Block Funding

Updated August 2026

Block Funding is money allocated from the Student Senate Activity Fee to support long-established programs and initiatives for student success at KU (§ 05-04-01). Block Funding is allocated once a year for the upcoming fiscal year, rather than event by event.

Over $700,000 in Block Funding was apportioned for FY 2027 across 17 allocations. Funding is administered through the Block Funding Committee, which is chaired by the Chair of the Finance Council, and its voting members are elected by the Student Councils of Student Senate.

Funding Requirements

Eligible organizations must:

  • Provide a “broad tangible benefit to the University” (§ 05-04-02 a);
  • Demonstrate continuing viability in their ability to continue their functions (§ 05-04-02 b);
  • Include a University staff member, to provide budget and bookkeeping services (§ 05-04-02 c);
  • Have been established at the University and continually funded by the Student Senate for at least three years, or provide yearly audits of their activities for the past three years (§ 05-04-02 d); and
  • Comply with the oversight provisions in § 05-01-07.

Use of funds. “Allocations of Block Funding shall be disbursed directly to the organizations which have received these allocations. These allocations may be used at the organizations’ discretion, provided that this use does not contradict information submitted to the Student Senate” (§ 05-04-06).

Duration of allocations. “Allocations of Block Funding shall be effective for the University fiscal year for which they are allocated. After this time, the outstanding portions of all allocations shall be considered expired and be returned to the Student Senate” (§ 05-04-07).

Reductions. The Student Senate may reduce a Block Funding allocation only by a two-thirds vote. This also requires the Treasurer’s written consent and written certification that the reduction is necessary for the Student Senate’s financial well-being. A reduction may not leave the organization with a deficit (§ 05-04-09).

How to Apply

Apply for Block Funding

Applications will open December 1. Organizations must submit a 3-5 minute video alongside the form.

The Block Funding Committee will review applications and prepare an allocation proposal. The Chair of the Committee will then present the proposal to the Finance Council, and then to the Students’ Assembly. Each body must pass it by a two-thirds vote. The Finance Council may amend the proposal by majority vote, but the Students’ Assembly may not. If a body does not pass the proposal, it is sent back for revision (§ 05-04-05). Meeting documents and final decisions can be found on the Student Senate Teams workspace.

Questions?

Reach out to the Treasurer at senatetres@ku.edu with any questions about eligibility or application.

Organizations Historically Funded by Block Funding

  • Alternative Breaks
  • Biodiversity Institute & Natural History Museum 
  • Bands
  • Center for Community Outreach 
  • Center for Writing & Learning Support
  • Forensics
  • Lied Center of Kansas
  • Graduate & Postdoctoral Affairs
  • Specer Muesum of Art
  • Student Senate Administration
  • Student Support & Case Management
  • The Big Event
  • Military-Affiliated Student Center
  • University Dance
  • University Theater