Tips for Funding Requests
Before completing your Alumni Association Grants Program Funding Request Form, student organization representatives are encouraged to review the tips below, which will help to enhance the quality of your proposal.
In addition, the Office of Alumni Relations can be used as a resource in advance of submitting your funding request. Should you have any questions or wish to discuss your event or program ideas, please contact alumni@drexel.edu.
Does the event or program bring together both Drexel students and alumni?
One of the goals of the Alumni Association Grants Program is to increase the interaction between alumni and students, so requests should be for events and programs which bring together both.
Does the event or program provide a valuable opportunity to bring together students and alumni?
Events or programs can be planned around a variety of topics and in an array of formats.
Some examples of programs that have received funding from the Alumni Association include:
- Networking receptions for alumni and students around a senior show
- Seminars or panel discussions featuring alumni speakers on a topic that is of interest to multiple disciplines
- Reunion events for alumni and current members of your student organization
Events or programs that are unlikely to receive grant funding include:
- Happy hours
- Programs with limited outreach potential or that appear would have a limited interest to a larger audience of alumni and students
- Fundraisers or events that make a profit
Does the event or program address the Alumni Association's strategic initiatives?
It is important that your request explain how the event or program will address the following initiatives: increase the interaction between students and alumni; enhance the student experience; promote tradition; support academic excellence; reconnect alumni to the university; create a greater awareness of the Alumni Association; and promote the Alumni Association as a relevant and integral part of the university community.
Have you included a letter of support from your advisor?
At least one letter of support from the organization’s faculty/staff advisor is required with all requests. If not received with the request or by the submission deadline, your funding request will be considered incomplete.
Will your event or program be held at least two months after the submission deadline?
Proposals must be submitted in writing according to the quarterly deadlines and at least two months in advance of the event or program. Exceptions may be made at the Committee's discretion provided that the proposal details the organization's plan to adequately market and advertise the event or program, and based on funding availability.
Will alcohol be served?
Programs involving alcohol must comply with the university-wide Events with Alcohol Policy.
Are you a recognized student organization?
Alumni Association grants can only be awarded to recognized student organizations. Requests should be written and submitted by representatives of the student organization, not by members of the university faculty or staff. As well, if approved, grant funds must be transferred to a university cost center.
Is your request detailed and accurate, and has it been thoroughly proofread?
It is important that your funding request be detailed, accurate and well written. The Grants Program Committee may return any funding request it deems to be poorly written, incomplete or inaccurate for revision by the student organization. This may affect eligibility based on funding availability.