Overview
The GSO is proud to offer a variety of funding opportunities to help graduate students succeed in their academic careers. All our funds are made possible by the graduate student activity fee.
Individual funding is provided as a reimbursement after the expense is incurred. Please read carefully each fund’s guidelines to make sure you understand what can and cannot be reimbursed, maximum reimbursement available, and what supporting paperwork is required. Pay special attention to deadlines.
Please note that all funds have a finite budget. Applications will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Reimbursement is NOT guaranteed for any application.
Questions about the application process? Please see our FAQs.
Our Funds
All of our funds have been revised for the 2026-27 academic year! See new guidelines below.
Graduate Student Conference, Travel, and Research Fund (GSCTRF)
The GSCTRF is designed to help graduate students with conferences, research & related travel expenses. Please see the GSCTRF documentation for a list of applicable expenses and maximum reimbursements available. Applications must be submitted within 30 days of returning from your trip.
Please review our GSCTRF Guide for help completing your application.
For orgs looking to host a conference, please see CAFÉ Fund instead.
Graduate Professional Development Fund (GPDF)
The GPDF supports graduate students in pursuing professional development opportunities that enhance their academic, research, and career goals. Please see the GPDF documentation for a list of applicable expenses and maximum reimbursement available. Applications must be submitted within 30 days of incurring the expense.
Graduate Enrichment Fund (GEF)
The GEF is for graduate students who elect to attend a course outside their primary area of study for personal and intellectual enrichment. Please see the GEF documentation for a list of applicable expenses and maximum reimbursement available. Applications must be submitted within 30 days of incurring the expense.
Preschool Fund
The Preschool Fund supports graduate students with preschool-aged children attending a licensed daycare center (on-campus or off-campus). Please see the Preschool Fund documentation for a list of applicable expenses and maximum reimbursement available. Applications must be submitted within 30 days of incurring the expense.
Conference Allocation and Funding Endowment (CAFÉ)
The CAFÉ is for funding conferences sponsored by graduate departments and organizations. Unchartered groups that wish to organize a single professional event may apply for CAFÉ funding as well. Please see the CAFÉ documentation for a list of applicable expenses and maximum reimbursements available. CAFÉ requests must be submitted for preapproval prior to the event.
This fund is meant for ORGANIZATIONS. For individuals, please see GSCTRF Fund instead.
Questions about the application process? Please see our FAQs.