This page was updated on December 12, 2025.  

  

Introduction

Please review these linked documents for information about the JD Grants Committee's general funding process and about other funding sources available for some events. Both of these documents have been updated since the April 24, 2024, Student Information Session.

• Steps in the JD Grants Process for 2025-2026 (Word document)
• Other Funding Sources for Student Events (Word document)

Increased reimbursement time for 2025-2026: The University is transitioning to a new software for all administrative and financial functions. Because of this change, reimbursement requests take much longer to process. The minimum time period is one to two months. To avoid these long waits, make as many purchases as possible in advance by contacting Adam Bushcott, the Main Office Manager, at adam.bushcott@wisc.edu. Mr. Bushcott can order food, pay for venues, etc. directly.  Then you will not have to pay for these items yourself and wait for reimbursement.

Student organizations cannot be reimbursed: The Law School cannot reimburse student organizations because of significant federal tax implications. Therefore, student organizations must not pay for registration fees or event expenses. Expenses incurred on behalf of a student organization must be paid by individual members who can then request reimbursement.

Include 3% credit card fees in cost calculations: Businesses and sponsoring organizations are now charging processing fees for credit card payments. For example, they are charging these fees for competition registrations and local event expenses. When calculating the total cost of credit card payments, please add at least a 3% processing fee to the payment amount. Thus, a $500 registration fee will cost $515. If you know the processing fee is more or less than 3%, please use the correct percentage to calculate the total cost for the JD Grants request forms.

Fundraising, including Merchandise for Sale 

• Student organizations may host fundraising events, but the JD Grants Committee does not provide funding for events that benefit only the student organization or organizations that host the event.
• All student organizations' fundraising plans must be reviewed and approved in advance even if they are not receiving any funding from the committee or any other funding source. If your organization is considering a fundraising activity, including selling merchandise or approaching law firms or other non-campus entities for support, you must consult with the following staff. 
• For law firm and non-campus organization funding requests, contact Jini Jasti, Associate Dean of for External Affairs, at jini.jasti@wisc.edu. For all other fundraising activities, including selling branded merchandise or other items, contact Carlie Wiseley, Student Life & Engagement Manager, at carlie.wiseley@wisc.edu. See the "Other Funding Sources" document above for more information.

Getting Started

Planning events requires careful attention to details and to the many University and Law School requirements.  The following list highlights some of the most important considerations at the start of event planning.

• Events in the Law Building:  Before you begin planning an event in the Law School, review section 18.6, Event Planning, in chapter 18 of the Student Handbook (Facilities & Event Planning) and contact Carlie Wiseley, Student Life & Engagement Manager, at carlie.wiseley@wisc.edu. 
• Contracts:  Students cannot sign financial contracts. If an event involves a contract with any entity, you must inform the Law School and discuss feasibility and process. Contact Carlie Wiseley, Student Life & Engagement Manager, at carlie.wiseley@wisc.edu. 
• Alcohol:  The University and Law School do not pay for alcohol at student-sponsored events.  For more information, view the Law School's guide to Hosting Events with Alcohol, the University's Alcohol Policy Page for Registered Student Organizations and the UW-Madison Alcohol Beverage Regulations (PDF). If you plan to have alcohol at any event regardless of whether it is partially funded by JD grants, you must contact Carlie Wiseley, Student Life & Engagement Manager, at carlie.wiseley@wisc.edu for approval. 

Travel Awards

For 2025-2026, students will continue to receive travel awards as required by federal law.  With travel awards, students receive money directly from the Bursar's Office, and then they make their own travel arrangements.  Students do not have to work with the university's travel agency, use the Concur site, or follow most university travel requirements.

To comply with federal law, travel awards are processed as scholarships. If you have questions about how a travel award will interact with your financial aid, please contact Heidi Johnson, Assistant Director of Scholarships and Financial Aid, at heidi.johnson@wisc.edu.  

Student Information Sessions on April 10, 2025 and June, 2025

• PowerPoint slides  from the April 10, 2025 New Student Organization Leaders & Officer Transition Information Session. This presentation covers Student Leader Transitions, and Student Organization Handbook information. 
• Virtual Presentation from June 2025 JD Grants Funding Process. This presentation gives an overview of the 2025-2026 JD Grants Funding Process. 
• PowerPoint Slides from the June 2025 JD Grants Funding Process presentation.