Student Organization Funding
Introduction
There are a variety of funding opportunities available to registered student organizations throughout the University. They have various amounts, timelines and requirements.
The Center for Student Involvement offers several funding opportunities.
SAFC
SOFAB
SOR FOOD CREDIT
- Student Activities Funding Committee (SAFC) will fund EVENTS open on to all students on campus. (We will not fund food any element of a conference/symposium. Other restrictions may apply.) LIMIT $5000 per event
*Applicants must provided details (costs and specifics) of the event prior to a hearing/meeting with the committee. - Student Organization Funding Allocation Board (SOFAB) will fund conference travel or professional development of the group. (we will not fund food or publications of any type. Other restrictions may apply.) LIMIT $700 per semester.
- Funding is only done through reimbursement AFTER attending the event. Groups must seek approval PRIOR to making any purchases or attending the event.
*Events over winter break will be considered spring funding
**Requirements – ACTIVE COF Account $25 minimum at time of application
*Events held over the summer are the exception to the prior approval rule. Organizations seeking funding for conferences held over the summer are required to apply for reimbursement in the 1st Funding Period in the Fall.
**Events held during the winter are required to apply for funding in the 2nd Funding Period.
- Funding is only done through reimbursement AFTER attending the event. Groups must seek approval PRIOR to making any purchases or attending the event.
Call to action
SAFC and SOFAB Funding Deadlines
| Period | Event date is between | Deadline to Submit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 10/6/2025-10/31/2025 | 9/19/2025 |
| 2 | 11/1/2025--12/5/2025 | 10/10/2025 |
| 3 | 1/12/2026-- 2/28/2026 | 11/14/2025 |
| 4 | 3/1/2026--3/31/2026 | 1/30/2026 |
| 5 | 4/1/2026--5/1/2026 | 2/20/2026 |
Note for Funding Periods
Groups can submit applications EARLY to support planning. Funding Period 3 is the earliest a Spring event can be submitted.
- SOR FOOD CREDIT
- $400 in funds for purchase of food from UIC Catering.
How to Apply
SAFC
Funds- speakers, art exhibits, lectures, film screenings licenses, talent shows, athletic events and other events.
DOES NOT FUND fundraisers or philanthropy. Ticket or entry fees are not allowed.
SAFC funded events will cover-
Room Costs
Audio Visual Equipment
Marketing for the on-campus event
Catering for the event (food must be purchased through UIC Dining ONLY)
Honoraria for performers
SAFC will not fund the following-
Off-Campus Catering
Marketing for an off campus event
Marketing from an off campus vendor
Honoraria for U of I system faculty, staff, students
Decorations
Giveaways (items or photobooths)
Funding requests are limited to $5,000. Each organization is limited to $10,000 per year.
SOFAB
SOFAB funds conference attendance (registration, travel, lodging, but not food), organization development, philanthropy, team building.
SOFAB limit $700. Done through reimbursement.
Link to funding request below on this page.
Will not fund licensure or certification for any academic course
SOR Credit
Guidelines and Application for Catering Support
University of Illinois at Chicago registered student organizations are eligible for catering support for their events. APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED 14 BUSINESS DAYS PRIOR TO EVENT
Student organizations are restricted to the following guidelines:
- The maximum dollar value of food and/or beverages is $400 per per semester ($800 per academic year).
-Funds are ONLY available prior to the event. Funds are only available through the application process and do not carry over from one semester to the next. - Only events exclusively sponsored by registered student organizations will be supported. Events with University departmental or external co-sponsorship are not eligible. Funding cannot be used for collaborative event between to RSOs.
- The event must be held on the UIC campus. No off-campus events will be supported.
- No alcohol can be provided.
- Access to support is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- This application and catering order confirmation must be submitted through this online form at least 14 business days in advance of the event. If your event is in a building other than the Student Centers proof of the reservation must be submitted along with the application.
- If you cancel an event reservation date and/or catering support order, that catering support order cannot be moved to a new event reservation date.
- Once a catering order has been placed and submitted for an application, it cannot be changed.
- SOR Credit is only given to student organizations that have a minimum of 10 members on their roster in their UIC Connection portal.
- Failure to pick up food will result in the organization being billed for the items ordered.
Completion of this form means you have read and understand the above Guidelines and Application for Catering Support.
Please make sure that you have already submitted your order with UIC Catering before submitting an SOR Catering Application! You can place your order with UIC Catering here.
If you HAVE NOT already placed your order with UIC Catering, you WILL NOT have the required information to complete this form.
President or Treasurer please complete:
Presentation
Your presentation can be a slide deck or in person.
SOFAB funds conference attendance (registration, travel, lodging, but not food), organization development, philanthropy, team building.
SOFAB limit $700. Done through reimbursement.
Link to funding request below on this page.
Slide decks limited to 20 slides
In person presentations are limited to 7 minutes.
- Introduce your organization and its OVERALL mission
- Introduce the event that you are requesting funds for and its purpose
- Walk us through the benefit to the campus AND/OR your organization
- Walk us through each line item: Talent, location, marketing
- Highlight your marketing
- Highlight your collaboration
Committee Decision
After all presentations a vote will be held for each event requesting funding.
Groups receiving an affirmative will receive an award letter that details the amount of funding for each request.
That award letter is the final decision of the committee.
Groups receiving a denial will receive a notice that details the general areas for future presentations.
To appeal that notice the group has 48hours to submit an appeal to CSI Associate Director Vance Pierce vpierce4@uic.edu. That appeal should include claim and evidence of 1-error in the review process OR 2-new information that was NOT available to the presenter at the time of submission.
Payment Processing
Contracts will be drafted by the Center for Student Involvement.
Payments will be made by the Center for Student Involvement.
Reimbursements MUST be approved prior to the purchase of any item. That approval will come from Vance Pierce, Associate Director of the Center for Student Involvement.