Applications for SG funding due Friday

Student Congress is handing out hundreds of thousands of dollars during the next month, but there are only a few days left until the deadline for student groups to apply.

The finance committee of Student Congress goes through an annual budget process, in which roughly $385,000 in student fees are given to fund student organizations.

The deadline to apply for funding through the annual budget process is 5 p.m. Friday.

While there is also an ongoing appropriations process throughout the academic year that distributes some money, about 80 percent of the money distributed by Congress is allocated in the annual budget. Large and recurring expenditures — such as speakers and concerts — are best accommodated through this process, members of Congress said.

“Some people we fund all the way through, and sometimes we cut it down,” said Russell Martin, finance committee vice chairman. “We do also deny some requests. The groups that are most organized and get to finance committee first tend to get more money.”

Here’s a quick look at how your organization gets a piece of the pie.

Eligibility

Your group must be a recognized UNC student organization with a certified organizational treasurer who has successfully passed the treasurer’s test, which makes sure you understand the rules for funding. The deadline for the test is Feb. 12. Contact student government office manager Tiera Parker at tlparker@email.unc.edu to arrange to take it.

What Congress won’t fund

Congress won’t provide funds for food and drinks for social events, advertisements, donations, firearms (except rental), alcohol or tobacco. Congress is also unlikely to fund off-campus events, membership dues or travel to competitions.

Submitting a request

A good funding request will be specific, detailed and reasonable. Commonly approved requests include speaker fees, flyers and printing expenses. Submit your request online at congress.unc.edu/money.

Finance committee hearing

The next step is to appear before the finance committee between Feb. 12 and 14. Each group is assigned a 15-minute window during which it has to be present but will have no more than 2 minutes to present a request. Be ready to explain each dollar amount specifically and talk about why you need the money.

Student Congress hearing

Once the finance committee has amended or passed on your request, you must appear before Student Congress between Feb. 26 to 28. You might decide to appeal the finance committee’s recommendation.

The final stage

Student Congress has the final say in passing funding requests. Once the student body president signs the budget bill, money will be deposited in the organization’s account with the Student Activities Fund Office. Groups will spend money up front and be reimbursed by the office.



Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.