Independent RSO Fund
The Independent Registered Student Organization (RSO) Fund is for independent student organizations to request financial support for programs/travel that are beneficial to the student body at large. Funds will be distributed for the cultural, recreational, cocurricular, entertainment, and artistic needs of Illinois State University students. Please review the Independent RSO Fund Guidelines for complete policies/procedures.
Independent RSO Funds will be allocated in the spring for programs/travel that occur the following academic year (Program Fund). Any additional available funds will be allocated in the fall for that current academic year (Opportunity Fund).
Funding Allocations
The University will continue to follow the most up-to-date health and safety guidance and will make adjustments accordingly when necessary. Fee Board funding allocations should not be construed to imply that the program or travel is approved. Restrictions on travel, limitations on gatherings, and/or cancellations of conferences/events may eliminate or modify the need for this funding. Funding can only be spent as specifically within the funding allocation letter the RSO receives. Any unused funds cannot be diverted to other RSO funding needs. Any new funding requests must be submitted through the Opportunity Fund process.
Travel
Travel by Independent registered student organizations is not considered University-sponsored travel. However, Independent RSOs should be aware that restrictions on the use of University fleet vehicles may impact their ability to travel.
Funding for Next Academic Year - Program Fund
Application Information:
Event/Travel occurs: July 1, 2023–June 30, 2024
Applications CLOSED: Deadline: February 10, 2023 at midnight
Funding for This Academic Year - Opportunity Fund
Application Information:
Event/Travel occurs: July 1, 2022–June 30, 2023
Application deadline: Opens July 1, 2022 with hearings starting in September 2022. Funds available until depleted or February 10, 2023.
At this time, Opportunity Fund hearings are fully booked and there are no additional hearings available. Opportunity funding applications received will be put on a waitlist. RSOs will be contacted if hearings become available, but the Opportunity Fund is dependent on available funds and hearing availaibility, as the Program Fund process the prior academic year serves as the first and primary method for RSOs to make funding requests.
Processing Funding
RSOs that receive funding through the Fee Board will need to have a student leader and advisor meet with a member of the Student Activities office to review the Independent Purchasing Guide and complete necessary account paperwork.
Changes to Funding Allocations
RSOs that received funding and need to move money from one line item to another must submit a Change in Allocation form prior to making purchases or confirming arrangements with a vendor. A Revised Line Item Budget will need to be uploaded within the form. The change must be approved by the fee board.
Forms
- Purchasing Guide—As of October 1, 2019, reimbursements will only be completed from original, itemized receipts. Quotes and invoices will not be accepted.
- Independent RSO Purchase Request - complete this form and spreadsheet a minimum of two weeks prior to when items are needed. See the form for specific criteria and dollar limitations for what can be purchased.
- Independent RSO Purchase Request Spreadsheet - this spreadsheet must be completed and uploaded with each purchase request.
- Independent RSO Request for Payment
- Prize Tracking Form
- RSO Bank/Credit Union Account Information and Procedures—Independent RSOs are required to have an external bank/credit union account for all funds, including those granted by the student fee board through Program/Opportunity Funds, as well as self-generated funds such as membership dues and fundraisers.
Contracts
Contracts serve as agreements for payment between the registered student organization (RSO) and a third-party (DJ, speaker, vendor, etc.).
Independent student organizations who are using either student fees granted through Program or Opportunity Funds and/or their own funds for an event can utilize this contract if the vendor with whom they are working cannot provide one.