The Vice Dean’s Community Partnership Fund is designed to spark collaboration and connection within the Wharton MBA community. By supporting events that cut across clubs and interest groups, the fund encourages students to co-create experiences that transcend traditional boundaries and foster a deeper sense of belonging. The goal is to bring together classmates from diverse backgrounds and passions, creating opportunities for shared discovery, meaningful engagement, and lasting community ties.
ELIGIBILITY
- Events must be co-hosted by a minimum of two WGA-recognized clubs in good standing.
- Events must be open to all Wharton MBA students, regardless of club membership.
- Funding will cover up to 50% of event costs, with a maximum award of $500.
- Food expenses are eligible.
- Alcohol, travel, lodging, and speaker fees are not eligible.
- All purchases must be made through Penn Approved Vendors.
APPLICATION & TIMING
- Applications are due monthly – deadlines TBA
- Events are reviewed by a committee, with emphasis on cross-community collaboration and creativity.
- Applications must be submitted early enough to allow a decision before the event date.
- Funding is capped per program, not per club (to prevent duplicate applications)
- No retroactive funding will be awarded.
- Requirement to apply no later than 4 weeks before the event.
- Explicit disqualification for incomplete or late applications.
REQUIREMENTS
PROMOTION & BRANDING
All promotional materials must acknowledge support from the Vice Dean’s Fund.
Co-branding and logo usage (including on social media) will be required once finalized.
POST-EVENT REPORTING
Within two weeks of the event, clubs must submit the following information:
- Final budget reconciliation
- Attendance summary
- Post-event survey
- Post-event read-out addressing impact, lessons learned, and partnership value (beyond just budget reconciliation and attendance)