Raising money for a charity as a Cornell club: the approval letter
Many Cornell clubs run a food fundraiser for an outside cause, such as a hunger relief group, a school or a disaster fund. Cornell has a specific requirement for that case: the club must collect a letter from the charity.
This page explains what the rule says and how to handle it without losing your date. Rules change, so confirm the current requirements with the office named here before you plan around them.
Money never touches Cornell Craves. Students pay the club directly over Venmo or Zelle, and there is no commission or fee.
What Cornell requires
When a fundraiser supports a charitable organization, Cornell says the sponsoring group must collect a letter from that charity indicating that it is aware of the event and approves the fundraising on its behalf.
What the letter should contain
The charity's name and a contact
Use the charity's letterhead or an official email from a named staff member.
The event details
Name your club, describe the food fundraiser, and give the planned dates.
Clear approval
State that the charity is aware of the fundraiser and approves your club raising money on its behalf.
Ask early
Charities move at their own pace, and the Event Scheduling Request is due at least three weeks before your sale. Request the letter before you submit the form so it is ready to attach or reference.
Be clear with buyers
Tell students how much of each sale goes to the cause. On a Cornell Craves listing, the club sets the price and goal and can describe where the proceeds go. Because students pay the club directly, the club is responsible for passing the promised amount to the charity.
Frequently asked questions
Does a Cornell club need permission from a charity to fundraise for it?
Yes. Cornell says the sponsoring group must collect a letter from the charity showing it is aware of the event and approves it.
Does Cornell Craves take a cut of the money?
No. Students pay the club directly through Venmo or Zelle. Cornell Craves never handles or holds the money and takes no fee.
Who can use Cornell Craves?
Clubs must be legitimate Cornell student organizations, and new clubs are reviewed before their first drop goes live. Ordering is for current Cornell students with an @cornell.edu Google account. Cornell Craves is an independent student project and is not run or endorsed by Cornell University. It does not replace any Cornell approval, and each club stays responsible for following university and county rules.
Contact
Questions or want to list a fundraiser? Email [email protected] or message @cornellcraves on Instagram.
Sources
- Cornell Student and Campus Life, Fundraising and Sales Activity page (scl.cornell.edu/get-involved/campus-events/fundraising-and-sales-activity)
Last reviewed: September 2026.