Every spring semester, ASUM distributes a large sum of money to student groups. Only currently recognized groups may apply for funding during the Annual Budgeting Allocation. 

The ASUM Business Manager contacts all student groups at the beginning of each spring semester about the application process. Allocations are assigned in specific expense categories, such as supplies or meeting expenses, usually as requested by the group.

Budgeting Information Sessions are over for this spring. If your club missed the budgeting information session, please email the Business Manager ASAP!!! 

This allocation process is for funds that will be made available for the following fiscal year (July 1 - June 30). Any ASUM allocated funds become available to groups in mid-August and are available for the school year. Funds which remain unspent by the spending deadline (typically the third Friday in June) are reclaimed by ASUM to be redistributed in the next Annual Budgeting Cycle.

Groups need to pay close attention to the expense categories they spend from so they don't end up with a negative balance at the end of the fiscal year when ASUM removes unspent allocated funds. If you have questions about the spending process, please reach out to the Office Manager.

Contact the ASUM Business Manager if you have questions about Spring Budgeting.

Special Allocations help fund groups hosting major events or meetings on campus or the Missoula area. Recognized groups can apply for Special Allocations anytime during the semester, but any funds that are awarded must be spent as awarded during that semester.

APPLY FOR A SPECIAL ALLOCATION

• Contact the ASUM Business Manager if you have questions about a Special Allocation Request.
• Visit the Office Manager to complete any Special Allocation Spending.

Recommendations regarding Special Allocations are made by the ASUM Board on Budget & Finance and are then voted on by the ASUM Senate. When a Special Allocation is awarded, the funds are not transferred to the group's account. Instead, the expense is paid from an ASUM administrative account.

Travel Allocations assist Student Groups who are going on trips. Travel Allocation Requests may be submitted by recognized groups and are granted on a rolling basis during fall semester, but have a cut off of early February for spring semester.

APPLY FOR A TRAVEL ALLOCATION 

• Contact the ASUM Business Manager if you have questions about a Travel Allocation Request.
• Visit the Office Manager to complete all Travel Allocation Reimbursements.

Recommendations regarding Travel Allocations are made by the ASUM Board on Budget & Finance and are then voted on by the ASUM Senate. When a Travel Allocation is awarded, the funds are not transferred to the group's account. Instead, the expense is paid from an ASUM administrative account.

APPLYING FOR A TRAVEL ALLOCATION IS INDEPENDENT OF ASUM TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: Please visit the Office Manager regarding all Travel in advance of your trip. 

The State Term Investment Pool (STIP) helps purchase equipment with a value of at least $150 which will be of use to a recognized group for a minimum of two years. STIP Requests are for capital improvements with long term value.

APPLY FOR A STIP ALLOCATION

• Contact the ASUM Business Manager if you have questions about submitting a STIP Request.
• Visit the Office Manager to complete any STIP Purchases or Spending.

Recommendations regarding STIP Allocations are made by the ASUM Board on Budget & Finance and are then voted on by the ASUM Senate. When a STIP Request is approved, the funds are not transferred to the group's account. Instead, the expense is paid from an ASUM administrative account.

Prior to any fundraising, groups must meet with the ASUM Office Manager to ensure that proper procedures are followed. Groups that fail to do so may be subject to sanction.

Groups raise funds in a variety of ways: selling tickets to events; selling products such as baked goods or T-shirts; soliciting donations from campus departments and administrative offices; dues; contributions from national or local affiliates; and soliciting donations from businesses and individuals.

• Paper: ASUM requires a Cash Log to be kept and submitted with cash deposited intact.
• Plastic: UM Card Readers are available for checkout with advance notice from the ASUM Office.
• Digital: ASUM has access to a Stripe account that is available for Student Group use with advance notice.

Any monies raised by groups themselves are considered their own to spend as they want, as long as they are in compliance with UM and ASUM Fiscal Policy and procedures. Student Generated Funds carry over from one fiscal year to the next whereas Allocated funds have expiration dates in line with the fiscal year.

Deposits

All Student Groups must deposit fundraised monies with ASUM. If a group does not have an ASUM Index established, please meet with the ASUM Office Manager to get one started. For Deposits, the member will be asked to complete a deposit form and will be issued a receipt.

• Checks should be made out to the name of the group or The University of Montana, not individuals.
• Checks written to student groups must be deposited within 30 days.

• Cash should be collected utilizing a Cash Log provided by ASUM. Please bring the cash log for filing; it will be used to verify the deposit is intact.
• Cash must be deposited intact within seven (7) days of collection.

Tax Deducible Receipts

Student groups wanting to provide tax-deductible receipts for donations must deposit those donations into an ASUM Foundation account. Donation checks can still be made out in the name of your group but must then be given to the ASUM Office Manager who will forward them to the Foundation. The Foundation will send a receipt directly to the donor, as long as a mailing address is provided. The Foundation will assess a 8% fee per donation. The donated funds, less 8%, can then be used by your group to pay expenses. For information on how to provide acknowledgement for tax purposes of donated items or services, please email the ASUM Office Manager.