meeting with an Event Services team member to review the details submitted prior to funding decision
• If an event has already received funding from the Student Life Fund Allocations Team, it is ineligible for the SPARKfund

• Food
• Supplies
• Event Services Equipment
• Promotional Materials
• Other (may require additional time to review)

RSOs seeking funding for food at events are required to utilize Classic Fare Catering unless a food waiver (Request for Contract Waiver of Campus Dining Agreement) has been approved by catering. Food waivers are not given for items able to be prepared by Classic Fare Catering and are not granted for events taking place in dining venues (Kirkhof Center, Kleiner, Connection, Commons & Alumni House).

• Food Waivers are not required for:
  • Pizza delivery as long as you are not selling the items.
  • Donuts, Brownies or Cookies
  • Prepackaged items purchased at a store which are packaged individually either by the manufacturer or store personnel

• Supplies are any item that is not purchased through GVSU, i.e. off-campus food items, decorations. These supplies must be necessary for the event to exist and not already purchased by the OSL.
  • Organizations can only request a maximum of 10 supply items.
• Items must be listed individually for supplies within the SPARKfund Proposal Form
  • You must provide supporting documentation that shows the name of the item, price of the item, and the vendor.
  • Items to be purchased online, must include a link (Amazon, product specific sites, etc.) in the description of the item

• Dance Floor ($200)
• Popcorn Machine
  • Machine rental
  • Cost per bag of unpopped popcorn

• Lakerhub slide ($5 per week)
• Other items dependent on Promotions Office availability and timelines

The SPARKfund guidelines adhere to the same regulations as those of the Student Life Fund. If you have any questions or require clarification, please reach out to Event Services at [email protected]

• Must be a Registered Student Organization (RSO) in Good Standing with the Office of Student Life
• Submission contact must be an E-Board Member/Officer of the RSO
• RSO cannot be a graduate student organization that ordinarilly would request funding from the Graduate Student Association (GSA)

• Event must take place on the Valley Campus in Event Services-managed spaces like the Kirkhof Center, Cook-DeWitt Center, or Outdoor Lawns

• Event must be open to the entire GVSU community
• Must be free to attend
• Not be a reoccurring event, such as a general meeting. Reoccurring is defined as multiple times in one semester.
• Not include activities that promote or showcase any specific religious doctrine against any other.
• Not include activities that promote a political candidate or position on a political referendum (cannot promote “Vote for ____” activities)

• Event must occur on a weekend day (Friday, Saturday, or Sunday)

Coming Soon

• R&B Karaoke (B.L.A.C.K.)
• Royal Blue & White Ball (Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.)
• Professional Clothing Swap (Student Environmental Coalition & Seidman Sustainability Association)
• Paint & Mocktails (Recreational Therapy Student Association
• Valentine's Day Craft Night (Yarn Arts Club)
• MGC Info Night (Multicultural Greek Council)
• Just Dance & Karaoke Social (Amnesty International)
• Documentary Night (Sociology Club)
• Duke's Ball (Renaissance Festival)
• Holi Celebration of Color (Nepali Student Association & Indian Student Association)
• The Grammy's (Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. & Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.)
• Earth Day Party (Student Environmental Coalition)