SGAC funding remains for organizations

When members of the Patriot Paintball Club needed money for outings, they turned to the Student Government Appropriations Committee for help.

Getting funds didn’t cost club president Chaffe Riley a dime, just some time.

He filled out a request, pleaded his cause during a hearing and secured the funds members needed for games fees.

“It’s free money that I can use to get people playing,” the senior history major said.

“We give a lot of people their first experience with the sport, and it might be something they end up falling in love with.”

Riley said the paintball experience promotes team building while having fun.

“I feel like we’re doing something positive for the students,” he said.

SGA treasurer Andrew Barnson said Riley tapped into a funding resource other student organizations may be overlooking.

SGA members serve on the appropriations committee that oversees $10,000 a year for student organizations.

The fund balance remains at $7,500 with just about a month left in the school year.

Any money left over at the end of this semester does not carry over to the next year.

Barnson said the budget could be in danger of being reduced if funds continue to be unused.

“This money is designated for the student body,” Barnson said. “Nobody benefits from the money not being used.”

Student organizations have until the end of the week to apply for funds this semester.

The organization must be registered with the Office of Student Life and Leadership to qualify.

A club member must fill out a request specifying the amount requested — which is limited to a maximum of $500 per semester with the opportunity for an additional $300 for co-sponsored events.

An SGAC hearing is scheduled at least five business days after the request is filed and at a least one club officer must attend.

Funding is not available to clubs for fundraisers, travel expenses, illegal acts or for organizations already funded by any University department.

Barnson said SGAC members want to see more requests involving ideas and activities that benefit the entire school or community.

“We’ve seen a trend where more and more people come in with requests that only benefit their own group,” he said. “We’ve had to turn down a lot of requests like that.”

Since making an announcement during a town hall meeting last month, Barnson said he has received more requests for funds.

“There is still plenty of money available,” Barnson said.

“We’ve done everything we can as far as advertising on campus and letting it be known that this money is here for the students.

It’s up to them to take advantage of it.”

Fund request forms are available in the Office of Student Life in Leadership located in Room 3400 of the University Center.