What are the requirements to be eligible for funding from SAFB?

When are the SAFB deadlines?

What are the funding maximums:

• You can view the funding maximum amounts by clicking here.
• You can APPLY for up to $3000 during both the Fall and Winter semesters (and $1000 during the Summer semester).
• You do not automatically receive $3000!
  
• If you co-sponsor an event, you are eligible for the total amount multiplied by the number of sponsoring organizations for a DJ, band or speaker
• You can receive $400 for discretionary funds during both the Fall and Winter semesters (and $200 during the Summer semester).
• Discretionary funds remain in your account until the end of the semester (December 1st, April 1st, or August 1st)
• It is the responsibility of your organization to keep track of how much you've spent of your discretionary funds.
• You can receive up to $500 for Oakland Post advertisements during both the Fall and Winter semesters (and $200 during the Summer semester).
  • You must attach a quote from the Oakland Post to your allocation submission.
  • You must receive a funding approval from SAFB before finalizing your ad agreement with the Oakland Post.
• You can receive up to $1500 for food during both the Fall and Winter semesters (and $500 during the Summer semester).
• SAFB does not fund trips to restaurants or food at conferences.
• With the exception of the OC, your organization can cater food from off-campus vendors (if approved by the CSA).
• You can receive $100 for up to three hours ($300 total) for the cost of a speaker, performer, or DJ for an event.
  
• You must attach a speaker contract with your allocation submission if you want to pay the speaker, performer, or DJ (and give a copy to the CSA).
• SAFB does not require speaker contracts for speakers not requesting funding.
• You can receive up to $1000 for conference registration fees during both the Fall and Winter semesters (and $350 during the Summer semester).
• You must submit your travel authorization form (to SAFB and the CSA) and a detailed breakdown of the costs.
• SAFB only pays for conference registration fees, and not for food, travel, or lodging expenses at conferences.
  
• You can receive up to $1500 for equipment costs during both the Fall and Winter semesters (and $500 during the Summer semester).
  • You must attach all quotes for your equipment requests with your allocation submission.
• Please note that any equipment purchased using SAFB funding must be stored on OU's campus at all times.

What are the common paperwork “must haves?”

• Allocation request form (S-1) (signed!)
• COPIES quotes for any food requests, rental requests (such as a movie or stage), or equipment purchase
• A COPY of a contract if hiring a performer
• A complete breakdown of conference costs, if applying for a conference
• A flier stating “Free and Open to All to OU Students” if applying for an event
• Paperwork must be submitted to the gray box outside of the OUSC office, 62 OC.

What are discretionary funds and what can they be used for?

• You must apply for $400 with the Discretionary Form S-2 (or $200 for the Summer semester).
• You must be approved by SAFB via email (sent to the president and treasurer) after you submit your request.
• You do not automatically receive $400 (or $200).
• Following SAFB approval, it is your organization's responsibility to keep track of your expenses, not SAFB's.
• Your discretionary funds are the only SAFB funds available to purchase banners or fliers.
• You can use your discretionary funds on apparel  totaling no more than $10 per item (i.e. T-shirts).
• You can use your discretionary funds on food for events, including from off campus vendors approved by the CSA.
• Please note that food bought in the Oakland Center must be from Chartwells Catering.
• You can use your discretionary funds on equipment or office supplies for the student organization.
• Please note that all material bought must be stored on campus at all times.
• You can use your discretionary funds for conference registration fees, but not for food, travel, or lodging at conferences.
• You cannot use your discretionary funds for giveaways of any kind, souvenirs, gifts, or graduate paraphernalia.
• You cannot use your discretionary funds for fundraisers, trips to restaurants, or delivery or rush fees for food.
• The last day you can use your discretionary funds for the Fall semester is December 1st, 2012.

What does SAFB not fund?

• Giveaways or souvenirs of any kind
• Meetings without speakers (with the exception of one non-speaker meeting per semester)
• Fundraisers of any kind
• Food, lodging, or travel expenses for conferences (SAFB does fund food, just not for conferences)
• Party or event planners
• Photographers for events
• Trips to restaurants (but you can cater for on campus events)
• Speakers totaling more than $300 for an event
• Events for departments (but departments can cosponsor a student organization's event)
• Personal items or supplies of any kind
• Gifts, presents, or graduate paraphernalia
• Delivery of rush fees for food being ordered

What are hearings and when are they required?

• Allocation requests over $1000 require a hearing with the board. SAFB will notify you of your hearing date, time, and location via an email.
• At it's sole discretion, the Board may decide not to have a hearing and make a decision without having a hearing.
• At it's sole discretion, the Board may decide to have a hearing on any allocation form it chooses; this is quite common with equipment requests.
• If your requesting more than a $1000, than you must submit your completed packet by the Monday Three (3) Weeks before the event (or date payments are due).
• Post-meeting paperwork will be processed and notifications will be sent out by Friday of the week the hearing took place.

What should an officer of an organization do when they need help regarding an SAFB-related issue?

• PLEASE ASK FOR HELP!
• Email the SAFB chair, Brandon Hanna, at safb@oakland.edu.
• Call us at extension 4294 or at (248) 370-4294.
• Try using the Contact Us page for a speedier response.

Important Reminders:

• You do not automatically receive $3000 a semester!
• You must apply for your discretionary funds and apply for each event separately.
• You are responsible for your organizations accounts and ensuring you stay in good standing.
• ONLY GIVE COPIES TO SAFB – make a copy for yourself and give originals to the CSA when approved (You can make copies in the CSA for free)
• Contracts are due to the CSA ONE MONTH in advance!