Update funding guidelines

docs/about/funding.md

@@ -5,55 +5,298 @@ sidebar_position: 2
 
 # Budget and Event Funding
 
-## Budget
-
-DormCon
-[maintains a budget](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1UPuOOGkemUujGznduOHi4RSK1Wza2Hxgu3fIhYua50Q/edit?usp=sharing)
-in order to help fund events in the dorm community and for operational expenses.
-We are committed to keeping extraneous costs low in order to maximize the amount
-of money available for events that enhance the residential experience. As
-[approved by dorm presidents](https://web-cert.mit.edu/dormcon/cert_minutes/2024-02-29.pdf),
+:::info
+
+These guidelines were last updated on 1/31/2026. Please reach out to the DormCon
+Treasurer with any questions.
+
+:::
+
+DormCon [maintains a budget][budget] in order to help fund events in the dorm
+community and for operational expenses. We are committed to keeping extraneous
+costs low in order to maximize the amount of money available for events that
+enhance the residential experience. As [approved by dorm presidents][tax],
 DormCon receives $10 of house tax from every dorm resident.
 
-## Funding Guidelines
+In addition, beginning Spring 2026, DormCon is receiving additional semesterly
+funding to distribute to residence halls for large events from the MIT Division
+of Student Life, in lieu of (now defunct) LEF/ARCADE grants.[^1] This is in
+recognition of the value that undergraduate residence halls have on the student
+experience, and is fully distributed directly to dorms every semester based on
+request. Furthermore, DormCon annually funds campus-wide events such as
+[Campus Preview Weekend (CPW)](https://cpwcommunity.mit.edu/),
+[Residential Exploration (REX)](/rex), and
+[DormCon Apple Picking](https://mitadmissions.org/blogs/entry/i-picked-my-first-apple/),
+as well as individual dorm events, inter-dorm events, and events sponsored by
+individual dorm residents.
+
+All funding requests are first reviewed by the DormCon Treasurer, then voted on
+by the dorm presidents at a general body meeting, and a representative of the
+group/organization requesting funding may be requested to attend as needed. This
+is to ensure a spirit of transparency, collaboration, and fiscal responsibility.
+Any questions should be directed to the DormCon Treasurer by emailing
+<dormcon-treasurer@mit.edu>.
+
+## Individual Dorm Events
+
+### Definition {#individual-definition}
+
+Events that are sponsored by one dorm and are open and advertised to all
+undergraduate residents.
+
+### Examples {#individual-examples}
+
+- [DTYD](https://mitadmissions.org/blogs/entry/dance-til-you-drop-53rd/)
+- [FredFest](https://thetech.com/2025/10/23/fredfest-2025)
+- [Baker Piano Drop](https://news.mit.edu/2018/just-drop-it-mit-baker-house-piano-drop-0524)
+- [Bad Ideas Weekend](https://thetech.com/2026/01/29/bad-ideas-2026)
+- [Next Haunt](https://mitadmissions.org/blogs/entry/group-post-next-haunt-2024-the-survivors/)
+
+### Specifications {#individual-specifications}
+
+**Events that are to be funded by DormCon must follow certain guidelines.**
+
+- All DormCon-funded individual dorm events must be open to all undergraduate
+  dorm residents.
+- Events will not be given funding exceeding 50% of the eligible budget for said
+  event
+- Line items for publicity, giveaways (besides event food), or alcohol are not
+  eligible for DormCon funding.
+- Event leaders are expected to handle EHS and risk management issues for their
+  event.
+- DormCon must be listed as a funding source in all advertisements and publicity
+  materials for the event.
+
+### Application Deadlines {#individual-deadlines}
+
+[Applications][application] for event funding must be received by the DormCon
+treasurer no later than one week before the DormCon general body meeting at
+which that event is to be discussed. Funding will be transferred into dorm
+accounts after the [Post-Event Report][post-event] is submitted.
+
+### Event Funding Application Form {#individual-application}
+
+1. What is your event and how does it involve dorm culture? (100 words minimum)
+2. Dorm sponsor (i.e. the dorm involved)
+3. Location
+4. Date and time
+5. Number of people the event can accommodate (at one time and total)
+6. Expected attendance (at one time and total)
+7. Comprehensive budget of entire event that follows the following guidelines:
+    1. Itemized (as much as is reasonable)
+    2. Expected alternative/extra funding sources
+    3. Expected cover charge/tickets, if applicable. Indicate which items that
+       will be covered by DormCon funding
+    4. Do you expect this to be a repeating event?
+
+### Post-Event Report {#individual-report}
+
+- After the event, you are required to submit a post event report, which should
+  detail final expenses and the number of attendees, as well as any other
+  relevant notes.
+- DormCon reserves the right to rescind or reduce funding if this report is not
+  submitted, or if the final reported expenses are significantly different from
+  the budget submitted on the funding application. In such a case, dorm
+  presidents will vote to approve the reduction in funding at the next possible
+  GBM.
+
+## Inter-Dorm Events
+
+### Definition {#inter-definition}
+
+Events that are sponsored by multiple dorms.
+
+### Examples {#inter-examples}
+
+- Spring Picnic
+- Fall Carnival
+- Multi-dorm formal
+
+### Specifications {#inter-specifications}
+
+**Events that are to be funded by DormCon must follow certain guidelines.**
+
+- Events will not be given funding exceeding 50% of the eligible budget for said
+  event
+- Line items for publicity, giveaways (besides event food), or alcohol are not
+  eligible for DormCon funding.
+- Event leaders are expected to handle EHS and risk management issues for their
+  event.
+- DormCon must be listed as a funding source in all advertisements and publicity
+  materials for the event.
+
+### Application Deadlines {#inter-deadlines}
+
+[Applications][application] for event funding must be received by the DormCon
+treasurer no later than one week before the DormCon general body meeting at
+which that event is to be discussed. Funding will be transferred into dorm
+accounts after the [Post-Event Report][post-event] is submitted.
+
+### Event Funding Application Form {#inter-application}
+
+1. What is your event and how does it involve dorm culture? (100 words minimum)
+2. Dorm sponsors (i.e. the dorms involved)
+3. Location
+4. Date and time
+5. Number of people the event can accommodate (at one time and total)
+6. Expected attendance (at one time and total)
+7. Comprehensive budget of entire event that follows the following guidelines:
+    1. Itemized (as much as is reasonable)
+    2. Expected alternative/extra funding sources
+    3. Expected cover charge/tickets, if applicable. Indicate which items that
+       will be covered by DormCon funding
+    4. Do you expect this to be a repeating event?
+
+### Post-Event Report {#inter-report}
+
+- After the event, you are required to submit a post event report, which should
+  detail final expenses and the number of attendees, as well as any other
+  relevant notes.
+- DormCon reserves the right to rescind or reduce funding if this report is not
+  submitted, or if the final reported expenses are significantly different from
+  the budget submitted on the funding application. In such a case, dorm
+  presidents will vote to approve the reduction in funding at the next possible
+  GBM.
+
+## Resident Events
+
+### Definition {#resident-definition}
+
+Events that are sponsored by individual dorm residents and are open and
+advertised to everyone.
+
+### Examples {#resident-examples}
+
+- A Doctor Who watch party
+- RPM study break
+
+### Specifications {#resident-specifications}
+
+**Events that are to be funded by DormCon must follow certain guidelines.**
+
+- All DormCon-funded individual dorm events must be open to all undergraduate
+  dorm residents.
+- Events will not be given funding exceeding 50% of the eligible budget for said
+  event
+- Line items for publicity, giveaways (besides event food), or alcohol are not
+  eligible for DormCon funding.
+- Event leaders are expected to handle EHS and risk management issues for their
+  event.
+- DormCon must be listed as a funding source in all advertisements and publicity
+  materials for the event.
+
+### Application Deadlines {#resident-deadlines}
+
+[Applications][application] for event funding must be received by the DormCon
+treasurer no later than one week before the DormCon general body meeting at
+which that event is to be discussed. Funding will be transferred into dorm
+accounts after the [Post-Event Report][post-event] is submitted.
+
+### Event Funding Application Form {#resident-application}
+
+1. What is your event and how does it involve dorm culture? (100 words minimum)
+2. Sponsors (i.e. the dorm residents involved)
+3. Location
+4. Date and time
+5. Number of people the event can accommodate (at one time and total)
+6. Expected attendance (at one time and total)
+7. Comprehensive budget of entire event that follows the following guidelines:
+    1. Itemized (as much as is reasonable)
+    2. Expected alternative/extra funding sources
+    3. Expected cover charge/tickets, if applicable. Indicate which items that
+       will be covered by DormCon funding
+    4. Do you expect this to be a repeating event?
+
+### Post-Event Report {#resident-report}
+
+- After the event, you are required to submit a post event report, which should
+  detail final expenses and the number of attendees, as well as any other
+  relevant notes.
+- DormCon reserves the right to rescind or reduce funding if this report is not
+  submitted, or if the final reported expenses are significantly different from
+  the budget submitted on the funding application. In such a case, dorm
+  presidents will vote to approve the reduction in funding at the next possible
+  GBM.
+
+## Non-Event Funds
+
+### Definition {#non-definition}
+
+Funds for the betterment of the residential experience at MIT, but not
+necessarily for a specific event. May be sponsored either by dorm or individual
+dorm residents.
+
+### Examples {#non-examples}
+
+- Laundry pilot programs
+- Dorm food pantries
+- Facilities repairs
+- Mural boards
+
+### Specifications {#non-specifications}
+
+**Funds given by DormCon must follow certain guidelines.**
+
+- No funding from DormCon may be given such that more than 50% of the budget for
+  said purpose is from DormCon.
+- Line items for publicity, giveaways (besides event food), or alcohol are not
+  eligible for DormCon funding.
+- DormCon must be listed as a funding source in all advertisements and publicity
+  materials, if applicable.
+
+### Application Deadlines {#non-deadlines}
+
+[Applications][application] for funding must be received by the DormCon
+treasurer no later than one week before the DormCon general body meeting before
+it is to be used. Funding will be transferred into dorm accounts after the
+[Post-Event Report][post-event] is submitted.
+
+### Funding Application Form {#non-application}
 
-DormCon is committed to supporting events in the dorm community through funding
-and advisory roles.
-[The following funding guidelines](/pdf/DormconFundingS24.pdf) were adopted as
-of spring 2024; if you plan to apply for event funding, you must read these
-updated guidelines. Some important facts are noted below:
+1. Detailed purpose of funding
+2. How does your request involve dorm culture? (200 words minimum)
+3. Sponsors (i.e. the dorms, communities, or residents involved)
+4. Comprehensive budget that follows the following guidelines:
+    1. Itemized (as much as is reasonable)
+    2. Expected alternative/extra funding sources
+    3. Do you expect this to be a repeating funding request?
 
-- Funding applications must be submitted at least one week before the meeting at
-  which the application is to be discussed.
+### Post-Funding Report {#non-report}
 
-- If possible, event applications should be submitted by the second DormCon
-  meeting of the term. Up to 50% of event funds may be distributed at this time,
-  with the remainder available for applications on a rolling basis.
+- After the funding is used, you are required to submit a post funding report,
+  which should detail final expenses and any other relevant notes.
+- DormCon reserves the right to rescind or reduce funding if this report is not
+  submitted, or if the final reported expenses are significantly different from
+  the budget submitted on the funding application. In such a case, dorm
+  presidents will vote to approve the reduction in funding at the next possible
+  GBM.
 
-- The online application must be filled out for any events and a representative
-  from the group will be contacted to attend a DormCon meeting as needed.
-  Rolling events must be submitted three weeks prior to the event in order to
-  allow sufficient time for DormCon review and potential approval.
+## Other Funding Sources
 
-- No event will be funded beyond 50% of its total event budget, up to a maximum
-  of $500 for parties and $2000 for all other events. Party organizers
-  [can email the DormCon Treasurer](mailto:dormcon-treasurer@mit.edu) with an
-  explanation to request that their event be considered for the full $2000.
+:::note
 
-- In order to actually get the funding transferred into your account, you must
-  fill out a post-event report.
+If you know of other relevant funding sources for residence halls and living
+groups, let us know!
 
-- Events must be classified into one of four categories; in general, preference
-  will be given to events which are advertised to the entire dorm community and
-  subsequently to those which are sponsored by multiple dorms. Events sponsored
-  by (non-dorm) student groups are not eligible for funding.
+:::
 
-## Application
+Other funding sources include:
 
-**To apply for event funding, please fill out
-[our application](https://forms.gle/fRBN2P9PVy2jpeSKA).**
+- Your dorm's house tax
+- [De Florez Fund for Humor](https://shass.mit.edu/for-students/student-funding-and-awards/de-florez-fund-for-humor/)
+- [Baker Foundation](https://firstyear.mit.edu/baker-foundation/)
+- [Council of the Arts at MIT (CAMIT)](https://arts.mit.edu/camit/funding/)
+- [Weekends@MIT](mailto:weekendsmit_support@mit.edu)
 
-## Post-Event Report
+[budget]:
+    https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1UPuOOGkemUujGznduOHi4RSK1Wza2Hxgu3fIhYua50Q/edit?usp=sharing
+[tax]: https://web-cert.mit.edu/dormcon/cert_minutes/2024-02-29.pdf
+[application]: https://forms.gle/LJJqy6nmNpuQjfHQ8
+[post-event]: https://forms.gle/V2FF6xMPhSp1ntpUA
 
-**Once the event is over, please fill out a
-[post-event report](https://forms.gle/V2FF6xMPhSp1ntpUA).**
+[^1]:
+    Due to increased funding directly from DSL, residence halls are no longer
+    eligible for SGFC funding (which took over funding from the ASA's LEF/ARCADE
+    grants, UA's FinBoard, and GSC's Funding Board). More information on what
+    led to the creation of the SGFC can be found in the final report of the the
+    [Student Organization Working Group](https://studentlife.mit.edu/campus-communities/student-activities/student-organization-working-group/).