SIDE Funding

The Office of Inclusion and Diversity (OID) at Yale School of Management (SOM) actively organizes events and fosters community engagement. We value the efforts of student clubs in shaping school culture, educating their peers about various aspects of their shared identity, and creating a welcoming environment for students from diverse backgrounds. To support these initiatives and strengthen our partnership, we have established the Student Initiative for Diversity and Equity (SIDE) funding committee.

SIDE funding is dedicated to promoting and enhancing the OID's collaboration with student clubs who organize events that align with SOM's commitment to inclusion and diversity. It provides resources and support to student-led initiatives that contribute to the broader goals of creating an inclusive and diverse campus community. By leveraging SIDE funding, student clubs can make a meaningful impact on the school's culture and extend a warm welcome to students from all walks of life.

The application is available in your CampusGroups accounting book for clubs.

  • How are SIDE funding decisions made?

    In response to the growing number of event sponsorship requests from the SOM community, the Office of Inclusion and Diversity (OID) has established a dedicated SIDE funding committee. This committee, led by Michael R. Myers, the Senior Associate Director of Inclusion and Diversity, consists of representatives from various SOM offices. Their primary role is to assess and evaluate the completed SIDE funding applications and make informed decisions regarding the allocation of funds.

    The creation of the SIDE funding committee is an important step towards maintaining equity and fairness in our relationship with all student clubs. By involving members from different SOM offices, we ensure a comprehensive evaluation process that considers diverse perspectives and expertise. This committee's objective is to diligently review each application, considering the alignment with OID's mission and the broader goals of promoting inclusion and diversity within the SOM community.

    Rest assured that your completed SIDE funding application will be thoughtfully assessed by the committee, and a funding decision will be rendered based on the merits and impact of your proposed event. The committee's expertise and commitment to equity will guide their decision-making process, further enhancing the transparency and effectiveness of our sponsorship efforts.

  • How much funding will be provided?

    In accordance with the guidelines set forth by the Academic Affairs and Student Life (AASL) and the C&F Additional Funding Policies, the Office of Inclusion and Diversity (OID) retains full discretion regarding the allocation of funds for each request. We aim to ensure fairness and consistency in our funding decisions, considering various factors.

    If your funding request exceeds $500, we may require additional information to thoroughly assess and consider the nature and impact of the event or initiative before approving the funding. This is to ensure that we make informed decisions that align with our commitment to promoting inclusion and diversity within the SOM community.

    Furthermore, we will also take into consideration the total number of requests you have made throughout the academic year when evaluating funding decisions. This allows us to maintain a fair distribution of resources among all student clubs and supports a sustainable approach to funding allocations.

    Our goal is to support and empower student-led initiatives while adhering to responsible financial management. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we strive to make equitable and impactful funding decisions that align with our mission and promote a vibrant culture of inclusion and diversity at SOM.

  • Do you need to be a student club to receive funding?

    All applications must be submitted on behalf of a student club. By submitting applications as a club, we encourage teamwork, shared responsibility, and inclusivity. This approach aligns with our mission of fostering a vibrant and engaged community at SOM.

  • What are the deadlines?

    To be eligible for funding, your club must adhere to the following guidelines. By following these guidelines, your club can enhance the chances of receiving funding and contribute to the overall effectiveness and transparency of our funding process. We appreciate your cooperation and commitment to upholding these standards as we work together to foster an inclusive and diverse environment at SOM.

    1. Application Submission: Your club must submit the completed funding application at least 4 weeks prior to the date you require the funding. This allows us sufficient time to review your request, make informed decisions, and allocate resources effectively. We encourage early submission to ensure a smooth and timely processing of your application.
    2. Campus Groups Portal: All financial transactions related to funding must be completed exclusively through the CampusGroups portal. This centralized platform ensures transparency, accountability, and seamless record-keeping. By using the designated portal, we can streamline the funding process and maintain a clear audit trail.
    3. AASL Guidelines: We expect all funding requests to align with the guidelines set forth by the Academic Affairs and Student Life (AASL). These guidelines provide a framework for responsible and purposeful use of funds, promoting activities and initiatives that enhance inclusion and diversity within the SOM community. Please review and adhere to the AASL guidelines to ensure your funding request is in compliance with these standards.

  • Which expenses will not be covered?

    • Events cannot exceed $100 per person using SIDE funds
    • In accordance with AASL policy, non-conference event size max attendance is 150.
    • In accordance with AASL policy, events spending over $4,000 must be brought to Student Government for approval.
    • In accordance with AASL policy, OID will not make exceptions unless there has been consultation with AASL/BusOps and a determination is made that the increase is necessary and appropriate.
    • Swag over $100 per person
    • Gift cards
    • Hard liquor
    • Van or SUV rentals
    • End of the year parties
    • Luxury travel or accommodations
    • Club memberships e.g. Yale Club of NYC
    • Honorariums or Speaker Fees