Alumni Engagement Funding Application Information
Ferris State University Alumni Relations created the Alumni Engagement Funding Application as a mechanism to further the alumni mission and support alumni leaders in their effort to engage and connect with Ferris State University alumni. Alumni Relations will award funds, at its discretion, for the purpose of supporting engagement events and programs organized by campus partners and alumni volunteers.
The purpose of the Alumni Engagement Funding Application is to allow Alumni Networks, Campus Partners, and groups of alumni to enhance programming and reach more Ferris State alumni who are coming together over a shared interest, identity, or geographical area.
Details
- Eligibility: Applicant(s) must be a Ferris State Alumni Association Network, Campus Partner, or alumni.
- The amount awarded to each group will be based on funding availability and the number of proposals received during each award cycle. Proposals are not guaranteed to receive an award. A maximum award per project is $1000, with a limit of one award per year. Alumni Relations will not generally underwrite the full cost of your event. Seeking additional funding avenues will be the responsibility of the applicant.
- Funds are intended to cover program expenses as specified in your proposal. Unused funds cannot be used for another program or expenses unrelated to the approved proposal.
- Funding resources are limited. Requests are reviewed and approved until all funding for the fiscal year is depleted.
Deadlines
- Applications are open on a rolling basis.
- Applications will be reviewed and awarded four times per calendar year.
- Funds may be requested up to six months in advance of the use date.
| Applications Received During | Funding Awarded On |
| June 1 - July 31 | September 1 |
| August 1 - October 31 | December 1 |
| November 1 - January 31 | March 1 |
| February 1 - May 31 | July 1 |
Expectations
Recipients of Alumni Relations funding are required to file an IMPACT REPORT within 30 days of activity. Impact reports must include an event summary, participant list, final budget, receipts (if applicable), and event photos.
Additional Information and FAQs
- Do I need to know the exact date of my event to apply for funding?
- No, our expectation is that you provide the best estimate on your project timeline and stay in communication with the alumni office on updates.
- Does the budget outline have to be exact?
- The budget outline should be a best estimate of projected expenses.
- Why do you reimburse funds and not award them upfront?
- Reimbursing for expenses allows for the budget outline to be an estimate of projected expenses rather than exact costs. We anticipate in the planning process there may be some minor adjustments or changes.
- Why do I have to submit event attendance?
- Ferris State’s expense policy requires proof of expense payment and an itemization of what the expenses were for before reimbursement can be made.
- How much of the cost does Alumni Relations typically cover?
- Funding does not cover the full cost of events. Additional funding avenues should be used to offset remaining program expenses (i.e. departmental funding, sponsorships, and/or ticket price).
- We recommend charging a registration fee to offset remaining costs and encourage higher attendance rates.
- How do you evaluate applications?
- Your project should clearly convey how it supports the stated mission of your Alumni Network (if applicable) and/or Alumni Relations' mission of connecting, informing, engaging, and supporting alumni throughout every stage of their life and career. Our committee bases evaluations on project description, audience, budget, evaluation method to be used, sustainability, past history (if applicable) and goals.
For more information on the application process, or if you have additional questions, please contact Alumni Relations at [email protected].
ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT FUNDING APPLICATION
ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT FUNDING IMPACT REPORT COMING SOON!