The GIC has been offering grants over the last few years through these two funds:
1. Newer communities trying to establish themselves can apply to the Incubation Fund. If you were once a new org, you may have received funding through the incubation fund. Once established, student organizations should look to relevant offices and funds on campus that support established student organizations. This will enable us to allocate funds to newer communities at Penn.
2. If you meet the needs of the Marquee Fund, please consider applying to that fund. We will respond once a collective decision is made.
Funding Type 1: Incubation Fund
- Open ONLY to non-SAC-recognized student groups focused on intercultural mission.
- Intercultural mission means a commitment to deep understanding and respect for differences, and a commitment to mutual exchange of ideas, attitudes, and cultural norms in order to learn from one another.
- This fund specifically supports newer communities that are interested in creating space and building support that does not currently exist on Penn’s campus.
- One-time seed funding to help student organizations establish themselves in their first year. Once the organization becomes SAC-recognized, they can register for SAC funding and other forms of funding.
- The following expenses are eligible for funding: food from approved vendors, materials, SEPTA passes, and other small event-related expenses.
- The following expenses are not eligible for funding: honoraria, facilities, membership fees, start-up companies, and technological equipment.
- The maximum allowable funding is $800 to 3 student groups per year.
Application Review and Processing
Please submit a clear description of your activity’s goals and an accompanying budget. Student organizations should NOT purchase, order, or use personal funds until their budget has been approved by GIC. Any purchase or use of personal funds prior to budget approval will not be honored by the GIC.
GIC staff will review applications on a rolling basis and communicate decisions until funds are fully allocated.
APPLICATION LINK: https://bit.ly/GICFunding
Funding Type 2: Marquee Event Fund
- Medium-scale student events that bring visibility to an issue/topic focused on an intercultural issue/topic.
- Open to any SAC-recognized student organizations with a valid Penn student organization account number.
- One-time funding up to $1000 per event.
- Student groups cannot re-apply for this funding if you have already been granted.
- Funding up to 2 groups a year. Preference will be given to organizations that are interested in a program highlighting our intercultural mission.
- Intercultural mission means a commitment to deep understanding and respect for differences, and commitment to mutual exchange of ideas, attitudes, and cultural norms in order to learn from one another.
Application Review and Processing
- GIC staff will review applications on a rolling basis and communicate decisions until funds are fully allocated.
- APPLICATION LINK: https://bit.ly/GICFunding
Financial Guidelines for all events
Food Catering: 1 Week Notice
- Once approved, if you require assistance with a catering order, please email Patricia Soria (psoria@upenn.edu) 7 business days prior to the event.
- We DO NOT accommodate requests for individual portions. Only tray for group orders.
- We only cater to Penn Approved Vendors
Materials/ Supplies: 4-6 weeks’ Notice
- A request for a small amount of materials and supplies should be sent 4-6 in advance due to processing, approval, and shipping.
Guest Speakers:
- GIC can provide guidance in helping to identify a guest speaker and indicate which forms to submit, however, the responsibility is on the host-student group to plan and execute the event
Contact
For all questions about the Incubation Fund and Marquee Event Fund, please contact Kia Lor, Associate Director (lork@upenn.edu)
For campus partners looking for co-sponsorship, please contact Valerie De Cruz, Director (decruz@upenn.edu)