Financial Support for Clubs

We believe that “membership” in clubs should be based solely on location and not on paying dues. Club events therefore follow a pay-as-you-go model with modest budgetary support from Vassar.

Most club events should have a registration fee (usually between $10 and $50, depending on the nature of the event) that offsets most or all of the costs.
Registration fees should be affordable and not a barrier to participation in club activities; high event costs can be off-putting to club members, particularly younger alums.
To subsidize event expenses and cover additional costs, Advancement makes an operating budget available to clubs each fiscal year (July 1–June 30).

Use of Club Budget Funds

Funds may be used for expenses such as event supplies and subsidizing ticket costs.
Budget funds can only be used to pay for events/activities in the current fiscal year. Advance payments can be made, but they will be booked against the budget of the fiscal year in which the event is taking place.
Events generally may offer alcohol, but there are some limitations on the amount of alcohol that can be purchased with budget funds. Please contact Advancement with questions.

Accessing Club Budget Funds

We recommend that clubs plan a calendar of events over a six-month or one-year period and contact Advancement to discuss the funds they estimate needing during that time. Clubs are encouraged to contact their staff liaison with questions or to discuss proposed ideas before expenditures are needed.