What is STATE after DARK?
STATE after DARK is an award program by University Health and Well-Being’s Health Promotion unit. This program awards up to $1,000 per event to support substance-free, late-night programming.
These programs help to keep students healthy, connected, and engaged by providing ways for students to connect with peers in safe environments.
The application deadline for events in the Fall 2026 semester is September 9, 2026.
Application Details
A limited number of awards are distributed each academic semester. Before applying for a STATE after DARK award, please review our event requirements:
Who Can Apply
Event must be hosted by a registered student organization, campus department, college, or MSU-affiliated group
Application must be submitted by the applicable deadline
Event Requirements
Event must be held during the Fall or Spring Semester
Event must be held on a Thursday, Friday, or Saturday between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 12:00 a.m.
Exceptions are available for special events that naturally occur during different dates and times, such as Halloween, St. Patrick’s Day, March Madness, etc.
Event must take place on MSU campus and be substance-free
Event must have no participation fee for attendees
Event is open to all MSU students
Event must comply with all MSU policies and on-campus event policies
Financial Requirements
Requesting organizations must have an internal account for the award to be disbursed into
RSOs need an AR or AU account, and colleges or departments need an Auxiliary Fund (XT) or a Designated Account (D), etc.
Create an internal account or to gather information on how to access funds in an internal account
It is your responsibility to access your funds for spending out of your internal account well in advance of your event. Accessing funds can take up to 6 weeks. Plan your event date accordingly.
Other Limitations
Organizations are limited to receiving one STATE after DARK award per academic year
Applications requesting funding for club meetings, department outings, or other events not available to the wider Spartan community will not be considered for funding.
Additional Questions
Have questions? Email Health Promotion Generalist Jozzy Rivera at rivera77@msu.edu.
Program Highlights
STATE After DARK funding has helped to enhance special events for organizations and units throughout Michigan State University. Check out how some of our recent award recipients have enhanced their events with the funds they received.
Event Name: Lights Out Frights Out
Semester: Fall 2025
Host: Spartan Organization for All Recovery
Attendance: 150
Funds received: $1,000
“The STATE After DARK award significantly contributed to the success of our event. Because of the grant, we were able to book the Union Ballroom, a central location on campus. I believe that this helped our attendance and made it accessible for the greatest number of people to come. We also used the award for much of our decorations, and event supplies. We made the room look amazing and that would not have been possible without [STATE After DARK].”
