Funding Events and Programs
All events and programs sponsored by the Office of SLA are primarily funded by monies given to SLA from the college administration. These funds are designated for all athletic, social, cultural, recreational, and educational programs and events for the betterment of the student body. The Student Leadership & Activities Dept., SGA, PTK, and Other Organizations receive a portion of the funds available.
Restrictions on Use of SGA and SLA Funds
Although an organization may receive funding from the Office of Student Leadership & Activities, there are restrictions on the use of funds.
College funds MAY NOT be used for the following:
- To purchase any type of alcoholic beverage for the club and/or organization;
- To fund any event that excludes any member of the public or college community from attending;
- To purchase any type of uniforms or clothing for the benefit of the club’s membership only (although clothing items may be purchased to sell as a fundraiser).
Additionally, all clubs and organizations must adhere to the policies and regulations of the College. Descriptions of the College’s policies and regulations can be found in the Student Handbook.
Organizations should also note that the fiscal year for the College is September 1 - August 31. Clubs and organizations may spend their funds from the first week of September until the conclusion of the fiscal year in August. To avoid processing complications, clubs should avoid making check requests after July 19th.
Each recognized student organization receives activity funds each semester. The specific amount is determined by the Student Leadership and Activities (SLA) Director and may vary based on budget availability and institutional priorities.
- Any activity funds not spent during the current fiscal year will be returned to the general fund and re-appropriated during the following fiscal year.
- Unused funds will not roll over from one semester to the next for individual organizations.
- Activity funds must be used for club-related expenses only (e.g., food for club meetings, posters to advertise events, etc.).
- The office may request documentation of purchases or fund usage at any time to ensure proper use of funds.
- Any use of funds NOT directly related to club activities may result in the removal of funds or other action deemed appropriate by the Student Leadership and Activities (SLA) Director.
If an organization-related bill is received by the college during the summer months, it will be paid by the Business Office, and the amount will be deducted from the organization’s account.
- If an organization overspends its budget, the amount overdrawn will be deducted from the organization’s appropriations for the following year.
Organizations are strongly encouraged to plan ahead, monitor their spending, and communicate with the SLA Office to ensure responsible use of funds.
Fundraising Accounts (Club Accounts)
In addition to the SLA account, a club or organization may maintain a fundraising account through the Office of SLA. The Director or coordinator will oversee deposits and expenditures from these accounts, however any and all funds in a club or organization’s fundraising account are to be used solely by said organization; they are not redistributed to other organizations at any time. The use of personal funds for organizational purposes will NOT be reimbursed under any circumstances. Unlike the Blinn College organization account, an organization may use money in its fundraising account for special club events or t-shirts. This account is opened in the organization’s name and maintained by the Office of SLA. Unspent money is NOT forfeited at the end of the fiscal year and WILL roll over each semester. Clubs and organizations may not maintain bank accounts other than those described above.
General Guidelines
For auditing purposes, all money collected for the club’s treasury must be strictly accounted for and deposited into the club’s fundraising account.
All financial transactions must be requested at the Student Leadership & Activities office.
- This means all purchases, check requests, withdrawals, and deposits need to be requested and approved by the Office of SLA. To access the forms needed for these transactions, please visit the https://www.blinn.edu/student-leadership-activities/ or visit the Office of SLA.
Note: T-shirts are NOT covered by the Office of SLA budget but may be purchased through fundraising account monies. Any exceptions to these financial support guidelines will be made by recommendation from the Director of Student Leadership & Activities and Vice Chancellor of Student Services and must be approved in writing by the Chancellor of the college in advance of any expenditure or obligation for travel.
Sales Tax
According to the Blinn College Student Activities Policy (issued 3/7/1994), a taxable item sold by a qualified student organization and for which the sales price is $5,000 or less is exempted from the taxes imposed by Subchapter C of Tax Code, except that a taxable item manufactured by or donated to the organization is exempt from the taxes imposed by Subchapter C of the Tax Code regardless of sales price unless to the donor, if the student organization:
- (1) Sells the item at a sale that may last for one day only and the primary purpose of which is to raise funds for the organization; and (2) Hold not more than one sale described above each month for which the exemption is claimed for an item sold.
- In each calendar year, the first $5,000 of a qualified student organization’s total receipts from sales of taxable items not otherwise exempt is exempt from the taxes imposed by Subchapter C of the Tax Code.
A student organization qualifies for the exemptions if the student organization:
- Is affiliated with an institution of higher education as defined by Section 16.003, Education Code, or a private or independent college or university that is located in this state and that is accredited by a recognized accrediting agency under Section 61.003, Education Code;
- Has as its primary purpose a purpose other than engaging in business or performing an activity designed to make a profit; and
- Files a certification with the comptroller.
A student organization must file with the comptroller a certification issued by the College showing that the organization is affiliated with the College.
The storage, use, or consumption of a taxable item acquired tax free under this section is exempted from the use tax imposed by Subchapter D of the Tax Code until the item is resold or subsequently transferred. Tax Code 151.321
College Fundraising Policies
- Organizations are encouraged to raise funds to support programs and services sponsored by the organization and supplement monies received through the budget process. Fundraising events/programs must be consistent with the mission of the organization as well as institutional policies and procedures.
- On-campus fundraising activities (bake sales, rose sales, etc.) need prior approval from the Vice Chancellor of Student Services.
- Space and equipment needed for on-campus fundraising activities must be coordinated through the Office of SLA in accordance with existing scheduling/reservations policies.
- Revenue made from the fundraising account can be carried over to the next academic year and/or semester.