EFF Chapter FAQ

EFF chapters serve as campus-based extensions of Esther Funds Foundation's national student retention movement. Chapters work to encourage students to pursue and complete their education, connect students with resources, promote scholarship opportunities, and create meaningful service initiatives that help students remain enrolled.

No. EFF Nationals does not provide direct funding, startup allocations, or annual operating budgets to individual chapters.

Each chapter is responsible for financially supporting its own activities through approved local membership dues, fundraising initiatives, sponsorships, and campus funding opportunities.

Nationals provides organizational oversight, leadership development, training, resources, and national programming opportunities to help chapters fulfill their mission.

National membership dues and donations support the broader work of Esther Funds Foundation, including student assistance, national initiatives, and organizational operations.

Yes. EFF chapters may collect local membership dues of no more than $20, under a chapter dues plan that EFF Nationals has approved in MyEFF.

The plan says the amount, how often it is paid, what it covers, and how members pay: a university account, in person with a receipt, a university-approved chapter link, or a Cash App in the chapter's name that moves into the chapter's bank account. Personal payment apps (Venmo, Zelle, PayPal, Apple Cash) are never used for chapter money.

Local dues are separate from national membership dues and should be used to support approved chapter activities and operating expenses. They are paid to the chapter, not to EFF.

Yes! Chapters are encouraged to organize fundraisers that support their local operations and advance EFF's mission.

All fundraisers must follow national policies and applicable university requirements. Chapters should obtain any required approvals before launching fundraising activities.

Yes. Chapters are encouraged to explore student government funding, university grants, departmental partnerships, and local business sponsorships.

Any funding arrangements must comply with EFF's national policies and university regulations.

Yes! Chapters are encouraged to be creative and develop initiatives that address the needs of students on their campuses.

However, chapter programming must remain aligned with EFF's mission, policies, and approved operational guidelines.

Yes. Chapters are expected to support designated national initiatives, participate in required programming, and contribute to EFF's collective impact.

National participation requirements will be communicated through official chapter leadership channels.

Yes. National membership dues are $25, paid once, for life, separate from any approved local chapter dues. There is no yearly renewal.

Members who were in MyEFF before national dues opened on October 4, 2026, returning executive board members, and members of chapters whose national dues Nationals has covered do not owe them. A new executive board member pays $35 in one checkout: the $25 national dues and the $10 commitment to serve.

No. Chapters must complete all required Executive Board certification requirements and receive clearance from Nationals before beginning recruitment or other restricted chapter operations.

Yes. All new and returning Executive Board officers must complete the required national certification process.

The current certification deadline is November 30, 2026.

No. All members must complete national membership onboarding before induction or receiving official membership letters.

All official applications must be submitted through my.estherfundsfoundation.org.

Chapters should not establish independent application systems for processes managed by Nationals.

Each chapter is responsible for budgeting and managing its approved operating expenses.

Nationals is not responsible for reimbursing expenses incurred by chapters unless reimbursement has been expressly authorized in writing.

Yes. Chapters are expected to maintain accurate records of income, expenses, dues, donations, and fundraising activities. From Spring 2027 they are reported each semester in the Semester Report in MyEFF.

Financial reporting helps protect members, maintain accountability, and support the integrity of EFF's national movement.

Authorized chapters may use approved EFF branding for activities conducted in accordance with national policies.

Chapters may not represent themselves as independent charitable organizations or make unauthorized financial commitments on behalf of Nationals.

Nationals supports chapters through leadership training, organizational guidance, membership resources, national initiatives, chapter oversight, and opportunities to participate in the broader student retention movement.

A successful chapter is not measured solely by membership numbers or social events.

Successful chapters demonstrate consistent leadership, responsible financial management, active member engagement, meaningful campus programming, and measurable efforts to help students continue their education.

Chapters that do not maintain required standards may be placed under review, required to complete corrective actions, or subject to suspension or loss of recognition in accordance with national policies.

No. EFF chapters operate as authorized extensions of Esther Funds Foundation and must follow national policies, procedures, and organizational standards.

To make a meaningful difference in the lives of students.

EFF chapters exist to serve students, strengthen educational persistence, connect students with opportunities, and help remove barriers that prevent students from completing their education.