Student Engagement Grants

About Student Engagement Grants

The Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs and Cal Poly proudly offer jointly-funded, one-time grants to qualified recipients. This program is designed to create student learning opportunities for students by:

• Encouraging critical thinking, appreciation of difference, and free expression through speakers, programs and events;
• Promoting creativity, encouraging problem-solving and new engagement opportunities.

Eligibility

• Registered Cal Poly students, faculty and staff may apply on behalf of a recognized student club, organization or campus department;
• One grant may be awarded to one of these groups per academic year (July 1 to June 30).

Application Process

1. To fill out an application, please click here.
2. Applications must be submitted for funding during the same academic year (July 1 to June 30).
3. Applications must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the event date.
4. The contact person identified on the application will be notified by email if funding is awarded.

Funding Criteria

All funding requests will be carefully reviewed based on the information provided in the application. Below are additional requirements to consider when applying:

• Academic-related travel, including travel for students to present papers or give presentations, does not qualify. We encourage students to approach their respective academic departments for these types of requests.
• Funding must be used solely for the purpose outlined in the submitted application.
• Funding must be used for purposes consistent with Campus Administrative Policies (if the event is hosted on campus).
• Awards are typically up to $500 per event.
• Funding is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
• If an event is sponsored by multiple clubs, only one club may receive funds to pay for the event expenses.
• Submittal of an application does not guarantee funding will be awarded.
• Appropriate back-up documentation (e.g., receipts or copies of paid invoices) must be submitted to the Office of the Vice President no later than two weeks after the event in order to receive funds.
• The funding source identified on the application will determine the method of fund transfer (e.g., direct payment to the club, reimbursement or payment to vendor).
• The following are examples of approved and not approved expenditures:

Approved expenditures	Unapproved expenditures
Food for events	Alcohol
Facilities rentals	Gifts
Promotional items
Guest speaker fees
Conference fees
Travel

Recognition of Financial Support

Clubs and departments are welcome to recognize the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs and Cal Poly as supporters of the event. Listed below are guidelines:

1. For promotions, merchandise and apparel: Awardees may use the approved Student Affairs word mark in green or white. All graphics must adhere to university brand guidelines, as identified on the University Communications and Marketing website. Clubs and departments must obtain pre-approval for their merchandise and apparel through the university trademark licensing process.
2. For written and verbal announcements of support: Awardees may use the following statements in their promotional materials and announcements: “This event is proudly supported by the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs and Cal Poly” or “Special thanks to the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs and Cal Poly for their support of this event.”
3. For all events promoted in Cal Poly Now: Include the following statement and link in your event description: “This event is proudly supported by the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs and Cal Poly. Learn more on how to receive funding support for your event!”
4. For all other recognition: please contact the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs at 805-756-1521.

Support

Please contact our office staff for additional support. We are happy to help!

• Location: Administration (No. 1), Room 206
• Email: vpsa@calpoly.edu
• Phone: 805-756-1521