Finances & Fundraising

  • Financial Responsibility

    Every club must be financially self-sustaining.

    • Any University funding that a club receives from the University will be through the Common Grant Application. the benefit to this process is the ability to request funding from multiple University granting bodies including, but not limited to, the HUA, club Sports Grant, and Nationals Grant.
    • Clubs must submit receipts to the Club Sports Office for costs paid for with the Club Sports Grant, Nationals Grant, or any funding by DHA as part of annual registration. All unused funds must be remitted to the Athletic Department (make checks payable to Harvard University) by May 31st. Failure to comply with this policy may result in loss of club sport status.
    • 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.
    • Fundraising activities or solicitation of funds or contributions must be approved in advance by the Club Sports Office.
    • Admission fees may not be charged except as specifically approved for each event by the Club Sports Director.
    • 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.
  • Banking with Harvard Federal Credit Union (HFCU)

    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.

  • Friends Accounts

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

    To check the balance of your Friends account, please email the Club Sports Office.

    To request funds from your Friends 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)
  • Athlete Assistance Funding

    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 general inquiries regarding this opportunity, please contact the CSO.

  • Funding Opportunities

    Annual Department of Harvard Athletics Club Sports 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 and Spring Club Sport Subsidies

    The Club Sport Subsidy is designed to help offset expenses required by Department of Harvard Athletics policies. At the end of each semester, clubs may submit eligible 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 through the Fall and Spring Subsidies. 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 as a result of attending national events.

  • Electronic Transfers - Zelle

    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

  • Fundraising, Sponsorship, & Donations

    In the beginning of the academic year, each club sport should estimate how much money they will need throughout the 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