At many educational institutions, clubs exist to offer opportunities’ and activities to the scholastic community. Several factors that influence the success of these clubs include leadership, interaction and feedback with the community, and funding. The Student Government Association controls the process of funding clubs at Saint Anselm College

John Courtney Jr., Student Government Association Secretary of Finance at Saint Anselm College, told The Crier, “Funds are allocated to clubs through a process called Appropriations. Appropriations takes place every March and it gives an opportunity for all eligible clubs to propose their operating budget for the following academic year.”

Clubs design a budget plan and Courtney meets with Club Presidents to discuss the process of their Appropriations meeting. The Finance Committee then determines the amount that will be allocated to that club from their desired plan.

Courtney also stated that, “Clubs are allowed to request however much money they want. What clubs present to us is not necessarily what they are appropriated. We take into account several different factors: how well the club used their budget during the year, how well the club contributed to the entire campus community, and if the club demonstrated the ability to fundraise. Additionally, we make sure that we fund all health and safety requirements for club sports.”

Clubs are expected to fundraise, which does not interfere with the budget allocated to them, but if no fundraising action is taken then they will be confronted about it.

Only clubs that have been active for over a year and are approved by the Student Senate are able to submit budget plans.

“A new club, for example, only becomes eligible for funding through SGA a year after it was approved by the Student Senate. We have 45 clubs eligible for SGA funding,” said Courtney.

Clubs can operate with freedom if a proposed budget plan is accepted but are usually not given the amount they initially requested. Clubs that are consistent and considered high priority, such as club sports, may be allowed a higher budget ultimately depending on the amount of the funds used from their plan for the previous year.

The system of Appropriations is similar to how other schools in Saint Anselm’s peer and aspirant group operate. A club or organization will submit a budget plan which will be reviewed by their student government, and they will receive a determined budget for the year based on past expenses and priority. The exact numbers of funds distributed by schools are rarely shared publicly which could denote which clubs have precedence.