Common Issues with Fund Raising

Consultation with the Student Activities and Leadership Development staff in the early planning stages of fundraising activities can save time and effort and will ensure compliance with appropriate institutional regulations. Staff members are available to provide advice on planning strategies and the applicability of university regulations.

• Fundraisers and solicitation can be conducted outside university buildings by student organizations.
• Only membership dues and approved ticket sales may be collected inside academic buildings.
• Student organizations cannot co-sponsor activities on campus with non-university enterprises or organizations. The use of corporate logos is prohibited.
• All funds collected on campus must be deposited into an organization bank account in Student Activities and Leadership Development. Donations to charitable associations, etc., can be made from these accounts.
• When admission is charged for attendance at an event, the university ticket procedure must be followed. Information about the ticket procedure can be obtained in Student Activities and Leadership Development.
• Any distribution of food or beverages, including fund raising projects that involve food items, requires special permits through the Office of Environmental Health & Safety.
• Proceeds from fund raising activities (i.e., resale of retail merchandise and ticket sales) are subject to state sales tax laws.
• Fundraisers may not be conducted for private gain of individuals or for-profit business.

All fund raising activities, and especially planned sales of t-shirts, mugs, caps, or any items that use the name of The University of Texas at Austin or any of its trademark symbols, should be reviewed by the Student Activities and Leadership Development staff to ensure compliance with university regulations. Products that violate trademark or licensing regulations will not be approved for sale or distribution.Products in violation of copyright or trademark regulations may be confiscated. Early review and advice from staff members is highly recommended.