Approved by the ASI Board of Directors – May 28, 2025 

PHILOSOPHY

In support of the “ultimate college experience,” ASI Club Seed Funding is available for newly established Cal Poly Recognized Student Organizations (RSOs). ASI Club Seed Funding is intended to support initial club expenses such as marketing, event planning, supplies, or other operational costs, helping clubs build a strong foundation for future success.

PUBLICITY

Availability of, and procedures for, ASI Club Seed Funding will be publicized through the ASI website and by ASI Club Services through training and education distributed to RSO officers and advisors.

ELIGIBILITY

RSOs that have been officially recognized by the university are eligible to apply for a $200 start-up seed fund by the end of the academic year of their establishment or reinstatement. Applying RSOs must be currently registered Cal Poly RSOs. Instructionally Related Activities (IRAs), and Club Sports are not eligible to receive ASI Club Seed Funding. Seed funding is intended to support newly formed or reinstated clubs as they establish their presence on campus. Terms of Funding:

1. Eligible RSOs may apply for ASI Club Seed Funding to support initial club expenses such as marketing, event planning, supplies, or other operational costs.
2. Seed funds must be used by the end of the academic year following the academic year in which they were allocated.
3. RSOs are eligible to receive ASI Club Seed Funding one time per initial establishment or subsequent reinstatement.
4. ASI Club Seed Funding must be reconciled no later than 14 days prior to the end of finals week in spring term (the “reconciliation deadline”).
5. Approved RSOs may receive up to $200 in one-time start-up seed funding, which is supplemental to the maximum $500 of Club Sponsorship funding. Seed funding will be spent first. RSOs should request only what is necessary; attempts to defraud or deceive may result in permanent disqualification from ASI Club Funding.
6. All funding decisions will be made without regard to the viewpoint being expressed by an RSO. For more information regarding ASI’s Viewpoint Neutrality Policy, please visit the ASI website.

EXPENDITURE GUIDELINES

1. Funding must be used for purposes consistent with the California State University Board of Trustees and Campus Administrative Policies.
2. Funds cannot be transferred to another Cal Poly RSO.
3. The following expenditures of ASI Club Seed Funding are not permitted:
   1. Expenditures to directly support or oppose any candidate for public office, whether partisan or not, or to support or oppose any issue before the voters as required by California Education Code Title V, Section 42403
   2. Charitable donations
   3. Alcohol
   4. Door prizes, awards, gifts (including gift cards/certificates)

APPLICATION INFORMATION

1. ASI Club Services will begin accepting applications July 1.
2. ASI Club Seed Funding applications are available on Cal Poly Now.
3. RSOs must submit the application through a budget request on Cal Poly Now. The request must be approved by a club officer and advisor to be considered.
4. ASI Club Funding will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
5. ASI Club Funding appropriation decisions will be made by the ASI Chair of the Board until the Liaison positions are appointed. Liaisons are members of the ASI Board of Directors, appointed by the Chair of the Board.
6. ASI Club Funding appropriation decisions will be made by the ASI Club Funding Liaisons in conjunction with ASI Club Services staff.
7. Once ASI Club Funding is exhausted, ASI Club Services will notify RSOs and will no longer accept ASI Club Seed Funding applications. Additionally, all unfunded applications will be denied.
8. ASI Club Funding applications must be submitted to ASI Club Services 30 days prior to the end of finals week in spring term to be considered to receive ASI Club Seed Funding (the “application deadline”).
9. RSOs must submit a prospective budget for the academic year in which they are applying for ASI Club Seed Funding. Budget must be reflective of how ASI Club Seed Funding will be used by the RSO.
10. The submission of an application for ASI Club Seed Funding does not guarantee funding will be allocated.

DISBURSEMENT OF FUNDS

1. A completed RSO payment request with appropriate back-up documentation must be submitted through Cal Poly Now to access funds.
2. RSOs must submit receipts for reconciliation within the term in which they were expensed. Extensions will be granted to RSOs in cases where there are pending campus entity billings.
3. Payment requests for spring term expenses must be submitted no later than the spring term reconciliation deadline. Late payment requests will not be processed utilizing ASI Club Funding.
4. Expenses incurred prior to ASI Club Seed Funding approval may be eligible for reimbursement, provided the expenses incurred within the same term as the application.

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