“My group wants to invite a speaker for the campus community. Is funding available?”

“I want to attend a conference. Can I get help to cover costs?”

“We want to organize a fun event open to everyone on campus. Can the College contribute?”

Amherst College is committed to supporting the needs, goals, and passions of its diverse student community. We have established a number of resources, including funding sources, to support extracurricular activities for Amherst College students and for registered Amherst College student organizations. This webpage lists the campus resources and major campus funding sources to which students and student groups can apply.

Important Things to Keep in Mind

  • There is more demand for funding than there is supply. It is not possible for the College to fund every request.
  • Funding will not be considered for ex post facto (after the fact) expenditures or bookings.
  • Each funding source will have different deadlines. Pay careful attention to the dates listed on each webpage and plan your application in advance.
  • Each funding source will have specific parameters for eligibility. Check each webpage carefully for criteria.
  • None of these funding sources is intended to finance a student’s comprehensive fee (tuition and housing and meals). Please see the Office of Financial Aid for information about your financial aid package.

Academic Year Funding

Support for Registered Student Organizations

Step One

If your group wants funding for an on-campus speaker, program, or other event, your first stop should be the Association of Amherst Students (AAS). Per their bylaws, AAS receives the annual Student Activities Fee for each student, which they allocate at their discretion to students and student groups to support programming.

Step Two

If an application to AAS is unsuccessful or the award is not adequate, the group’s next stop is the Office of Student Activities. Student Activities may refer the group to the Resource Centers, as appropriate.

Step Three

Student groups and registered student organizations can also request funding from the Resource Centers Team. In order to request funds for your student organization please fill out the RCT Funding Request form. The form serves a funding request process for all five resource centers (Multicultural Resource Center (MRC), Queer Resource Center (QRC), Center for International Student Engagement (CISE), Women's & Gender Center (WGC), and Center for Diversity & Student Leadership (CDSL). Each semester the RCT collectively allocates funds toward student programs, initiatives, and events that foster community, inclusion, and equity at Amherst College. 

Support for Individual Students

  • Attending a Conference: If you would like funding to attend a conference, your first stop should be AAS, and then the Office of Student Activities.
  • Presenting at a Conference: If you are presenting at an academic conference, funding may be available through the Office of the Provost and Dean of the Faculty. See the Funding for Students page for more information.
  • Emergencies: There are funds available for students who experience a hardship (e.g., illness or death in the family) and need immediate assistance. Please contact Case Management if you have an emergency.