Viterbi Conference & Research Fund
Viterbi Conference & Research (VCR) funding is available to Viterbi-affiliated student organizations through Viterbi Admission & Student Engagement and for Viterbi students. VCR funding is endowment-based and limited; the amount available varies from year to year. VCR funding is a supplement to the funding organizations and students receive from other sources. VCR is the LAST place from which organizations and individuals should seek funds. Organizations and students should never rely solely on this source to fund an entire event, program, or conference. Funding is limited each academic year.
How It Works
What are some things to keep in mind while planning on attending a conference and seeking funding?
Plan
Consider conference and registration fees, hotels and lodging, and flights and travel costs. Start early to avoid last-minute challenges.
Seek Funding
Seek funding from various sources, such as on-campus resources like the Undergraduate and Graduate Student Governments (see more information below) or industry sponsors that may be interested in supporting you. VCR should be a supplemental source of funding.
Submission & Approvals
Complete the application. Once submitted, your application will be reviewed by the VCR committee. If approved, you'll receive guidance from the VASE Business Office for processing.
Attend the Conference
Make the most of your experience. Network, present, and learn!
General Policies
Please review the following policies to ensure you meet all requirements before submitting your application for VCR funding.
Only complete applications will be reviewed. Make sure you fill out every required field and provide all necessary documents prior to submission. No review will be conducted for applications missing essential information or documentation. Make sure every field is filled out and every required file is uploaded before submission.
A partial cost share is expected for travel-related events. Reimbursement awards may be granted based on approved amounts and actual attendance costs.
The VCR Committee keeps thorough records of students and organizations who receive funds, ensuring accountability and proper documentation.
No unauthorized student signatures. All agreements (venue, catering, speaker, etc.) must be signed by authorized university personnel only. Any agreement containing an unauthorized student signature cannot be funded.
Prepare a thorough breakdown of your event or travel costs. This budget should include a summary of all existing funding sources (department grants, external sponsorship, etc.).
Be ready to provide any supporting materials based on your status—student organization vs. individual applicant. Additional questions or forms may be required during the process.
Secure your VCR funding by selecting the application that fits your needs. Don’t miss out on valuable support for conferences, research, and more! We are no longer receiving applications for the 2025-2026 academic year. Please come back in August 2026 for the 2026-2027 academic year.
Contact For More Information!
Kevin Giang
Published on January 28th, 2026
Last updated on February 12th, 2026