Skip to main content

Budget and Funding Guidelines

DormCon maintains a budget to keep track of funds that are allocated for both operational expenses and events in the dorm community. We are committed to keeping extraneous costs low in order to maximize the amount of money available for requests that enhance the residential experience. As approved by dorm presidents, DormCon receives $10 of house tax from every dorm resident.

Since Spring 2026, DormCon receives additional semesterly funding from the MIT Division of Student Life (DSL) to distribute to residence halls for large events, replacing the former LEF/ARCADE grant programs. This is in recognition of the value that undergraduate residence halls have on the student experience, and is fully distributed directly to dorms every semester based on request. Furthermore, DormCon annually funds campus-wide events such as Campus Preview Weekend (CPW), Residential Exploration (REX), and DormCon Apple Picking, as well as individual dorm events, inter-dorm events, and events sponsored by individual dorm residents.

Funding Guidelines​

All funding requests are first reviewed by the DormCon Treasurer and then are voted on by the dorm presidents at a general body meeting. A representative of the group/organization requesting funding must attend the meeting their proposal is being voted on. This process is designed to ensure a spirit of transparency, collaboration, and fiscal responsibility.

Any questions should be directed to the DormCon Treasurer by emailing dormcon-treasurer@mit.edu.

Individual Dorm Events​

Definition​

Events that are sponsored by one dorm and are open and advertised to all undergraduate residents.

Examples​

Specifications​

Events that are to be funded by DormCon must follow certain guidelines.

  • All DormCon-funded individual dorm events must be open and advertised to all undergraduate dorm residents (i.e. you must dormspam).
  • Events will not be given funding exceeding 50% of the eligible budget for said event
  • Line items for publicity, giveaways (besides event food), or alcohol are not eligible for DormCon funding.
  • Event leaders are expected to handle EHS and risk management issues for their event.
  • DormCon must be listed as a funding source in all advertisements and publicity materials for the event.

Application Deadlines​

Applications for event funding must be received by the DormCon treasurer no later than one week before the DormCon general body meeting at which that event is to be discussed. Funding will be transferred into dorm accounts after the Post-Event Report is submitted.

Event Funding Application Form​

  1. What is your event and how does it involve dorm culture? (100 words minimum)
  2. Dorm sponsor (i.e. the dorm involved)
  3. Location
  4. Date and time
  5. Number of people the event can accommodate (at one time and total)
  6. Expected attendance (at one time and total)
  7. Comprehensive budget of entire event that follows the following guidelines:
    1. Itemized (as much as is reasonable)
    2. Expected alternative/extra funding sources
    3. Expected cover charge/tickets, if applicable. Indicate which items that will be covered by DormCon funding
    4. Do you expect this to be a repeating event?

Post-Event Report​

  • After the event, you are required to submit a post event report, which should detail final expenses and the number of attendees, as well as any other relevant notes.
  • All receipts relevant to the funded event must be submitted with the Post-Event Report to be eligible for reimbursement.
  • DormCon reserves the right to rescind or reduce funding if this report is not submitted, or if the final reported expenses are significantly different from the budget submitted on the funding application. In such a case, dorm presidents will vote to approve the reduction in funding at the next possible GBM.
  • Post-Event Reports must be submitted within 2 weeks of the completion of the event to be eligible for reimbursement. Exceptions can be made via petition to dormcon-treasurer@mit.edu

Inter-Dorm Events​

Definition​

Events that are sponsored by multiple dorms.

Examples​

  • Spring Picnic
  • Fall Carnival
  • Multi-dorm formal

Specifications​

Events that are to be funded by DormCon must follow certain guidelines.

  • Events will not be given funding exceeding 50% of the eligible budget for said event
  • Line items for publicity, giveaways (besides event food), or alcohol are not eligible for DormCon funding.
  • Event leaders are expected to handle EHS and risk management issues for their event.
  • DormCon must be listed as a funding source in all advertisements and publicity materials for the event.

Application Deadlines​

Applications for event funding must be received by the DormCon treasurer no later than one week before the DormCon general body meeting at which that event is to be discussed. Funding will be transferred into dorm accounts after the Post-Event Report is submitted.

Event Funding Application Form​

  1. What is your event and how does it involve dorm culture? (100 words minimum)
  2. Dorm sponsors (i.e. the dorms involved)
  3. Location
  4. Date and time
  5. Number of people the event can accommodate (at one time and total)
  6. Expected attendance (at one time and total)
  7. Comprehensive budget of entire event that follows the following guidelines:
    1. Itemized (as much as is reasonable)
    2. Expected alternative/extra funding sources
    3. Expected cover charge/tickets, if applicable. Indicate which items that will be covered by DormCon funding
    4. Do you expect this to be a repeating event?

Post-Event Report​

  • After the event, you are required to submit a post event report, which should detail final expenses and the number of attendees, as well as any other relevant notes.
  • All receipts relevant to the funded event must be submitted with the Post-Event Report to be eligible for reimbursement.
  • DormCon reserves the right to rescind or reduce funding if this report is not submitted, or if the final reported expenses are significantly different from the budget submitted on the funding application. In such a case, dorm presidents will vote to approve the reduction in funding at the next possible GBM.
  • Post-Event Reports must be submitted within 2 weeks of the completion of the event to be eligible for reimbursement. Exceptions can be made via petition to dormcon-treasurer@mit.edu

Resident Events​

Definition​

Events that are sponsored by individual dorm residents and are open and advertised to everyone.

Examples​

  • A Doctor Who watch party
  • RPM study break

Specifications​

Events that are to be funded by DormCon must follow certain guidelines.

  • All DormCon-funded individual dorm events must be open to all undergraduate dorm residents.
  • Events will not be given funding exceeding 50% of the eligible budget for said event
  • Line items for publicity, giveaways (besides event food), or alcohol are not eligible for DormCon funding.
  • Event leaders are expected to handle EHS and risk management issues for their event.
  • DormCon must be listed as a funding source in all advertisements and publicity materials for the event.

Application Deadlines​

Applications for event funding must be received by the DormCon treasurer no later than one week before the DormCon general body meeting at which that event is to be discussed. Funding will be transferred into dorm accounts after the Post-Event Report is submitted.

Event Funding Application Form​

  1. What is your event and how does it involve dorm culture? (100 words minimum)
  2. Dorm sponsors (i.e. the dorms involved)
  3. Location
  4. Date and time
  5. Number of people the event can accommodate (at one time and total)
  6. Expected attendance (at one time and total)
  7. Comprehensive budget of entire event that follows the following guidelines:
    1. Itemized (as much as is reasonable)
    2. Expected alternative/extra funding sources
    3. Expected cover charge/tickets, if applicable. Indicate which items that will be covered by DormCon funding
    4. Do you expect this to be a repeating event?

Post-Event Report​

  • After the event, you are required to submit a post event report, which should detail final expenses and the number of attendees, as well as any other relevant notes.
  • All receipts relevant to the funded event must be submitted with the Post-Event Report to be eligible for reimbursement.
  • DormCon reserves the right to rescind or reduce funding if this report is not submitted, or if the final reported expenses are significantly different from the budget submitted on the funding application. In such a case, dorm presidents will vote to approve the reduction in funding at the next possible GBM.
  • Post-Event Reports must be submitted within 2 weeks of the completion of the event to be eligible for reimbursement. Exceptions can be made via petition to dormcon-treasurer@mit.edu

Non-Event Funds​

Definition​

Funds for the betterment of the residential experience at MIT, but not necessarily for a specific event. May be sponsored either by dorm or individual dorm residents.

Examples​

  • Laundry pilot programs
  • Dorm food pantries
  • Facilities repairs
  • Mural boards

Specifications​

Funds given by DormCon must follow certain guidelines.

  • No funding from DormCon may be given such that more than 50% of the budget for said purpose is from DormCon.
  • Line items for publicity, giveaways (besides event food), or alcohol are not eligible for DormCon funding.
  • DormCon must be listed as a funding source in all advertisements and publicity materials, if applicable.

Application Deadlines​

Applications for event funding must be received by the DormCon treasurer no later than one week before the DormCon general body meeting at which that event is to be discussed. Funding will be transferred into dorm accounts after the Post-Event Report is submitted.

Funding Application Form​

  1. Detailed purpose of funding
  2. How does your request involve dorm culture? (200 words minimum)
  3. Sponsors (i.e. the dorms, communities, or residents involved)
  4. Comprehensive budget that follows the following guidelines:
    1. Itemized (as much as is reasonable)
    2. Expected alternative/extra funding sources
    3. Do you expect this to be a repeating funding request?

Post-Funding Report​

  • After the event, you are required to submit a post event report, which should detail final expenses and the number of attendees, as well as any other relevant notes.
  • All receipts relevant to the funded event must be submitted with the Post-Event Report to be eligible for reimbursement.
  • DormCon reserves the right to rescind or reduce funding if this report is not submitted, or if the final reported expenses are significantly different from the budget submitted on the funding application. In such a case, dorm presidents will vote to approve the reduction in funding at the next possible GBM.
  • Post-Event Reports must be submitted within 2 weeks of the completion of the event to be eligible for reimbursement. Exceptions can be made via petition to dormcon-treasurer@mit.edu

Other Funding Sources​

note

If you know of other relevant funding sources for residence halls and living groups, let us know!

Other funding sources include:

Relevant links: