Undergraduate Student Government
at The Ohio State University

Funding Application Instructions

The Spring USG Funding Application is now OPEN!!

Any undergraduate student organization that is registered and active with Student Activities is eligible to receive funding from USG! To register your student organization or find out more about what constitutes a student organization, please visit the Student Activities website. 

Please note:

  • We cannot retroactively reimburse events that have already occurred.
  • All funding is on a reimbursement basis. Your organization will be expected to pay for the event up front, and all amounts owed must be paid before receiving reimbursement
    • Exception can sometimes be made for Ohio Union invoices, which can be paid directly by our office.
    • Please do not relay on any upfront payment by USG unless you have specifically communicated and recieved confirmation from SL-USGAllocations@osu.edu.
  • There is a funding limit of $2,500 per semester per organization. It is recommended that you partner with other student organizations as well as look at CSA funding. 


Before You Apply:

  1. Plan Ahead! Please apply at least 2 weeks or more in advance of your event. However, please do not apply more than 8 weeks in advance.
  2. If your event is within the first 2 weeks of the next semester, please apply for your event within the last week of classes of the current semester.
  3. You must be a registered and active student organization in good standing with the University.
  4. You organization must have a bank account and Employer Identification Number (EIN) with the IRS to eligible for funding. 
  5. Read the Student Organization Funding Guidelines. If your application does not conform to these guidelines, you will not be considered for funding. If after approval you submit receipts for reimbursement for non-eligible items, those items will not be reimbursed.
  6. Organizations may not apply for funding for University Signature Events and events already in collaboration with USG. 
  7. Budget for your event.
    1. Create a detailed budget in Excel outlining all costs associated with the event or trip.
    2. If you are partnering with another student organization, you must determine and document who is purchasing what items/services as only one organization will be reimbursed for these expenses. 
    3. Be specific! A proper budget gives exact information and prices for each item.
    4. Include all fundraising efforts and any submitted/planned applications for CSA Programming Funds.
    5. For trips/conferences, please include the number of members and a breakdown of the cost for each person to attend. Explain why this travel is a necessity for your student organization and why you can't do this conference/experience locally.

Apply for Funding:

  1. Apply for funding online. Fill out all fields to ensure that your application is accepted by the system. You mustattach a budget document created in Excel in order for the committee to accept and consider the application. 

After Applying:

  1. The Senior Director of Allocations, one of USG's Financial Directors/Coordinators, and a liaison of The Student Government Business Office, will use the answers provided in your application to determine its eligibility based on the Student Organization Funding Guidelines.
  2. If you receive a follow-up email, pelase respond in a timely manner so the committee can proceed with a decision on your application. 

After Your Application Status is Decided On:

  1. You will receive an email stating your award decision and how much your organization was awarded.
  2. Hold your event.
    • Remember to keep all receipts from your purchases in order to make it easier to submit your reimbursement forms! Proof for reimbursements is required, there are no exceptions. 
  3. Submit your paperwork through the form sent to you within 21 days of your event.
    • You have up to 21 calendar days after your event to submit all required documentation. You must fill out everything completely and to the best of your ability. Forms needed include the audit form, contract, vendor set-up form and itemized receipts that show proof of payment.
    • Please note that after the submission of the proper paperwork, it can take up to 10 weeks to process before your student organization will receive a check. If you are asked to supply additional information you must do so within the stated timeline in the email or you will forfeit your reimbursement. 
    • If your organization’s check is not picked up within 90 days of notification, the check will be voided and your organization’s right to reimbursement may be revoked. This can also effect your eligibility in the future.

Requestors should complete audit forms using the following tips for success:

  • Audited items may deviate from the original budget as submitted on the request form, as long as expenses submitted are still fundable
  • Use original, itemized, legible receipts that show proof of payment
  • Provide written checks and/or bank statements along with any invoices, pick-up slips, delivery orders, etc. that do not show proof of payment
  • Provide accurate, specific information on the vendors, amounts, and description of expenses
  • Do not subtotal any expense categories - list all receipts individually
  • For direct payment to Ohio State University vendors, write 'please pay directly' on invoices being submitted
  • For reimbursement to other Ohio State University departments, write 'please pay department' and someone from the Student Government Office will contact you to get more information
  • Do not highlight expenses on thermal register receipts

Disclaimer: USG, similar to all student organizations, operates on a budget. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of student organizations seeking funding, not all requests will be granted. If your request is declined, please try again next semester.

If you have any additional questions, please feel free to email Senior Director of Allocations Anna Moawad at SL-USGAllocations@osu.edu.