Funding Opportunities for Registered Student Organizations

There are two funds established through student fees to assist registered student organizations (RSOs) in their work and mission. If you are unsure of your RSOs category, please contact our office at StudentOrganizations@IllinoisState.edu or (309) 438-2151.

COVID-19 Information

Please review current RSO COVID-19 updates that may impact the use of these resources. 

Sponsored RSO Fund

This fund will be allocated to RSOs who have been identified as being sponsored by an academic department. Funds may be used for programs/travel that is beneficial to the student members and academic interest of the organization or University. Preference will be given to programs/travel that benefit the student body at large.

Independent RSO Fund

This fund will be allocated to RSOs that are independent of the University and University departments. Sport clubs directly supported by Campus Recreation, academic department sponsored RSOs, and RSOs who receive funding through fee-funded departmental budgets are not eligible for funding. Funds may be used for programs/travel that is beneficial to the student body at large.  

Please note the following change effective October 1, 2019: Reimbursements will only be completed from original, itemized receipts. Quotes and invoices will not be accepted.

Please note the following change effective July 1, 2016: Independent RSOs can no longer request funds that exceed $5,000 for an individual payee. For example, the total cost for a performer (performance fee, airfare, hotel) will only be funded up to $4,999. This cap applies to all vendors such as a performer, speaker, DJ, production company, graphic designer, etc. 

Independent RSOs can no longer purchase equipment that exceeds $500 for one item. Purchases will be capped at $499.

Other Funding Opportunities

RSO Team Building Grant

The RSO Team Building Grant provides funding for registered student organizations (RSOs) to participate in team building activities provided through Recreation Services. Dates for the activity will be scheduled on a case-by-case basis. Applications for the grand should be submitted to Student Activities at least two weeks in advance of the requested date. RSOs receiving funding are responsible for ensuring members attend the team building activity.

Campus Recreation offers a variety of virtual team building activities that can benefit your organization's executive board and/or members.

Please note the following change effective July 1, 2019: Student Affairs-sponsored RSOs are not eligible for RSO Team Building Grants through the Dean of Students Office and should request funds through their own departmental budget.

Center for Civic Engagement Grant

The Registered Student Organization Civic Engagement Grant Program, in partnership with the Dean of Students Office, is intended to support Registered Student Organization programs that encourage civic engagement on Illinois State University's campus and within the Bloomington/Normal community. RSO Civic Engagement Grant applications will be accepted on a continual basis.

GEER Grant Funding for 2020–2021

Illinois State University has received a grant from the State of Illinois through the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) to provide emergency assistance as a result of COVID-19. A portion of this grant is dedicated to support identity-based RSOs in addressing some of the financial barriers that resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic. RSOs can request funds multiple times, but the maximum amount one RSO can receive in total is $1,000. Funds must be utilized before August 31, 2021. To request funds, please complete a GEER Budget Request spreadsheet and attach it to the RSO GEER Request Form. Your request will be reviewed by the Dean of Students Office and the Office of the Provost for approval.

Multi-Ethnic Cultural and Co-Curricular Programming Advisory Committee (MECCPAC)

Multi-Ethnic Cultural and Cocurricular Programming Advisory Committee (MECCPAC) is a diversity initiative offered through the Dean of Students Office. The committee reviews applications to provide matching cosponsorship funds up to $2,000 for cultural, educational, and multiethnic programs that help build awareness and appreciation within the Illinois State community. Visit the MECCPAC webpage for more information.

Student Sustainability Committee

The Student Sustainability Committee funds creative student, faculty, or staff projects that contribute to Illinois State's commitment to creating a more sustainable campus and community. Visit the Office of Sustainability's website for more information.