The Office of Alumni Relations and Constituent Engagement wants to help you make memories with alumni in your area. Apply for a grant from our Young Alumni Opportunity Fund to help cover the cost of your next meetup!
How it works
- Apply by January 15, 2025, using the Young Alumni Opportunity Fund Form below.
- You’ll receive an update on the status of your application by January 31, 2025.
- Host your event and submit receipts, photos, and a guest list by June 15, 2025, to get reimbursed by the University.
FAQ
How are “young alumni” defined?
Young alumni are undergraduates who graduated within the past ten years from the School of Arts & Sciences, Hajim School of Engineering & Applied Sciences, or Eastman School of Music.
Do I have to be a “young alum” to apply?
Yes, you must be a young alum to apply for this grant, as it is specifically designed to support events/activities that engage recent graduates. While non-young alumni and non-alumni can attend your event/activity, funding will only be provided for University of Rochester alumni attendees, up to a maximum of 15 alumni.
Does each person in the group need to fill out an application?
No, only the event organizer or the primary contact person needs to fill out the application. However, event details, such as the expected number of attendees, are required in the application. Additionally, a final attendee list must be submitted after the event/activity to receive reimbursement.
Can I apply for this grant more than once?
To allow us to support as many events/activities as possible, we ask that each young alum submit only one application.
Can you provide examples of events/activities that will be awarded the grant?
Examples of events/activities that may be eligible for funding include:
- Gatherings at local bars, restaurants, or cafes for socializing or networking
- Casual dinner parties hosted at your home or apartment
- Outdoor activities such as picnics or hikes, complete with snacks and beverages
- Tickets to events, including movie screenings, theater performances, or sporting events
If you’d like to discuss your event/activity idea with our team before applying, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at alumni@rochester.edu. We’re happy to help you determine if your event aligns with the fund’s purpose and goals.
When can events/activities be held to receive funds?
We can only provide funds for events/activities that occur between February 1 and June 15, 2025.
If non-alumni are attending my event, do I receive funds for them too?
The Young Alumni Opportunity Fund supports events and activities for recent University of Rochester graduates. While non-alumni guests can attend your event, the grant will not cover them.
What’s the max amount of money I can be awarded?
The maximum amount is $150 USD. Reimbursements of $10 USD per University of Rochester alumnus will be provided for up to a maximum of 15 alumni.
Can I apply to use these funds at an event already sponsored by the University, such as Experience Rochester or Explore Your City?
If the event is already being sponsored by the University, funds cannot be used to cover expenses like registration fees. However, we’re happy to discuss any specific situations. Please feel free to reach out to us at alumni@rochester.edu with any questions.
How will I receive the funds?
Funds will be issued as a reimbursement check. Approved applicants will receive instructions on how to submit receipts, an attendee list, and photos after your event/activity has taken place to process your reimbursement.
How long after my event will I receive the funds?
Once we receive your receipts, attendee list, and photos from the activity/event, the reimbursement process typically takes 4-5 weeks. To help speed up the process, please ensure you submit all relevant receipts, including itemized copies, and information.