Funding for Student Groups & Departmental Groups
Harvard Griffin GSAS groups have several funding options for events, programs, and group activities. Start by checking the upcoming application deadlines, then compare the funding sources below to determine which option best fits your plans.
2026–2027 Funding Deadlines
Plan early. Funding is not retroactive, and each program has its own application schedule and timing requirements. Use the table below to identify the appropriate funding cycle before preparing your application.
| Application Deadline | Fund | Event / Funding Timing |
|---|---|---|
|
September 25, 2026 11:59 p.m. ET |
CCE — Fall | Events: October 9 – December 4, 2026 |
|
October 9, 2026 11:59 p.m. ET |
GSC — Fall | October 9 – December 11, 2026* |
|
October 23, 2026 11:59 p.m. ET |
Student Engagement Fund — Fall |
Decision: November 6 Initiatives after November 13 |
|
December 4, 2026 11:59 p.m. ET |
GSC — Winter | December 4, 2026 – March 12, 2027* |
|
February 5, 2027 11:59 p.m. ET |
CCE — Spring | Events: February 19 – April 23, 2027 |
|
February 19, 2027 11:59 p.m. ET |
Student Engagement Fund — Spring |
Decision: March 5 Initiatives after March 12 |
|
March 5, 2027 11:59 p.m. ET |
GSC — Spring | March 5 – May 7, 2027* |
|
April 9, 2027 11:59 p.m. ET |
CCE — Summer | Events: June 4 – August 20, 2027 |
|
April 30, 2027 11:59 p.m. ET |
GSC — Summer | April 30, 2027 – Fall 2027 funding deadline* |
* GSC funding-cycle timing restrictions apply to events, not to equipment or other eligible costs associated with running a group.
Which Funding Source Should I Use?
Once you have identified the relevant application cycle, compare the funding sources below. Each program serves a somewhat different purpose. Follow the links in the Full details row for complete eligibility, application, and post-award requirements.
| CCE Fund | Student Engagement Fund | GSC Funding | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Community-building, cultural, leadership, and professional-development events | One-time, large-scale, inclusive initiatives connecting students across disciplines | Regular programming, meetings, recurring events, supplies, and group operations |
| Who can apply? | Recognized Student Groups through Track 1; eligible Departmental Groups through Track 2 | Recognized Student Groups, or students partnering with a recognized Student Group | Recognized Student Groups and eligible Departmental Groups through separate funding pools |
| Funding | $100–$2,000, based on the scale of the initiative | Up to $2,000 per round, per group | No stated maximum; requested expenses must be reasonable and justified |
| Applications per cycle | One per group or collaborative team | One per group, per round | May request support for multiple events |
| Funding cycles | Fall, Spring, Summer | Fall, Spring | Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer |
| How to apply | Qualtrics application; separate Track 1 and Track 2 forms | Student Engagement Fund Budget Request on Engage | GSC Funding Budget Request on Engage |
| Full details | View CCE Fund guidelines | View Student Engagement Fund guidelines | View GSC Funding guidelines |
View recognized Student Groups at Harvard Griffin GSAS
Before You Apply
- Apply before the event or expense. These funding programs do not provide retroactive funding.
- Disclose other funding. If you request or receive support from another source, include it in your application. The same expense cannot be funded twice.
- Keep your group active. Student Groups must remain recognized and complete the required annual renewal process to remain eligible for funding.
- Review the detailed fund guidelines before making financial commitments. Eligible expenses, scheduling, publicity, payment, and post-initiative reporting requirements differ among the three programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we receive funding from more than one source?
Yes. You may request support from multiple sources for the same initiative, but you must disclose all other funding requested or received and cannot charge the same expense to more than one fund.
Which fund should we use for regular meetings or recurring programming?
GSC funding is generally the best fit for recurring programming, regular meetings, supplies, and other ongoing group needs. The Student Engagement Fund is primarily intended for one-time, large-scale initiatives, while CCE supports discrete community-building, cultural, leadership, and professional-development initiatives.
Is there a Winter Student Engagement Fund round?
No. The 2026–2027 Student Engagement Fund has Fall and Spring rounds only.
Can we apply after an event has already occurred?
No. Funding must be requested in advance.
What about speaker honoraria or travel?
The rules differ by fund. The Student Engagement Fund permits requested honoraria and relevant flight costs when included in the itemized budget. CCE may support honoraria but does not fund travel. GSC does not fund honoraria or gifts for conference speakers; for other speaker expenses, contact the GSC Treasurer before submitting your request.
Our Student Group is new. Is start-up funding available?
Newly approved Student Groups may request up to $200 through the GSC Start-Up Fund. For help starting, reactivating, or renewing a group, contact stugroups@fas.harvard.edu.
Questions?
| CCE Fund | gsas_cce@fas.harvard.edu |
| Student Engagement Fund | stucenter@fas.harvard.edu |
| GSC Funding | gsctreasurer@fas.harvard.edu |
| Group recognition, renewal, or starting a group | stugroups@fas.harvard.edu |
Review the complete guidelines for the CCE Fund , Student Engagement Fund , or GSC Funding before submitting your application.