Cornell club funding: SAFC and other boards vs fundraising
Before you plan a fundraiser, check whether your club can get funding from a Cornell board. Many groups do both: request funds for core costs, then run food fundraisers for extras like travel, socials and equipment.
This overview is based on Cornell's Funding Guidelines and Opportunities page. 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.
The main boards
SAFC, the Student Activities Funding Commission
For undergraduate student organizations only, and it does not fund club sports or faith-based groups. Groups must be registered in CampusGroups and in good standing with Campus Activities. It also offers a Public Event Fund for SAFC-funded organizations. Contact [email protected].
GPSAFC, the Graduate and Professional Student Assembly Finance Commission
For graduate and professional organizations, with the same registration and good standing expectations. Contact [email protected].
Interfaith Council and Club Sports Council
The Interfaith Council provides collaborative event funding for faith-based groups in good standing. The Club Sports Council serves undergraduate club sports and requires waivers and training.
Programming boards and co-sponsorship
Additional boards include the ALANA Intercultural Programming Board, CU Tonight, the Gender Justice Advocacy Coalition, Haven and the International Student Association. The Bartels Award co-sponsors events, lets an organization apply every other year, and requires proof that you are seeking funds elsewhere.
Why a fundraiser still matters
Funding boards often cover event costs but not everything a club wants. A food fundraiser gives you flexible money you control, and showing that your club raises its own funds can support a funding request.
A pre-order fundraiser on Cornell Craves is a low-risk way to do that: you collect orders first, buy only what was ordered, and the club keeps the margin.
Frequently asked questions
What is SAFC at Cornell?
The Student Activities Funding Commission funds eligible undergraduate student organizations registered in CampusGroups and in good standing. It does not fund club sports or faith-based groups.
Can a Cornell club use both SAFC funding and its own fundraisers?
Yes. Many clubs request board funding for core costs and use fundraisers for extra spending. Check each board's rules on how fundraising income is treated.
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, Funding Guidelines and Opportunities (scl.cornell.edu/FundingGuidelinesOpportunities)
Last reviewed: September 2026.