Fundraising, Sales, Solicitation and Donation Policy
The Fundraising, Sales, Solicitation and Donation policy governs the fundraising activities1 by students, student organizations, athletic teams, departments, programs, faculty, staff, and other approved members or affiliates of the 91ÊÓƵ community ("Sponsors") to ensure that they are: (a) aligned with the University's mision and status as a tax-exempt nonprofit institution of higher education, and (b) conducted in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.
Sponsors may not (a) sign a contract2 on behalf of the University3 unless they have been given express signature authority, or (b) take or permit any action to be taken, to bind the University or commit any institutional funds without the express written approval of their advisor or supervisor. This includes fundraising in 91ÊÓƵ's name in collaboration with any external entity, without the express written approval of the University. Any such activity conducted on campus, or in the name, or for the benefit, of 91ÊÓƵ (including student organizations and University departments), regardless of whether for profit or not-for-profit, must be in compliance with this Policy.
Fundraisers (including business solicitation and Sales): Sponsors must submit fundraising information via 25Live or the Fundraising, Business Soliciation, and Donation Drive form from the Office of Campus Life at least two weeks prior to the fundraising activity.
Sponsors requiring a space on campus must submit a request through 25Live and complete the fundraising questions within the form. Sponsors who are hosting a fundraising activity or seeking business solicitations and donations, but who do not need a space must complete the .
Fundraising activities may be conducted to raise money for the club, sorority, fraternity, or organization itself, or proceeds may be donated to a legitimate tax-exempt charitable organization. If funds are to be used for the club, sorority, fraternity, or organization, the money must be deposited into the appropriate, registered 91ÊÓƵ account. Funds raised may not be deposited into a student's personal account to be used later. If the fundraising activity is on behalf of another tax-exempt charitable organization, and that organization's name will be used for the solicitation, the Sponsor must obtain written approval from the charitable organization. For additional information, please refer to the 91ÊÓƵ Development & Alumni Engagement Crowdfunding Policy.
Sales of merchandise at special events are not limited to a single Sponsor. For an event in which multiple Sponsors or purposes have been approved, items sold by the Sponsors must be of a non-competing nature.
Recognized student organizations are expected to submit a fundraising, donation drive, or business solicitation wrap-up report, provided by the Office of Campus Life.
Business Solicitation: A Sponsor representative must submit the Fundraising, Business Donation Drive (No Campus Reservation) form. Sponsors may not solicit support from downtown Bethlehem businesses and/or the Downtown Bethlehem Association without prior written approval. Recognized student organizations must seek approval through the Office of Campus Life. This allows the University to avoid multiple overlapping or concurrent requests of the same entity, coordinate efforts, and ensure there is not conflict with existing institutional commitments/agreements.
Types of Fundraising Activities:
Games of Chance: Fundraisers or philanthropy events involving games of chance—such as raffles, lotteries, 50/50s, bingo for money, casino nights, or any other activity where the outcome relies on luck/chance rather than skill—are prohibited. Sponsors are permitted to host game of chance events when there is not cost to participate in the game.
Games of Skill: Organizations may host games of skill — a game where the outcome depends upon a person's ability, knowledge or strategy. Examples include answering trivia questions, basket tosses, sport tournaments, and talent shows.
Any drawings (the entry to which is based on skill) must be conducted in a public setting and implemented within an atmosphere of fairness. Prizes must be confined to specific items or gift certificates. Cash prizes will be approved only in special circumstances. Prizes involving any form of alcoholic beverages are not permitted. Advisors, coaches, and Sponsors are ineligible for an prizes associated with a drawing sponsored by their organization or team. Members of the organization and their families, however, are eligible for prizes.
Money Collection: 91ÊÓƵ does not condone the use of Venmo, Cashapp, PayPal, Zelle or other mobile wallets for official use. Student Organizations may only accept cash or utilize for sales. Administrative offices and academic departments must seek guidance from their Vice P resident or Department Chair for an appropriate collection method.
Outside Vendor Sale of Items: All outside vendors must be connected with a Sponsor to be on campus.
No individual sales or fundraisers are permitted on campus unless prior approval is granted by the Office of Conference & Event Management. Outside vendors are charged $26 per day to be on campus.
Sales within residential areas must be approved in advance by the Office of Residence Life. Door-to-door sales are not permitted.
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1This includes, but is not limited to, promotions, solicitations, games of skill and sale of goods or services.
2Contracts may have different names (contract, agreement, MOU, letter) and may be formed by an email that has enough information to bind the institution.
3This includes a recognized student organization funded by or operating in the name of the University.
Updated: August 5, 2025