The Student Association’s finance committee has doled out about $900,000 over the last two weeks, with nearly 300 groups earning a slice of next year’s budget.
After a 12 percent budget growth this year, organizations across the board have reaped the rewards. The committee awarded an average of $3,809, up about 30 percent compared to what groups received two years ago. Just three organizations that submitted applications received less than $100, compared to a dozen organizations last year.
But some organizations benefited more than others: The 15 groups with the biggest budgets now receive 40 percent of total funding, up from one-third in the 2012-2013 academic year.
For the first time this year, the committee decided each organization’s budget based on specific funding requests – which means a clearer picture of where student fees are going.
Nearly three-quarters of the total budget went toward programming this year, while about 8 percent went toward administrative costs, according to the finance committee’s analysis.
Here’s a glimpse into the priciest programming next year, pending a final vote by the full senate next week.
1. Fall Fest: $42,000
Thousands of students flock to the annual show, which is one of the campus’ largest events. Past performers have included Timeflies, Girl Talk and DJ Diplo.
2. Spring Fling: $42,000
This end-of-the-year show, which merged with Fountain Fling in 2009, has featured artists like Jay Sean and Macklemore & Ryan Lewis.
3. Medical Center Student Council formal: $33,283
Traditionally held at the W Hotel, this event is open to all medical school students. Tickets cost $50 for students and $70 for guests.
4. College Republicans keynote speaker: $15,000
In addition to hosting speakers throughout the year, the CRs also invite a high-profile speaker each spring, such as last year’s Ron Paul.
5. South Asian Society Bhangra Blowout: $14,000
More than a half-dozen Indian dance teams visit GW for the annual event, which is one of the largest intercollegiate Bhangra competitions in the country.
6. Interfraternity Council and Panhellenic Association’s Grand Chapter Meeting: $13,500
Members of the campus’ two largest Greek life organizations come together each year, along with the Multicultural Greek Council, Program Board, and the Student Association, to host speakers like Ashley Judd and Zach Braff.
7. Dance Marathon: $14,000
The organization running GW’s dance marathon, which started this year, saw its budget increase by more than 1,000 percent.
8. Raas Chaos: $9,000
For several hours each fall, more than a half-dozen Northern Indian-style dance teams take over Lisner Auditorium for a nationwide competition.
9. TedX Foggy Bottom: $9,000
Part of the global TedX conference series, this one-day event brought about 20 speakers to campus last year and attracted more than 1,000 attendees.
10. College Democrats fall speaker: $8,860
GW’s organization, the largest branch of the College Democrats in the country, hosts high-level speakers like Cory Booker, David Plouffe and Mark Warner.
11. Class Council’s Battle of the A Capellas: $7,400
In the biggest a capella event on campus, seven groups compete for the title of best performer.
12. Class Council’s Represent: Dance Competition: $7,400
Campus dance groups from GW Bhangra to GW Ballroom perform in the annual dance-off on the Lisner stage.
