26 budget at any given point of time during the budgeted period. The bottom line is that the Chapter budget will dictate which plans Chapter Leaders can implement. Beyond expenditures, budgets provide opportunities to fund sources of revenue. Revenue can come from institutional funding, where applications for institutional funding, if available, are often submitted every year and received via reimbursement or direct pay through a school account or debit card. Revenue can also include membership dues. Recall that the founders of SVA believed that student veterans paid their dues through military service, and so we do not collect dues at the National Headquarters. Chapters, however, can set their own dues or fees schedules, but should consider the limitations this may place on recruitment goals. Many Chapters also market and sell their own branded merchandise. Entrepreneurial Chapter Leaders who wish to follow this revenue path should research school policy on selling merchandise, and ensure that all branding (i.e., SVA, school, etc.) are in line with branding policies. SVA branding policies are discussed below. Merchandise sales provide a source of revenue and expand visibility of the Chapter on campus. Grants are another source of revenue. Some schools award grants and prizes to impactful student organizations. Additionally, non-profit organizations and veteran service organizations may offer grants to Chapters making an impact in the lives of veterans. Finally, many Chapters use fundraising to increase revenue. Chapters engaged in fundraising should know and understand the college’s regulations pertaining to fundraising on campus. Fundraising is discussed extensively below.
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