● At the end of each semester, fully-recognized clubs are to submit a semester budget request for the following semester, specifically detailing planned events along with required expected costs.

● Clubs should list events in the order of most to least important in the summary sheet of the budget request form.

● Clubs should include information such as event purpose, planned number of attendees, and an itemized line-item budget request.

● We also look favorably upon collaborative events, sponsored by multiple clubs.

● Clubs that miss the submission deadline will not be eligible for pre-allocated funding from the WC in the respective semester.

● Clubs that have a sponsorship balance that is greater than half of the total WC budget for all clubs are not eligible for Wharton Council funds for the semester. In other words, if the total WC budget for the year is 10K, clubs who have sponsorship balances greater than 5K are not eligible to receive WC funds that semester. This ensures that clubs without corporate sponsorships are given priority.

● Clubs that utilize less than 85% of their WC allocated funds in a given semester can only receive an amount less than or equal to what they spent in the previous semester.

• The 85% utilization rate is always applicable independent of previous semester spending. Failure to meet the rate again, will create a new cap on the possible allocation for next semester based on the outlined principles.
• Once a club does meet the 85% utilization rate, the allocation cap is removed, and they can request whatever amount is necessary.

● Clubs may spend their total allocation of funds as they see fit amongst their events, but must do so in accordance with the Wharton Council Funding Policies and the Wharton Undergraduate Division Financial Policies. Please note that the Wharton Council Finance Committee still requires an estimation of costs for each event in the budget request application.

● In most cases, Wharton Council funds will be applied toward expenses first, before utilizing any corporate sponsorship funding.

● For non-budgeted items, ad-hoc events, or club banners, you can apply for WC Contingency Funds by submitting the contingency request form, which can be found here. Contingency requests must be submitted at least 15 days before the event.

● Only after a club exhausts all of its WC funding prior to the end of the semester, can they submit a contingency request for an impending event that has been included in their initial semester budget.

● Note that this is the only funding option available for Wharton Undergraduate Clubs currently in their trial period. Additionally, this funding is still available to clubs on probation.

Limiting Principles of Contingency Funding

Relevance to Club Goals: Contingency funding requests for social events should be directly related to the general theme, culture, or goals of the club. Social events are defined as events where members gather to socialize, network, or engage in activities related to the club's mission but that are not academic in nature. Examples of social events may include dinners, parties, or outings. The funding request must include a clear explanation of how the event relates to the club's mission and how it will benefit its members. The maximum funding limit for social events is $20 per person.

Inclusivity & Accessibility of Events: Events that are exclusive to certain segments of the club, such as executive board or specific committee members, will not be funded. If a social event is to be funded, it must be accessible to all club members, and the funding request must include a detailed description of how the event will promote inclusivity and diversity.

Event and Catering Funding: Contingency funding for events can only be used for food catering, and not for other expenses such as venue rental, decorations, or entertainment. Catering is defined as the purchase and delivery of food to an event, and must not include the purchase of alcohol or other non-food items. The maximum funding limit for catering per person is $18.

● For non-budgeted items or ad-hoc events, you can apply for WC GBM Funds by submitting the GBM Fund request form, which can be found here. GBM requests must be submitted at least 15 days before the event.

● Note that this funding option is available for Wharton Undergraduate Clubs currently in their trial period. Additionally, this funding is still available to clubs on probation.

Limiting Principles of GBM Funding

Relevance to Club Goals: GBM funding is accepting requests for GBM events and should be directly related to the general theme, culture, or goals of the club. The funding request must include a clear explanation of how the event relates to the club's mission and how it will benefit its members. The maximum funding limit for social events is $20 per person.

Event and Catering Funding: GBM funding for events can only be used for food catering, and not for other expenses such as venue rental, decorations, or entertainment. Catering is defined as the purchase and delivery of food to an event, and must not include the purchase of alcohol or other non-food items. The maximum funding limit for catering per person is $18.

● Clubs are not allowed to collect membership dues as a requirement to become a member of the club (including general body members, committee members, or board members).

Clarification: Clubs are permitted to collect dues or fees for individual events, but these events must not be mandatory for a member to stay involved in the club. Additionally, dues can be collected in the case of a deficit to pay down the debt of the club.

● Please see the Wharton Undergraduate Division's website for a full set of instructions on accessing your funds. Please see the Division's guidance on Purchase Orders and Reimbursements for further details.​​​​​​

● Do not hesitate to contact your WC Liaison with any questions!

● Please see the "Non-reimbursable items" section of the Wharton Undergraduate Division's website for a full list of prohibited items.

● Do not hesitate to contact your WC Liaison with any questions!

● Please refer to our Corporate Sponsorship Guide, found under the "Club Leader Resources" tab

In most cases, students will not be reimbursed on tax. Please contact the Wharton Undergraduate Finance office with your concerns.

● SAC – The Student Activities Council funds clubs and their events throughout Penn. Many Wharton Clubs have begun to take advantage of SAC funding. To find out more about becoming a SAC recognized club, please visit their website at sacfunded.net. Once you are a SAC recognized club, you are eligible to receive their funding.

● CFA - the common funding application provides easy access to all of the funding boards on campus. Create an account and submit an application answering all of the applicable questions. Depending on the characteristics of your event you may receive funding from one or a number of boards.

● Academic Departments – given the nature or topic of your event, it is sometimes a good idea to seek financial assistance from the academic department that directly relates to your activity. For example, the Real Estate Department might find some benefit in co-sponsoring a guest lecturer on mortgage markets with the Wharton Real Estate Club.

● Corporate Sponsorship – Please refer to our Corporate Sponsorship Guide, found under the "Club Leader Resources" tab