Fundraising and Donations

Fundraising or solicitation activities include but are not limited to selling any item or service, charging admission to an event, and/or taking donations for charity. Whether on- or off-campus, all student organizations desiring to solicit funds must submit and include this information by creating an Event on LU Hub.

Solicitation by student organizations is prohibited except for:

  • Activities supporting the educational mission of the institution.
  • Promotion of organizational activities consistent with the organization's mission.
  • Recruitment of members or membership.
  • Accepting donations on behalf of philanthropic or charitable projects.
  • Other fundraising projects in support of the organization's mission.

Tax Deductible Donations: Donations to student organizations are not considered donations to the university; they are to the student groups, which, in most cases are not tax deductible to the donor. That is, unless the student organization is, or affiliated with, an IRS registered 501(c) organization with the ability to issue tax-deductible receipts.

Restrictions

Auctions: Most student organizations are not qualified to conduct auctions in the state of Texas. The only exemption is if the student organization is, or affiliated with, an IRS registered 501(c) organization and follows the stipulations in the Texas Occupations Code Sections 1802.001 - 1802.303.

Bingos: Most student organizations are not qualified to conduct pay-to-play bingo games in the state of Texas. This activity is considered a form of gambling as individuals are paying for the chance to win a prize. The only exemption is if the student organization is, or affiliated with, an IRS registered 501(c) organization and follows the stipulations in Texas Occupations Code Sections 2001.001 - 2001.657, the Bingo Enabling Act. As an alternative, student organizations may hold free bingo games where no money is exchanged.

Raffles: Most student organizations are not qualified to conduct pay-to-play raffles in the state of Texas. This activity is considered a form of gambling as individuals are paying for the chance to win a prize. The only exemption is if the student organization is, or affiliated with, an IRS registered 501(c) organization and follows the stipulations in Texas Occupations Code Sections 2002.001 - 2002.058, the Charitable Raffle Enabling Act. As an alternative, student organizations may instead hold free drawings where no money is exchanged, yet individuals still have a limited chance to win a prize.