Student Organization Fundraising
Fundraising Resources & Guidance for Student Organizations
1. Set Goals
Before you begin fundraising, have an organization meeting to discuss fundraising goals. This helps your organization have a common understanding of what you are raising funds for. We believe in following the SMART goal outline:
S: Specific - make goals clear and specific
M: Measurable - define measurable assets.
A: Attainable - confirm your goals are attainable.
R: Relevant - verify your goals are relevant.
T: Time-Based - Set up a time-based plan.
2. Review the Policy
Read and review the Fundraising Policy in the RSO Handbook. This provides oversight in what is possible and what may take special permissions or longer timelines to achieve. You can also schedule a meeting with a staff member in the Office of Student Life or Institutional Advancement to gain more insight into possibilities!
3. Build a plan
After talking with your organization, start mapping out a plan with timeline to achieve your goals. This is a good time to include your organization's advisor (if you haven't already) and stop in for advising with the Office of Student Life.
Restaurant/Ticket Sales Fundraisers
Any organization that would like to complete a restaurant or ticket sales fundraiser that requires a Tax Exempt Number must schedule a meeting with [email protected] to complete the fundraiser registration form. Please arrive to the meeting with the form from the restaurant or ticket sales office.
If an organization utilizes the Grand Valley Tax Exempt Number, the funds must be deposited in the organizations on-campus account.
Tax Exempt Status and EIN
Student Organizations are not classified as non-profit or tax-exempt entities. An organization must make proper application to the Internal Revenue Service for its own tax-exempt status. Most student organizations will not qualify for non-profit tax-exempt status, but will still need a tax ID number to have an off-campus bank account. Student Organizations are NOT authorized to use Grand Valley State University's tax-exempt identification number for purchasing or donation purposes without written University Approval from the Office of Student Life or University Development.
In order to obtain items tax-free, the organization must purchase goods through the Office of Student Life (OSL). If a person/business wishes to get tax credit for a donation to a student organization, it must coordinate the donation through the Office of Student Life. Additionally, the person/business would need to write the check or make the donation to "GVSU" and specify the student organization receiving the donation/gift. Consult with OSL for assistance with IRS applications, purchasing goods tax-free, or processing donations to your organization. Questions may be directed to OSL by calling (616) 331-2345 or by email at [email protected]