The Buffett Institute invites registered student organizations to submit an application to affiliate with us.
Why Affiliate with Us?
Affiliated organizations can access the following benefits.
- Join a global network of scholars, practitioners, and students engaged in research and advocacy on global issues.
- Request funding support for student organization initiatives.
- Request office space at the Buffett Institute, with the option to reserve additional space for larger meetings and events.
- Ad hoc advising from Buffett Institute staff. The Buffett Institute does not have the capacity to formally advise all its affiliated student groups, but we are happy to meet with groups as issues or questions arise.
- Receive invitations to special events with campus speakers and visitors.
In accepting the affiliation, organizations will agree to the following.
- Submit a member list as well as a logo, which will be used on our website.
- Participate in three quarterly meetings, which include an orientation and an end-of-year meeting.
- Maintain office hours and adhere to usage guidelines if assigned office space.
- Follow university policies and procedures for using awarded funds.
- Provide an annual report at the end of the academic year.
Affiliation Proposal and Deadline
Annual application deadline: October 15
Applicants will know whether their student organization has been selected for affiliation by the end of October.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are proposals evaluated?
Affiliated student organizations must demonstrate how their missions and activities align with the Buffett Institute's mission of advancing the University’s work internationally and supporting international learning for the next generations of global citizens. We collaborate closely with Northwestern's Global Learning Office and Weinberg College Center for International and Area Studies, among other units, to do this work.
Proposals will also be evaluated based on their feasibility and potential for making a positive impact.
What types of projects are eligible for funding?
Typically, organizations host yearlong programming that engages a vast network of students, community partners, and the public through community engagement, global partnerships, advocacy/activism, education/public scholarship, and more.
Funding cannot be used for student organizations' trips or student publications. Student organizations submit funding requests as part of the affiliation application. Most awards are expected to fall within the $500–$2,500 range. The Buffett Institute may consider larger awards for a small number of exceptional, high-impact projects.
If our student organization was previously affiliated with the Buffett Institute or the Global Engagement Coalition, do we need to re-apply each year?
Yes, previously affiliated groups must reapply annually.
Who do I contact with with questions?
Please email buffett-undergrad-programs@northwestern.edu.