Every club must be financially self-sustaining.

• Although clubs are responsible for fundraising their own operating expenses, recognized club sport organizations are eligible to apply for grants from the Club Sports Office (CSO) and Harvard Undergraduate Association (HUA).
• Clubs must submit receipts to the CSO for expenses paid for with the DHA Annual Grant, Nationals Grant, or any funding by the DHA. All unused funds must be remitted to the CSO annually, by May 31st.
• Clubs are responsible for keeping a comprehensive record of all financial transactions and account balances. These records should be passed on to new club leadership from year to year.
• Clubs must not act in any way so as to endanger the tax-exempt status of Harvard University. Clubs do not automatically fall under Harvard's tax-exempt status. Clubs wishing to become tax-exempt must apply for that status with the IRS.
• Admission fees may not be charged except as specifically approved for each event by the CSO.
• Clubs may only hold a bank account with the Harvard Federal Credit Union (HFCU). All clubs are subject to an audit at the end of the fiscal year.
• Harvard University will not be responsible for and must not be made a party to or liable for payments of debts and financial obligations entered into by clubs.

Officially recognized student organizations are required to bank only with the Harvard Federal Credit Union (HFCU) located at 104 Mt. Auburn, Street. HFCU provides:

• Free, automated 24-hour telephone banking to check your club's account balances, make account transfers, and more
• Six months of searchable statements available online.
• Free, electronic statements electronically delivered monthly.
• Availability of higher interest-bearing accounts for student organizations with substantial assets (see HFCU for more details).
• A dedicated account service representative for all student organizations (please email support@harvardfcu.org).
• The satisfaction of working with a not-for-profit credit union.

Information regarding all actions is available through the HFCU website.

To add or change signers, officers must submit the HFCU Account Signer Change Request Form via SOCO.

Every Club is eligible for a Gift account (aka: Friends account) within the Harvard Department of Athletics (DHA). Alumni and friends of the club can donate to your club by using our Online Giving Portal or by sending in checks payable to Friends of Harvard (insert club name in memo line).

To check the balance of your Gift account, please email the Club Sports Office: Athletics_CSO@fas.harvard.edu.

To request funds from your Gift account, please complete the Fund Request form  and provide the following information:

• Name of Club Sport Organization
• Amount you are requesting to withdrawal from account
• Rationale for withdrawal
• Receipts or invoices relating to withdrawal (if applicable)

The Club Sport Office in conjunction with the University Financial Aid Office, will be offering club sport dues financial assistance for eligible club participants. The CSO may cover a portion of individual club dues for those who qualify.

For program details, please review AAF page of the website or contact the CSO.

The window to submit the [Club Sport AAF Application (opens in a new tab)] for the 2026-27 academic year is September 1-30th, 2026.

Department of Harvard Athletics (DHA) Club Sports Annual Grant

The Annual Grant provides financial assistance to support club sport operational expenses throughout the season. It is designed to supplement funds available through Friends of Harvard accounts, Harvard Federal Credit Union (HFCU) accounts, and club fundraising. The grant is available during the fall semester.

Fall & Spring Club Sport Insurance Reimbursement

The Fall & Spring Insurance Reimbursement (previously the Fall & Spring Subsidy) is designed to help offset expenses required by the Department of Harvard Athletics policies. At the end of each semester, clubs may submit eligible insurance expenses for review and reimbursement. Required supporting documentation, such as proof of purchase and insurance certificates, must be included with all submissions.

Travel Support Program

The Club Sport Travel Support program aims to support competitive club sport teams that frequently travel for competitions. The program considers the cost of safe transit to games, tournaments, and competitions around the country and provides funding to help offset costs associated with travel. This program aims to reduce the financial burden of travel for competition and promote the use of responsible transportation options.

Nationals Grant

The Club Sport Nationals Grant provides retroactive financial support to undergraduate club sports organizations that participate in a national tournament or competition. This grant helps offset a portion of essential expenses, including registration, lodging, and transportation, incurred because of attending national events.

Equipment & Uniform Grant

The Club Sport Equipment & Uniform Grant provides financial support to undergraduate club sports organizations looking to purchase essential safety gear or team uniforms. This grant helps offset expenses incurred from acquiring necessary equipment or new uniforms to ensure participant safety. This grant is available to all club sports on a four-year cycle. Funding is granted at the discretion of the Club Sports Office.

Community Through Sports Grant

The Community Through Sports Grant provides undergraduate club sports organizations with the opportunity to secure official event sponsorship from Harvard Recreation and the Club Sports Office (CSO) to host inclusive, engaging sports events. This grant aims to foster community spirit, promote physical well-being, and engage a broader audience by selecting clubs to receive collaborative promotional support and supplemental funding from Recreation to put on their event. Grant selections and supplemental funding amounts are determined at the discretion of the CSO and based on the scope of the event, its potential community impact, and available program resources.

2026-2027 Club Sport Funding At a Glance

Club organizations are now eligible to receive funding via direct deposit using Zelle. All Club Sport Organizations are highly encouraged to utilize Zelle to expedite any funding opportunities form the Department of Harvard Athletics and Recreation.

Club Sport Organization Zelle Account Setup Guide

In the beginning of the academic year, each club sport should create a budget for the upcoming year and fundraise appropriately. Club organizations are encouraged to fundraise throughout the year. See the Club Sport Organization Fundraising Guide for information on fundraising opportunities, sponsorships, and donation collection.

Club Sport Organization Fundraising Guide

Term Billing allows club sport organizations to collect dues directly through Harvard student accounts. While mandatory for clubs participating in the Athlete Assistance Funding (AAF) program, Term Billing is also available to all recognized club sports.

How Officers Submit a Term Bill:

• Access the Form: Submit your request using the [Term Bill Form Link] on SOCO.
• Upload Roster Details: Download the Excel template provided within the form and enter your team roster, including each member's first and last name, HUID number, and the exact charge amount.
• Direct Billing: The CSO will process the listed charges directly to your members' Harvard student accounts.
• Transferring Funds for Club Use: To move the funds into the club's HFCU account for everyday operational expenses, submit a SOCO Fund Request Form.

Important Note: Term bill charges remain on the student's Harvard account until fully paid. Unpaid balances can place administrative holds on your account, which may interfere with course registration and graduation. Please ensure all dues are settled promptly!