Multi-Speaker Event Funding

Please read through this page before submitting a funding request. This page details all the prerequisites and requirements for Multi-speaker Event Funding.  Reading and understanding the information on this page will eliminate confusion and help you submit the best possible application for your event.

What is Multi-speaker Event Funding?
Multi-speaker Event Funding is available to SSA affiliates interested in hosting a large, multi-speaker event such as a local or regional conference.  Instead of submitting separate applications for funding from the Speakers Bureau and Project Grants, affiliates may complete this single application to request unified funding in a more streamlined system.

Multi-speaker Event Funding should be used when an affiliate is hosting an event involving multiple speakers, including one or more members of the SSA Speakers Bureau.  Events of a single Speakers Bureau member should be handled through the process outlined on the Speakers Bureau page.  Events that do not include any members of the SSA Speakers Bureau should apply for Project Grant funding.

A single affiliate hosting a multi-speaker event may apply for up to $1,400 in funding.  Events may be co-sponsored among two more SSA affiliates; each co-sponsoring SSA affiliate increases the eligible funding amount by $400 (with some restrictions, see below).

This funding is intended to supplement other sources of income for these events.  Your group should also be working with your school, local community and event audience to make your event as cost-effective as possible.  You may consider holding fundraiser events, asking for donations as the event, charging admission, and/or selling t-shirts or other products at the event in order to cover the majority of your costs.

Because this funding is intended to be supplemental, SSA conference/large event funding is available either on a grant basis or a loan basis.  Grants may be ideal for single events (as opposed to recurring annual events), while a loan might be a better choice for an event in its first year or recurring events that simply needs up-front cash to cover expenses before ticket sales come in.  Groups may also request a partial loan, in which only a portion of the funding is returned.  If you are not sure which solution is best for your group, contact a campus organizer and we’ll be happy to discuss it with you.

Funding applications must be submitted at least 45 days before the event.  More time is always better.  We would rather receive an incomplete request sooner than a complete one later; we can always add in the information as plans move forward.

Prerequisites:

• Group must be a student group affiliated with the Secular Student Alliance
• Group must be in good standing, meaning that:
  
  • Group has completed the two most recent Affiliation Renewals
  • Group is up to date on all funding reporting from prior events
  • Branded groups have name use agreement on file
• Group must have a bank account (an individual’s account is not acceptable since checks are made out to the group's name)
• Group must have a consitution or bylaws and be able to sumbit a copy to us
• Applications must be submitted at least 45 days in advance
• Group must have demonstrated success in prior events
• Event must include at least one speaker from the SSA Speakers Bureau (otherwise the group should complete a Project Grant application)

Additionally, funding applications are subject to the following criteria:

• The proposed event can only reach its full potential with SSA funding.
• Group must demonstrate exceptional planning for the event by meeting at least three of the following criteria:
  
  • Obtaining informed estimates for costs
  • Drafting a publicity plan
  • Obtaining institutional funding
  • Obtaining partnerships with other organizations or departments
  • A documented history of successful past events
  • A highly active/successful web presence
  • Group has sought other sources of funding (regardless of whether such funding was received). Overall, the student group has made a reasonable attempt to minimize expenses.
• The group must have stated goals for the event.
• The Secular Student Alliance has a pre-existing relationship with the group.
• The Secular Student Alliance anticipates the event will be successful.
• Multi-speaker Event Funding is subject to the following requirements:
• A campus organizer will be assigned to each event.  That campus organizer must be involved with the event through the entire process.
• Unused funds will be returned to the Secular Student Alliance.
• The event must provide the national Secular Student Alliance with recognition on the program (if applicable), a table at the event (if applicable), and a speaking slot (though SSA reserves the right to waive this opportunity).
• The Secular Student Alliance must be clearly listed as a sponsor on all event advertisements and publicity (with the exception of limited format advertisements such as Facebook ads)
• The Secular Student Alliance may promote the event from the national office.
• All requirements of the Speakers Bureau must be observed.  Specifically:
  
  • The host group will contact the SSA Affiliate Specialist to make initial contact with the Speaker
  • Speakers are subject to their own availability
  • Speaker travel, lodging and other costs must be paid in advance unless otherwise specifically approved by the Campus Organizer and the speaker in advance.
  • Speaker honoraria must be provided to the speaker at the event, unless otherwise specifically approved by the Campus Organizer and the speaker in advance
  • Reporting documentation is due within 30 days of the event (see below)
  • Any funds to be returned must be returned within 30 days of the event.

Co-Sponsoring Requirements
If two or more SSA affiliated campus groups choose to co-sponsor an event, they may have access to an additional $400 in funding for each co-sponsor.  Furthermore, the amount of additional funding may not exceed the total budgeted expenses for Speakers Bureau members.  The following restrictions apply to such an arrangement.

• Each co-sponsor must be an affiliate of the Secular Student Alliance in good standing (see above).
• The Secular Student Alliance will independently verify co-sponsoring agreements with each group.
• Co-sponsoring organizations must receive equal billing/space to the primary host on programs, advertisements, tabling opportunities, and stage time.
• Co-sponsoring organizations will be responsible for submitting co-sponsor reporting packets (see below)

Loaned Funds Requirements
If funds are issued on a loan basis, they are subject to the following requirements.

• Loaned funds must be returned within 30 days after the event.
• Funds may be returned by check (along with this form) or via PayPal or credit/debit card with this webform.

Multi-speaker Event Reporting
The Secular Student Alliance requires that recipients of Multi-speaker Event Funding submit written reports and documentation.  These reports must be submitted no later than 30 days after the event date.  These reports, or portions of them, may be posted publicly on our website.  Reports should contain the following information.  (Note separate reporting guidelines for primary host and co-sponsoring affiliates.)

All Multi-speaker Event funding reports should be submitted via the Funding Follow-up Form.

Primary Host:

• Your name, your group’s name and the name of the event
• Number of people in attendance at the event, and a description of the demographic makeup of that audience (students v. nonstudents, age, ethnic diversity, families, etc.)
• A financial report comparing your budget to your actual incomes and expenses.  (Use this spreadsheet!)
• A written evaluation of the event, addressing the following items:
  
  • Was the event successful?  What went well?  What could have gone better?  What might you have done differently?
  • Describe the outcomes this event had for your group.
  • How well did your group meet the stated goals of the event?
  • How many new members/names on email list/contacts did your group get?
  • Did your group receive any income from this event?
  • Did you group receive any other benefits from this event?
  • Evaluate the support from SSA National: did we meet the event’s needs?  What could we have done better?  What should we do in future events?
  • Did the event receive any awards, media attention, or other public notice?
  • Copies of all flyers, advertisements, and other publicity for the event showing the Secular Student Alliance as a sponsor.
  • Copies of all receipts for Speakers Bureau expenses (travel, lodging, etc.)
  • Any photos, video, or other media of the event which we have permission to post on our website, YouTube channel, or donor solicitations.

Co-Sponsoring Affiliate(s):
Each co-sponsoring affiliate group is responsible for submitting a report including the following information:

• Your name, group’s name and event name
• Evaluate the event: Was it successful?  What went well?  What could have gone better?  What might you have done differently?
• Describe your group’s involvement in the event.
• Describe the outcomes this event had for your group
• How many new members/names on email list/contacts did your group get?
• Did your group receive any income from this event?
• Did you group receive any other benefits from this event?
• Evaluate the support from SSA National: did we meet the event’s needs?  What could we have done better?  What should we do in future events?
• Any photos, video, or other media of the event which we have permission to post on our website, YouTube channel, or donor solicitations.

Do you have questions?  Contact us!

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