A young woman with long brown hair sits smiling in front of a photography backdrop while a photographer takes her picture during a photo shoot. The setup includes a large black umbrella light and a small stool.

● Grants

The Undergraduate Student Government (USG) provides event grants to support UMN student group events. Student groups and events must follow all regulations outlined in the guidelines below. Student groups with a USG Student Group Representative (SGR) are more likely to receive a grant, so we encourage groups with an SGR to apply!

Grants are given out in 4 rounds throughout the school year. Check back for when our first round of grants are open!

Student Group Grants

Applications open soon

Every group must fill out an audit form that details your proof of purchase(s) for our Finance Team after receiving a grant. The audit process ensures that student groups are sustainable and responsible with USG money. Keep track of your receipts and budget sheets to make this process easier, and fill out the required Event Grant Template.

Required Forms

Event Grant Template

Interested in obtaining a Student Group Representative?

Student groups can apply for USG grants to support events, initiatives, and organizational needs. Groups with an assigned Student Group Representative (SGR) receive priority consideration during the grant review process. Interested in obtaining a Student Group Representative? Complete the SGR Interest Form. If you have questions about the SGR program or grants process, please contact Rayaan Rana.

SGR Interest Form

    • Events held as fundraisers or intended to generate revenue are not eligible for funding.

    • Events cannot solicit donations or admission from attendees.

    • Events must be evaluated with information provided below

    • Student must maintain an up-to-date Gopher Link page

    • Advertisements for the event

    • Preprinted publications

    • Technical Support

    • Facilities Rental

    • Supplies for Event

    • Up to 50% of food costs; up to 75% of food costs for sustainable events

      • Require proof of purchase of compostable utensils, dishware, and napkins​

    • Travel (other than bringing in the speaker)

    • Administrative Expenses (i.e., paying an event coordinator)

    • Salaries/stipends

    • Grants are limited to $400 per event if a single group applies.

    • Grants are limited to $700 per event if two student groups partner.

    • Grants are limited to $1000 per event if three or more student groups partner.

    • Is a fundraiser or is intended to generate income for an organization

    • Charges admission or entrance fees (must be free to all U of M students)

    • The student group profits as a result of the event

    • Does not meet the criteria for an Event Grant

    • Does not meet the criteria for USG Grant Submission

    • Grants Committee has final say in whether grants are approved or denied

  • Celebration of Campus Community

    • The proposed event discusses, celebrates, or makes aware a group, idea, service, or cause at the University of Minnesota.

    • The proposed event brings together, or attempts to make a more coherent sense of Campus community.

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    Uniqueness of Program

    • The specific event is not provided by a University service provider, or is not accessible to students normally.

    • If the event has been funded by an Event Grant in the past, the group must make improvements to the event and explain these improvements in the application for the grant.


    Potential to Attract Students

    • The event is accessible to all students, free of charge, without regard to race, creed, gender, sexual orientation, nationality or ethnic origin, disability, status as a veteran, public assistance status, age, or any other distinguishing characteristic.

    • Students will be directly solicited to attend the event by a representative of the Applicant.

    Event Advertising

    • Plans to advertise beyond community surrounding event.

    • Alternative or unique advertising (i.e. above and beyond the normal level of advertising:

    • more than a Facebook event/group creation and postering – get creative: place an ad in the MN Daily, poster/table multiple times before the event, contact other press/news organizations).

    USG Mission

    • The Undergraduate Student Government appreciates when our grants fulfill our mission. We are dedicated to advocating for students and coordinating efforts with stakeholders of the University on behalf of all students. We advocate for student interests, engage with their feedback, and represent them in all levels of decision making.

    • Grant should increase event accessibility for all.

Event Grant Guidelines

USG Grant Distribution Policy