The Basics

  • Chartered student organizations must receive approval from SOFO before collecting dues and fees, holding any type of sale or soliciting donations of money, goods or services. To receive approval, register your sale or fundraiser, and we will be in touch to discuss your plans.
  • WFU Financial Services requires student organizations to use university-approved payment solutions when accepting online or electronic payments. The use of apps (such as Venmo) that pass funds through a personal bank account is prohibited.
  • Donations of money, goods or services to student groups, including sponsorships from businesses and “percent of sales” arrangements, must be conducted according to the fundraising guidance published on this website. If cash or checks are received for the purpose of a charitable donation, they should be brought to SOFO, who will deliver them to the University gift processing team.
  • Whenever students solicit donations for the benefit of an external nonprofit, any electronic payments must be made by donors directly, using the “Donate” button at the nonprofit’s website. Small-dollar cash donations and the proceeds of sales benefitting an external nonprofit will be processed through the group’s 129xxx Cost Center and must be donated in the same fiscal year they were received.
  • Student organizations that accept dues/fees from members or plan to hold fundraising sales benefitting their group activities should have an Agency Fund, which will enable the funds to remain available until fully spent.
  • To make a deposit of cash or checks to an Agency Fund, a group representative should make an appointment to bring the deposit to SOFO for processing. After we create a deposit in the university’s financial system, the cash and/or checks will be taken by the representative to the Cashier’s Window in Reynolda Hall 107.

Questions about accepting payments? Need help developing a plan?