Student Government has allocated approximately one-third of its budget set for student clubs and organizations in the 2013-2014 school year, just five weeks into the fall semester.
SG designated $61,900 to fund clubs this year # doubling last year’s budget. Clubs are able to draw from this fund to cover expenses for things like travel, supplies and food for events.
During the fall semester, SG can allocate no more than 60 percent of its total budget. Since $21,592.18 has already been used, clubs and organizations have only about $15,500 remaining this semester.
As of Sept. 27, the clubs that were allocated the most money include the Gardening Club with $4,411, the Science Club with $ 3,808.18 and Tribulls Triathlon with $2,651.64. If a club doesn’t use all the money allocated for a certain event or project, it can keep what is leftover to put toward similar items.
Clubs and organizations receive funds through grant requests. Requests go to the appropriations committee, which passes or denies requests in their weekly meetings. Clubs may also present their requests at SG general assemblies to rally support.
Having spent more money than any other club this year, the Gardening Club has requested funding for items like seeds, plants and other garden supplies necessary to improve their space.
“One of the main things we’ve focused on this semester is creating a tea garden in the Bayboro Garden,” said Abbey Wakely, Gardening Club president. The organization is also planning to cultivate the tea for a tea party and to install a drip irrigation system for the 16 flower beds. They have accepted mulch donations from the Pinellas County Waste facilities.
Until two years ago, clubs were allocated individual budgets at the beginning of each year. But when clubs fell inactive and didn’t use all their funding, thousands of dollars were lost. To avoid this, the budget system was switched to the current grant request system.
“With growth comes change. Even though we have been able to allocate for every single thing, we have to transition away from that because we can’t afford it,” said Lauren Reilly, SG chief financial officer.
The appropriations committee is discussing ways to balance the budget for the remaining months of the semester. Ideas include funding caps based on an organization’s size or event turnout.
SG Sen. Jozef Gherman, however, does not want a club’s growth to be limited to its funding.
“If students really believe that they can get 50 or 60 people, we just want to see it happen,” Gherman said. “If they think they can do it, who are we to say no?”
SG encourages clubs to fundraise for additional expenses. A fundraising event can become an event for the organization in itself, Gherman said.
SG’s budget comes from activity and service fees, which are charged with tuition each semester. The appropriation committee, senate and student body president determine the yearly budget for clubs at the end of each spring semester.
