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Donations & Fundraising

Your organization may have needs that are greater than can be met by the usual on-campus funding sources. In these cases, student organizations are permitted to raise funds under the following guidelines. 

IMPORTANT

If you are planning to sell something that will display the word Dartmouth, D, or any trademarked images, your design must be approved by the Office of General Counsel prior to marketing your merchandise, collecting any DA$H or selling and printing the merchandise. You must use an "Approved Vendor" when printing/selling any student organization merchandise with Dartmouth trademarks or name. Before submitting any orders, email COSO@Dartmouth.edu with your design. 

Earning Money & DA$H

Organizations can earn money, and in some cases are able to use the DA$H system to support sales. To learn more about using DA$H, see the administrator in charge of DA$H in the department that recognizes your organization, you can read more at this link.

We do not currently have any system to support credit card sales by student organizations.

Checks should be made payable to Dartmouth College.

Remember to deposit all cash and checks immediately by bringing them to Collis 301. COSO organizations must fill out DA$H sheets and to record students' 9-digit DA$H number, not their student ID number, to complete payment.

  • Sales locations: Recognized student organizations may sell from tables in Collis, Novack, or Rocky Overhang. To reserve a place in Collis, please contact Collis Reservations. It is prohibited for an organization to represent any non-Dartmouth vendors (i.e. trying to sign up for a credit card in exchange for a payment to the organization). 
  • Use of the Dartmouth name: Any items with the Dartmouth name or its logo must be approved before they are created and sold. Contact the Office of the General Counsel for approval. 

Asking for Money

You must bring any gifts received to your recognizing department to ensure that they are properly recorded and that a tax receipt is sent to the donor. Remember to also send a prompt thank-you note.

  • From alumni/parents: This is not allowed. The College forbids broad-based solicitation of alumni/ae and/or parents by student organizations.
    • If you know specific individuals, however, that have shown an interest in your organization, you are welcome to keep them informed about your organization's activities. If this should prompt an individual to offer you a donation you may accept it. Checks should be made payable to Dartmouth College. Bring any donations to your recognizing department immediately, and send a timely thank-you note.
  • From local businesses: You are free to ask local merchants for donations in the form of checks or merchandise. Bear in mind, though, that local vendors have been solicited for donations repeatedly – so be professional, ask for a manager, have a written proposal, and remember to follow up with a thank-you note within a week.
  • From national corporations: Offices or stores of national (or international) corporations may be approached at the local level (an example would be asking the store manager of Starbucks for a donation). 

Corporate Sponsorship Policy for Student Organizations

Student organizations who wish to receive financial or in-kind support or sponsorship from an outside company or corporation must follow these guidelines:

  • Prior approval is required before engaging with outside company/corporation/entity. If your organization wishes to seek or accept corporate sponsorship, submit this form to start the approval process.  Organizations will be asked to provide information about the amount they hope to raise, names of corporations and contacts therein, and nature of the event/activity.
  • Sponsorship must be in line with the mission of your organization, educational in nature, and event-specific. Requests for general organization sponsorship will not be considered.
  • No alumni, foundations, or nonprofits may be solicited for sponsorships. 
  • Student organizations may not share resume books or email lists with outside companies or other external groups. 
  • Student organizations may not sign any contracts or agreements with outside sponsors.
  • Student organizations may not include corporate logos in publicity, web advertising or emails, or any printed materials. 
  • Studnets cannot sell corporate speaking opportunities at events or provide email lists to companies. 

Depending on the nature of the request, organizations may be referred to the Office of Corporate and Foundation Relations or the Center for Professional Development for further discussion, as appropriate.

We also encourage student organizations to contact the Center for Professional Development with details about your event. They may be able to support your event or provide additional guidance to working with specific corporations.