How To Submit a Budget Request

All student organizations must submit funding requests through PhoenixCONNECT. Funding is allocated quarterly to ensure sustainability and equitable access throughout the year. Please note that deadlines apply quarterly (Q3 requests are due on November 7th).

How to Submit a Budget Request on PhoenixCONNECT

See the attached PDF for a visual step-by-step How to Submit a Budget Request

  1. Log in to PhoenixCONNECT using your Elon login
  2. Click the menu icon in the top left corner
  3. On the left side of the screen, all your organizations will be listed
  4. Hover over the organization requesting funds and click the settings gear
  5. From the list of options, select Organization Tools and then Finance
  6. Click on the blue Create Request button in the top right corner
  7. Under SGA Funding Request, choose Budget Request and begin your funding submission.

Funding Priorities

When reviewing requests, the Finance Board gives special consideration to submissions that demonstrate:

  • Inclusivity and accessibility
  • Collaboration between student organizations
  • Campus-wide interest and engagement
  • Alignment with Elon’s mission and SGA’s values

Budget Request Resources

When filling out the request form, please ensure that your organization’s name is titled under Request Title. The Finance Board’s goal is to fund events that serve the undergraduate student body and create meaningful campus experiences. Due to limited funding, not every request can be fully approved. The guidelines below are designed to help student organizations prepare stronger submissions.

Items SGA Is Unlikely to Fund

Due to the significant number of requests and the limited funding available for SGA to distribute, this year we are unlikely to be able to fund:

  • Off-campus activities, given the limited number of students who can participate
  • Conference travel, due to the high cost for a limited number of students
  • Food, when it is not essential to the success of the event
  • Movies, due to the high cost of copyright fees relative to expected audience size (typically $750–$1,250)
  • Marketing for the organization
  • Costumes or props that are not used multiple times within the same year
  • Decorations that are not essential to the event

Finance Board Review Criteria

When reviewing requests, the Finance Board considers the following:

  • Broad student appeal or interest
  • Experiential value (educational, cultural, awareness, or entertainment)
  • Alignment with the organization’s mission and Elon University values
  • Anticipated attendance and participation
  • Co-sponsorship or collaboration with other organizations or departments
  • Completeness of the request (including clear descriptions and budget details)
  • Review of any applicable Post-Event Evaluation forms
  • Presentation to the Finance Board (if requested)

Tips for a Strong Submission

  • Provide Specific Details: clearly describe the event and break down the requested expenses
  • Demonstrate Impact: explain how many students will participate and the benefit to the broader community
  • Prioritize Requests: list events in order of importance to your organization
  • Collaborate When Possible: Partnering with other groups strengthens your case
  • Plan Ahead: Submit requests early to allow for review and potential revisions
  • Add all costs (shipping, setup, taxes, etc.)
  • Review the Finance Bylaws before submitting 

Budget Guidelines

All expenses must be directly tied to a specific event and not for general organizational use. Requests must also be submitted prior to any purchase.

According to the Finance Bylaws, the following are non-fundable:

  • Personal or private-use items
  • Alcohol, drugs, or tobacco (including props or lookalikes)
  • Donations or contributions
  • Fundraisers or revenue-generating items
  • Late fees, penalties, or expedited shipping charges
  • Loans, grants, scholarships, or tuition/fees
  • Requests from Elon graduate students

After Approval: Purchasing & Compliance

Purchases must go through the Vice President of Finance, Ian Brecker, or Jackie Allred, or use the Credit Card Check-Out process. 

Funded events must: 

  • Be on PhoenixCONNECT
  • Track attendance via Event Pass
  • Display “Funded by SGA” on all marketing
  • Submit the Post-Event Form within one week

Events Over $5000: Special Approval Required

If a single event costs more than $5000, it must go through an extra approval process:

  1. Add it to your quarterly budget request (applies only to one event over $5000, not your total request)
  2. Meet with the Finance Board first to pitch your event and explain why the cost is justified.
  3. If approved by the Board, it moves to the SGA Senate for a final vote and presentation.
  4. Plan Early! Please submit your request as soon as possible to allow sufficient time for review, approval, and event marketing.

Changing Event Dates & Funding

If your event dates change (especially across quarters), you must get approval before using funds.

Funding does not automatically move to new dates or quarters.

To request a change, email the SGA Vice President of Finance with the new date and reason for the change.

Unapproved changes may result in loss of funding.

Resources to Help Submit a Budget

  • Visit the SGA Website  for forms, deadlines, and Bylaws
  • Office Hours (Ian Brecker):
    • Tues 1-2 pm | Wed 10-12 pm | Thurs 2-3 pm
  • Student Involvement (Moseley 205) for Event Pass help
  • Review your org’s Finance page for past requests