ASUA has more than $60,000 it can give out to the 431 recognized clubs at the UA. Only 40 of those clubs on campus seem to want it.

ASUA representatives said they are concerned about the lack of clubs requesting initial funding, which is money ASUA allocates to clubs to assist in start-up costs.

"Initial funding is a great opportunity for clubs and organizations to get the year started off right by receiving ASUA financial support," said Melanie Rainer, ASUA executive vice president.

Clubs and organizations were told about the initial funding process weeks ago in a letter that was included in their club packets. There was also a club recognition assembly where clubs were informed about the available funding and given the chance to sign up for it.

However, many clubs left before initial funding was addressed.

"At the club recognition assembly, the hostess should have had all the club representatives stay and listen to Melanie Rainer speak about club funding," said Darin Yee, a management information system senior and president of Clareo Honorary. "Unfortunately, many representatives just wanted to go home, which is understandable. So instead of about 300 clubs' representatives listening, only about 30-50 stayed."

Some clubs' needs don't meet the guidelines for initial funding and instead they apply for special funding, which starts Sept. 29. Initial funding is money that can only be used for specific start-up costs for a club. Special funding can be used to supplement the costs of large events held by clubs. Other clubs already have their own sources of funding and do not need the money that ASUA provides.

"We don't have a need for initial funding," said Alok Patki, a biophysics sophomore and president of Sophos Sophomore Honorary. "We have a bank account that rolls over from last year that provides funding for us."

With a large amount of the ASUA budget reserved for initial funding, ASUA members are urging clubs who do need the money to get the funding while they can.

"Although initial funding rarely exceeds $150, it has consistently been the source of funds that has helped most clubs and organizations get back on their feet at the beginning of the new school year," Rainer said.

Clubs interested in obtaining initial funding must complete an initial funding form, which can be picked up at ASUA, and schedule a brief interview with a club advocate, an appropriations director and members of the undergraduate senate.

The dates for these interviews are today, tomorrow and Thursday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The initial funding forms are due by noon on the day of the club's scheduled interview. Initial funding is provided only once during the year for clubs. The funds can be used for advertising, tents, banners and other supplies. The funding cannot be used for awards, prizes, T-shirts or food. Usually $50-$150 is given to clubs who request initial funding.

Clubs will be notified of the amount awarded on Sept. 25, and they will have until Dec. 6 to use the funds. Initial funds that aren't used are rolled over to club funding for the spring semester.

If clubs have questions regarding the process, they can call the Club Advocates at 621-6694 or talk to them in person at the ASUA offices in the Student Union Memorial Center from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.