Step-by-step Funding Guide

Meet with your CSI liaison prior to submitting a funding request – especially with all the sources, procedures and deadlines to consider. We know that scheduling a meeting does not always fit everyone's needs, so we have included this step-by-step guide to navigating the funding process. 

  1. Plan

    Step 1: Plan

    • Determine a date and time for your travel or event.  is a great place to start for on campus events.
    • Confirm travel dates and locations.
    • Anticipate your expenses by creating a listing of expected expenses. You will need documentation that supports the dollar amount you are requesting. Examples are invoices, quotes, price lists, screenshots, copies of online carts, etc.
    • Meet with your CSI liaison to discuss funding needs. Your liaison will advise on any policies and procedures that will affect your funding.

  2. Submit a funding request

    Step 2: Submit a Funding Request

    Complete the appropriate funding application on . A step-by-step guide can be found at this link: BuffConnect guide.

        Remember: A separate application is required for each type of funding need (event, operational or travel) and each separate funding instance.

  3. Application review

    Step 3: Application Review

    Your CSI liaison will review your funding application and request any necessary revisions, clarifications or supporting documents.

    You can expect this step to take 1 to 3 business days. Approval may be expedited if the student organization met with the CSI Liaison prior to submitting the budget. This process may be delayed if clarifications or revisions are needed.

    Once approved, the application is sent to appropriate funding sources by your CSI liaison. Be sure to continually check your email for any potential changes requested by your CSI liaison.

  4. Funding board hearings

    Step 4: Board Hearings

    Funding boards will contact your organization about a date and time for funding hearing(s). Generally, funding boards will send an email to the individual listed on the budget as primary contact.

    Things to keep in mind:

    • Not all funding boards require a hearing.
    • Some funding boards require two hearings.
    • Funding Requests can be sent to multiple boards for approval.
    • Each funding board has its own meeting schedule.
    • Funding boards may meet weekly, biweekly or monthly.

    Your organization will be notified on BuffConnect after each funding board approves or denies their portion of your budget.

    It takes about 8 to 30 days to complete funding board hearings.

  5. Student fee approval

    Step 5: Student Fee Approval

    Most funding sourses are funded by student fees. (Only three of the 14 sources are not funded by student fees.) Any funding that includes student fees must have final approval by CU Student Government’s (CUSG) Legislative Council president.

    • The Legislative Council president audits funding to ensure it is in compliance with student fee regulations.
    • No hearing is required for this step.
    • Approval is generally 1 to 3 days after all funding boards have approved their portion of the budget.
    • Student organizations will receive email notification once a budget is fully approved.
        Important: Do not start spending any money until all funding sources and Legislative Council president (if applicable) have approved your budget. If the budget is still pending in BuffConnect, it is not approved for spending.

  6. Pre-spending meeting

    Step 6: Pre-spending meeting

    Congratulations, your budget is approved! Before you start spending from your budget, your organization is required to attend a pre-spending meeting with CSI Finance. Try emailing your finance person or stop in for your pre-spending meeting.

    During the pre-spending meeting, CSI Finance will go over policies and procedures, approved spending methods, deadlines and how to enter transactions into BuffConnect.

  7. Spending

    Step 7: Spending

    Spend, spend, spend!

    Review the spending section for more information on spending methods.

    Things to keep in mind:

    • Enter all transaction requests into BuffConnect.
    • Be mindful of funding deadlines.
    • Any unused funding will be returned to funding boards after spending deadlines have passed.

  8. Reporting

    Step 8: Post-spending report

    A post-spending report is due after all transaction requests have been approved in BuffConnect.

    If the funding was not used, a post-spending report is still required indicating the event/travel/operational was canceled.

    NOTE: Your org could be barred from requesting future funding if you do not complete the required post-spending report

    Questions?Check out our FAQ page for information on how to submit a budget, eligibility requirements, limits and more.