Fundraising Policy

Student organizations are permitted to sponsor fundraising activities. Only recognized and registered student organizations may sponsor a fundraising activity. There are three different types of fundraising activities: internal fundraisers, external fundraisers, and solicitations, donations, or in-kind contributions.

The Office of Student Development must approve all fundraising activities sponsored by student organizations through completion and acceptance of an Event Registration Form. Fundraising activities must be consistent with the mission of Marquette University, and comport with all local, state, and Federal laws and ordinances.

Internal Fundraisers

Internal fundraisers are defined as events sponsored to raise money for internal organizational use (e.g., operating expenses, organizational activities, etc.)

1. Contributions to internal fundraisers are not tax deductible. Student organizations may not rely on the university’s tax exempt status in organizing or operating such an event and shall in no way imply that the university is a sponsor of the event.
2. The net proceeds of the fundraiser are to be dedicated only to funding the organization’s activities that comport with the organization’s stated purpose(s).
3. No raffles, lotteries or sweepstakes may be held. An event involving all three of the following: (1) an entry fee (2) a prize (3) chance/luck, may fall under the legal definition of gaming, which is regulated by state law. Please contact the Office of Student Development to determine if a proposed event would be considered a “raffle” or illegal gambling.
4. Fundraisers that promote the use and/or sale of alcohol (e.g., happy hours) will not be approved.
5. Fundraisers involving credit cards (e.g., credit card applications) will not be approved.
6. All applications must be submitted to the Office of Student Development for approval at least two weeks prior to the fundraising activity by completing an Event Registration Form.

External Fundraisers

External fundraisers are defined as events sponsored to raise money for charitable, tax-exempt organizations external to the university.

The following policy allows recognized student organizations to use university facilities and sponsor events to raise money for another tax-exempt charitable, educational, or religious off-campus organization as defined under the Internal Revenue Code Section 501 (c) (3).

1. The proposed recipient must be an IRS-recognized 501 (c) (3) organization. A copy of the IRS determination letter verifying this status must be submitted with the application. All commercial or political activities or organizations as well as unorganized or unrecognized public groups irrespective of their avowed aims or purposes are strictly excluded as recipients.
2. The funds devoted to such purposes are to be confined to the net amounts realized from voluntary contributions made to such activity, and may not include any sums budgeted or allocated out of student activity fees, residence hall fees, or other general university revenues.
3. Contributions to external fundraisers must be made payable directly to the external charitable organization and charitable organization. Contributions may not be made payable to the university. The student organization and charitable organization shall in no way imply that the university is a sponsor of the event.
4. No raffles, lotteries or sweepstakes may be held. An event involving all three of the following: (1) an entry fee (2) a prize (3) chance/luck, may fall under the legal definition of gaming, which is regulated by state law. Please contact the Office of Student Development to determine if a proposed event would be considered a “raffle” or illegal gambling.
5. Fundraisers that promote the use and/or sale of alcohol (e.g., happy hours) will not be approved.
6. Fundraisers involving credit cards (e.g., credit card applications) will not be approved.
7. All applications must be submitted for approval at least two weeks prior to the fundraising activity by completing an Event Registration Form, and include a copy of the Internal Revenue Code Section 501 (c) (3) form obtained from that organization.

Solicitations, Donations or In-Kind Contributions

Asking for funds or donations of goods or services either for internal organizational use, activity, or in support of an approved internal or external fundraiser.

The following policy provides a means for recognized student organizations to occasionally solicit funds or contributions (in contrast with conducting a fund-raising activity or event) from students, faculty/staff, alumni, individuals who are not alumni, parents, corporations, and/or foundations, for the student organization’s internal use directly related to its stated purposes, for an approved campus event, or in support of an approved internal or external fundraiser.

In addition to the guidelines delineated in this handbook for Internal Fundraisers, requests for solicitation of monies by recognized student organizations may be considered for approval by the Office of Student Development provided they meet at least the following requirements:

1. The net proceeds of the fundraiser are to be dedicated only to funding the organization’s activities that comport with the organization’s stated purpose(s), or for a previously approved campus project.
2. No solicitations will be made or given for the benefit of another tax-exempt charitable, educational, or religious off-campus organization; or any commercial or political organizations or activities; or unorganized public or private groups irrespective of their avowed aims or purposes.
3. Funds requested are to be derived from voluntary contributions specifically made to meet the purposes of the approved solicitation.
4. Solicitation of a student organization’s own members does not require approval from the Office of Student Development. Solicitations of any person or entity other than a student organization member (e.g. faculty/staff, alumni, individuals who are not alumni, parents, corporations, foundations) require review and approval from the Office of Student Development, in consultation with University Advancement as appropriate.
5. All applications must be submitted for approval at least two weeks prior to the fundraising activity by completing an Event Registration Form.
6. Solicitations or in-kind contributions (e.g., donations of gift certificates, products or services) must also comply with this policy.

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