Apply for event funding

The Student Activities Funding Board (SAFB) provides a set amount of funding to Registered Student Organizations to host activities on campus including speakers, workshops, seminars, cultural events, screening movies or other networking social events. Approved funding is provided to cover the vendor services as well as food, decorations and event supplies under the funding caps.

To apply for funding, student organizations must submit budget requests per the submission dates below. Funding levels are always subject to change, and are limited by the number of student organizations requesting funding.

Please review all content in all three sections below before starting your request. 

Before you apply

SAFB planning worksheet (print only)

Attend Event Coordinator training

Only Event Coordinators may submit for SAFB funding. In order to be assigned the Event Coordinator position, you must attend an Event Coordinator training. Organizations may have more than one Event Coordinator.

Sign up for Event Coordinator training

Review event funding eligibility

All events and proposals must meet the minimum requirements, or they will be excluded from consideration.

Funding eligibility

New organization eligibility

New organizations, including re-registered organizations that previously held Inactive status, are ineligible for funding for one semester after registering. These organizations can still have their Event Coordinators attend training during the ineligibility window.

New organization registration window: Can apply starting:
June through Nov. 6, 2024

Can apply starting Nov. 7, 2024 for events starting in Jan. 16 or later

First application deadline is Dec. 4 at 11 a.m.

Nov. 7, 2024 through April 2025 Cannot apply for funding during the 2024-25 academic year

Why are we asking for attendance?

  • For Warrior Rewards!
  • For assessment and evaluation for your organization.
  • For end-of-year university assessment.
    We don't look for individual names, just populations.

Review the 2024-25 budget submission deadlines

Submission period Event date is on or after Submission deadline SAFB will review submissions
Past Sept. 19 or after
*No events Oct. 12-15 or during signature events
Wednesday, Aug. 14 by 11 a.m.
Deadline extended
Thursday, Aug. 8 and 15
Past Oct. 17 or after
*No events Nov. 5 or during signature events
Wednesday, Sept. 4 by 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 5
Past Nov. 14 or after
*No events Nov. 27-30; Dec. 11-Jan. 5, 2025 or during signature events
Wednesday, Oct. 2 by 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 3
Past Jan. 6, 2025 or after
*No events during signature events
Wednesday, Nov. 6 by 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 7
Past Jan. 16 or after
*No events Jan. 20 or during signature events
Wednesday, Dec. 4 by 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 5
Current Feb. 13 or after
*No events March 8-16 or during signature events
Wednesday, Jan. 8 by 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 9
Future March 17 or after
*No events during signature events
Wednesday, Feb. 5 by 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb 6
Future April 10-21
*No events April 22 through summer or during signature events
Wednesday, March 5 by 11 a.m. Thursday, March 6

Late proposals will not be accepted. Dates subject to change without notice.

Review what is fundable

All expenses are to be billed directly to the Dean of Students Office. Students are responsible for obtaining estimates in advance. DOSO does not accept reimbursements.

Common expenses and non-fundable items View past events

If you have questions regarding what is fundable/non-fundable, contact Deirdre Turner, Coordinator of Student Organization Programs and Events at safb@wayne.edu or 313-577-7865

Gather details from your vendors

If you are planning to use the services of a business or individual (who has a US address) who has not provided services to WSU within the past year, they will be required to register as a vendor. This paperwork must be submitted prior to submitting your funding request. Please send the vendor information, including their individual/business name, BannerID (if current or past student), payment mailing address, phone number and email address to Deirdre Turner, Coordinator of Student Organization Programs and Events, at safb@wayne.edu or 313-577-7865.

Once submitted, the vendor will receive a link from the WSU Purchasing Department to complete new vendor paperwork online. Before beginning, they should have a PDF version of their W-9. Here is a link to IRS Form W-9, which can be saved and included in the registration process.

Vendor event ideas

Review options for food at your event

SAFB funds are intended to provide snacks rather than catered meals and cannot fund purchases from external vendors (restaurants, bakeries, Costco, Sam’s Club, etc.). If you have a question about vendors and options, please contact Deirdre Turner, Coordinator of Student Organization Programs and Events at safb@wayne.edu or 313-577-7865.

Food policy and package options

Budget submission

The SAFB request is located in your organization's tool menu on Get Involved. 

How to apply for event funding

SAFB only meets on the dates listed in the budget submission deadline section. Student organizations receive notification of approval or denial within three business days of the SAFB meeting dates. Communication about the proposal and event will only occur with the student who submitted the request. Event proposals may be approved in-full, in-part, not at all, or deferred depending on volume.

Review criteria Appeals process

After approval

After you’ve been approved for funding, your vendor(s) must email a contract or invoice for their services to Deirdre Turner, Coordinator of Student Organization Programs and Events at safb@wayne.edu by Wednesday of the following week.

All contracts are reviewed and approved by the Office of General Counsel. DOSO reserves the right to refuse to contract any vendor that does not adhere to the timeline or acts in a way that is disruptive to normal business operations.

Vendors should be aware of these policies related to contracting with the University:

  • The contract must be written as one between the vendor and Wayne State University
  • All travel expenses must be incorporated into a flat fee for services being provided
  • Payment will be made in full at the time of services, not before
  • All correspondence regarding contracts and documentation must occur with and through Deirdre Turner at safb@wayne.edu

The Board

The Student Activities Funding Board (SAFB) is a viewpoint-neutral student body responsible for the allocation of funds to registered student organizations. This committee is comprised of nine currently enrolled students, with partial representation from the Student Senate. Board members serve fall and winter semesters and are appointed yearly.

Serving on SAFB

Each year in late Spring, the Dean of Students Office invites students to apply for SAFB membership. Board members serve two semesters (fall and winter) allocating funding to assist 500+ registered student organizations at WSU in implementing and developing programs, events and activities that benefit the WSU student community.

This is a paid position.

Expectations

  • Attend monthly meetings to review event requests and budget submissions.are reviewed and approved for funding. Meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month from 4:30 to 6 p.m., unless impacted by breaks or holidays.
  • Attend at least two events per semester.

Eligibility

  • Be a member of a currently Registered Student Organization.
  • Be a student in good standing and maintain enrollment for the academic year.
  • Have earned a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 and maintain that for the academic year.
  • Have earned a minimum of 24 undergraduate credits or 12 graduate credits at WSU.
  • Be available for fall and winter semester meetings on Thursdays from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Multiple absences will result in removal.

Revised Aug. 6, 2024