Fundraising Guidelines
The fundraising activity is required to offer a benefit to the College community that is consistent
with the College’s educational mission and comply with all local, state, and federal laws and
ordinances.
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Fundraising events may not disrupt or impair the normal operation of the College.
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Fundraising events may not interfere with existing College-operated services or contracts.
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Fundraising organizers may not use overbearing or coercive acts that might intimidate those
persons from whom support is sought.
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All fundraising contracts must meet the guidelines in this policy and must be reviewed and
signed by the Office of Business & Financial Affairs as this is the only office authorized to sign
a contract on behalf of Spelman College.
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A student, on behalf of their group, may be permitted to ask members of the Spelman
community to attend an event planned by the group as part of a fundraiser. In some
instances, a portion or all of the proceeds may offset the costs a student incurs for trips, study
abroad, etc.
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A student may not directly ask members of the Spelman community for a cash donation to
support her participation in a Spelman College or a non-Spelman-affiliated event. This
includes direct solicitation, office solicitation, e-mail or personal letter.
Types of Fundraisers
There are four different types of fundraising activities: (1) internal fundraisers, (2) external
fundraisers, (3) sales, and (4) solicitations/donations/in-kind contributions.
Internal Fundraisers
Events sponsored to raise money for internal organizational use (e.g. operating expenses,
organizational activities, etc.). The net proceeds of the fundraiser are to be dedicated only to
funding the organization’s activities that comport with the organization’s stated purpose(s).
External Fundraisers
Events sponsored to raise money for charitable, tax-exempt organizations external to the College.
The proposed recipient must be an IRS-recognized 501 (c)(3) organization. All commercial or political
activities or organizations as well as unorganized or unrecognized public groups irrespective of their
avowed aims or purposes are strictly excluded as recipient. For the donor to realize the tax benefit,
contributions to external fundraisers must be made payable directly to the external charitable
organization.
Sales
Students often engage in the sale of an item as a fundraiser. A sale constitutes any activity
exchanging a product or service for money, goods, or other services. Sales can be used for internal
or external fundraisers. Sales are permitted only from behind table in approved locations reserved
through Facilities Reservations and coordinated by sponsoring office. Door-to-door sales are
expressly prohibited in offices, classrooms and residence halls. A member of the sponsoring
organization or College department must be present at the sale at all times.
Student fundraisers
that promote the use or sale of alcohol, raffles, lotteries and sweepstakes will not be
supported and/or approved.
Students should work with Aramark Dining Services and/or the Office
of Student Life & Engagement to explore other options for fundraisers in consultation with the
organization advisor.
The use of the Spelman logo or other indicia on the items for sale may not be used without prior
approval of the Communications & Public Relations Office. See the Use of the Spelman College
Name and Logo Policy.
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