DIVISION OF FINANCE

GROUP FUNDING

Scroll below to read the AEF memo

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Scroll below to read the AEF memo 〰️

For this year's group/event applications, the process will begin with an initial registration.

Once that is completed, groups will be prompted to the funding application phase.

Group Registration: This step ensures that student groups meet key requirements, such as participation on the GAPSA Finance Associations Council (GFAC), timely submissions of prior reports, and completion of Finance 101.

Universal Funding Application: After GFAC registration, eligible groups will be prompted to submit a detailed funding request for specific events. Applications are will be open in Fall 2024 and should be submitted two months prior to the event start date. For additional funding options, please explore any options at your graduate school’s departments, a cultural resource center, or your school’s student government. 

Notification Timeline: Groups will generally be notified of award decisions within three weeks after completing the universal group application. If you receive an award, you will receive an award email listing your total funding amount.

The various funds of GAPSA Finance are detailed below to provide more information.

LENDING VEHICLE

The Lending Vehicle is a limited pre-approved loan program for compliant student groups to help accelerate cash-flow early in the school year for programming and recruitment.

  • G12: borrow up to 50% of prior year GAP investment; must be participating in GAP; secured by this year's GAPSA contribution and any carryover; outstanding balances are due by conclusion of fiscal year.

  • IDEAL Affinity Groups: borrow the greater of $1,000 or up to 50% of prior year Empowerment Fund base grant; must be participating in Empowerment Fund; secured by this year's Empowerment Fund awards and any carryover.

  • Others: borrow up to 50% of prior year revenue; must have received GAPSA funding in the previous year; secured by current year's GAPSA awards and any carryover.

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For any questions, please contact gapsa.funds@gapsa.upenn.edu.

 

GAPSA offers a number of services such as Eventbrite Premium and Canva Premium to student groups who get grants from GAPSA and enroll for GFAC. Please reach out to gapsa.finance@gapsa.upenn.edu to learn more about them.

 

GROUP EVENT FUNDING CATEGORIES

  • The Academic Event Fund sponsors events that are primarily academic in nature. Some examples of academic events are workshops, conferences, academic discussions, and gallery/exhibit tours.

    Academic Event Fund is funded and evaluated by the GAPSA Research Student Council (RC) and co-administered by the GAPSA Finance Committee. Applicants are required to complete additional steps, including obtaining a Research Council member’s endorsement and presenting during a Council meeting.

    Please refer to the program guidelines in the memorandum (issued on July 25, 2024) and to the evaluation criteria outlined in the memorandum (issued on October 31, 2024). Applicants are strongly encouraged to review both documents and reach out to  GAPSA Research Student Council prior to applying.

  • The community outreach fund is a pilot fund aimed to support the West Philadelphia community. Some examples of community outreach events are fundraisers, and volunteering events.

  • The discretionary fund supports social enterprises and large-scale events that benefit the entire graduate student population at Penn.

  • The Empowerment Fund is exclusive to campus-wide affinity groups affiliated with the IDEAL Student Council. See this chart for more information about funding levels.

  • Student Group Event Fund is open to all graduate student groups to host a variety of events and programs throughout the year.

 

GROUP FUNDING BEYOND GAPSA

The Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Center administers funds designed to assist Penn student groups and individuals in sponsoring on-campus events, especially those fostering collaboration among LGBTQ+ groups.

The Trustees' Council of Penn Women grant is available to individuals or organization that promote women's issues, the quality of undergraduate and graduate life for women, the institutional advancement of women, or the physical, emotional and psychological well-being of women.