Registered Student Organizations may solicit the student body for charitable purposes. The following guidelines apply:
- To contribute to non-profit entities, Student Organizations should raise the funds with clear expectations that the funds raised will be donated to the non-profit entity.
- Net funds remaining after expenses (if any) have been paid must be submitted to the charitable organization on whose behalf they were raised.
- Financial reports of expenses, income, donations, sales, and disbursements must be made available to Student Organizations, Leadership and Service, and the appropriate student governing body upon request.
- The collection of entry or admission fees for events such as fun runs and walks, fundraising performances or concerts, etc., is allowable, as are drawings for door prizes awarded to individuals present, but entry fees—and cash awards for—events that involve an element of chance such as a raffle, a card tournament, a “rubber duck drop,” or a casino night, are prohibited by both University policy and government statutes.
- Organizations may solicit using Vanderbilt in their names if they comply with these policies.
Students should be aware that although policy does not prohibit them from sending charitable solicitations to faculty and staff, persons on the University payroll may run afoul of University policy should they forward those solicitations to their colleagues.
Violations of these policies will subject the organization and the officers of the organization to corrective action by Student Accountability, Community Standards and Academic Integrity and the student governing bodies with jurisdiction. The organization may also lose its registration.
Requests for exceptions to these guidelines should be made in writing to the Vice Provost and Dean of Students at least two weeks before the solicitation.
Student Organizations, Leadership and Service has responsibility for effecting compliance with these policies and prescribing the conduct of those who participate in charitable solicitation. It is the responsibility of the individual student or organization doing the solicitation to comply with these policies and the prescribed conduct. Student organizations soliciting for charitable purposes will be required to comply with state and local laws regulating charitable solicitations.