FINANCES & FUNDRAISING

Back to: Chapter Finances and Budgeting

All financial operations of chapters in the United States are governed by the 501(c)(3) IRS status granted to Brigham Young University. This allows the operation of educational activities to go without assessment of corporate federal income taxes and also grants exemption from payment of sales tax in Utah and Hawaii. Each chapter is to be self-supporting and operate on a break-even basis. BYU Alumni does not provide any direct financial support to its chapters. Chapter Finances and Fundraising should be focused on supporting current students through the BYU Alumni Replenishment Grant program.

Chapter Finances

Local Bank Accounts
  • Chapters must open a Deseret First Credit Union (DFCU) account for chapter operations.
  • This account should only be used for chapter-related expenses and activities.
  • Chapters may create a business Venmo account, but it must be linked to the chapter's DFCU account.
  • Learn more about setting up a DFCU account here. Of if you would rather jump right to setting up a DFCU account, click here.
BYU Chapter Accounts
  • BYU manages a chapter account for funds received from:
    • Donations (philanthropy)
    • True Blue Awards
    • Eventbrite ticket sales
  • These funds can be used for replenishment grants or chapter operations.
  • To transfer funds to your DFCU account, contact Alumni Relations.

Chapter Financial Responsibilities

Chapters are responsible for covering the following expenses related to their events and activities:

  • Facilities: Reservations for venues or gathering spaces
  • Food & Beverage: Catering, taxes, and gratuities
  • Guest Speakers/Performers: Travel, lodging, and performance fees
  • Advertising: Promotional materials, including flyers, postcards, and emails
  • Postage: Costs for mailing chapter event invitations or updates
  • Miscellaneous: Stamps, stationery, decorations, and other supplies

Chapters can request BYU Alumni to design, print, and mail materials for chapter events. These costs will be deducted from chapter accounts. In some cases, BYU Alumni may fully cover postage if:

  • The event has broad appeal where email isn't sufficient.
  • The financial benefit for the chapter justifies the cost.
  • The event is part of a series across multiple chapters.

Note: Submit requests 6-8 weeks before the event by emailing alumni_comms@byu.edu.

Replenishment Grants (Preferred way to donate)

  • Replenishment grant donations are managed by BYU Alumni.
  • Preferred way to donate for replenishment grant is through the QR code on your chapter website
  • To deposit donations: (If e-donations through the QR code is not possible)
    • Make checks payable to BYU and include the chapter name in the memo line.
    • Clearly separate individual donations from event proceeds.
    • Include donor details: Name, address, check number (or copy), and amount.
    • Send donations to:
      Matt Sherry
      Alumni Relations
      282 Hinkley Center, BYU
      Provo, UT 84602

    • Donors will receive tax receipts from BYU Philanthropies.

Fundraising Guidelines

All fundraising must align with BYU policies and be pre-approved by Alumni Relations.

Event Fees

  • Ticketed events (e.g., picnics, tailgates, or performances) should cover costs and generate a small surplus.

Sponsors

  • Businesses can sponsor or underwrite events.
  • Sponsorship fees are usually deductible as business expenses, not charitable donations.
  • If a sponsor requests a tax receipt:
    • Send the check and sponsor contact information to Alumni Relations.
    • Send the check and sponsor contact information to Alumni Relations.

Individual Donations

  • Chapters may ask alumni for donations to support activities.
  • Donations may be tax-deductible if no goods or services are exchanged.
  • For guidance, consult Alumni Relations or BYU Philanthropies.

Contracts

  • Chapters are not authorized to sign contracts for venues or services.
  • Submit all contracts to Alumni Relations (Matt Sherry, m_sherry@byu.edu) for review and approval.
  • Contracts over $6,000 or for events outside chapter boundaries require BYU approval.

Merchandise Licensing

  • Any items using BYU or Alumni logos must be approved by BYU Licensing.
  • Licensing will connect you with approved vendors or assist with a one-time event license.

Reimbursements

  • Chapter leaders can reimburse personal expenses through the chapter's DFCU account. Log all transactions for accurate records.
  • If treated as a donation, include receipts with the Chapter Donation Form to Alumni Relations