The Harvard Foundation Student Advisory Committee, or SAC, is the student-group facing arm of the Harvard Foundation for Intercultural and Race Relations, founded in 1981. Our mission is to ”Improve relations among racial and ethnic groups within the University and to enhance the quality of our common life.” We achieve this through two core processes: 1) Grant disbursements, and 2) HFSAC Senator meetings. For questions regarding SAC membership, grant payments, etc. please email hfsacboard@gmail.com. To learn more about this year's board, visit our people page.
As members of the Student Advisory Committee, student organizations are expected to have representation at the monthly SAC meetings. These meetings foster community among student leaders, provide problem-solving for any relevant issues, get questions answered, and networking with Harvard Foundation staff, interns & associated faculty. In addition to grants, student organizations can set up advising meetings with Harvard Foundation staff to talk through project management, request diversity training, seek help with room bookings, and more.
Grants for Student Organizations
The mission of the 2023-2024 Student Advisory Committee of the Harvard Foundation for Intercultural and Race Relations is to (1) support its affiliate cultural, identity, or affinity organizations financially and logistically, as well as, (2) to generate programming that promotes a culturally interconnected environment at Harvard College. We firmly believe in the ideals of inclusion and engagement within diversity, and thus intend to create a space that fosters relationships between different cultural organizations and faculty members.
APPLICATION PROCESS CLOSED:
The 2023-2024 Harvard Foundation Student Advisory Committee board is no longer reviewing grant applications. All funds for the academic year have been allocated. Please check back in September 2024 for the next application cycle.
SAC Grant Summary
Events must align with the mission of the Harvard Foundation SAC. This year, you do not need to be a SAC member to apply for funding. However, SAC member orgs will be given priority in the grant funding process. SAC-sponsored events must be inclusive of everyone in the college and be on campus. Collaborative events co-sponsored by SAC groups will receive a 20% bonus in capped grant amounts. SAC meeting absences and missing grant summaries will trigger deductions. For detailed guidelines, restrictions, and procedures, please consult the 2022 - 2023 SAC Guide.
All College student organizations need to complete a one time set up for Zelle with the Harvard University Vendor Services, we recommend working with your treasurer to confirm if your group is already set up for electronic payments or to start the set up process before you finish applying for a grant. Grant checks will now be issued as an exception, not as standard practice. Please review the Zelle set up instructions.
Grant Guideline & Expectations:
1) The Harvard Foundation Student Advisory Committee (SAC) sponsors events and activities to promote cultural and racial awareness and understanding in the Harvard community and to highlight the cultural contributions of students from all backgrounds.
2) Events must align with the mission of the Harvard Foundation SAC.
3) Collaborative events co-sponsored by SAC groups will receive a 20% bonus in capped grant amounts, while SAC meeting absences and missing grant summaries will trigger deductions. For detailed guidelines, restrictions, and procedures, please consult the 2023 - 2024 SAC Guide.
4) The Harvard Foundation expects each organization to use granted money for the purposes specified in the original grant application.
5) It is expected that each organization submit a project summary, including all information requested on the Project Summary Guidelines following receipt of grant funding. This form should be filled out no later than the beginning of reading period each semester for all events.
6) If an event does not occur, the organization is expected to return all granted funds to the Harvard Foundation. The organization will be required to submit a grant summary for the cancelled event, with the description of the event being "event cancelled."
7) If an organization has insufficient records of legitimate expenditures or does not submit a project summary, funding for that organization will be reduced by 50%. Checks will not be available until the Harvard Foundation receives confirmation from your faculty advisor that your organization has been in contact with him or her regarding this semester's events.