The JCR has a number of funds, many of which are topped up by optional levies. Each fund, and each connected optional levy, is ring-fenced for a specific purpose. The currently active funds are as follows:
Entz. This fund is used by the entz officers to fund their activities, primarily bops. Each bop has a fixed overhead cost of roughly £50 for decorations and there's also a variable alcohol cost; they have a termly budget of £300 multiplied by the number of bops but rarely spend all of it. The entz officers also run a range of other events, including quizzes, formals such as halfway hall, and screenings of films or TV shows. They also maintain the JCR's audio-visual equipment and look after the TV room. This fund is topped up by an optional levy that currently stands at £2.50. The TV Room levy, which stands at £1.00 a term, is also folded into this fund.
Welfare. The welfare fund is used to support the activities of welfare sub-committee. It is primarily spent on welfare teas, which happen twice a week in Michaelmas and Hilary and every day in Trinity. It's also spent on events such as life-drawing, yoga, pimms and painting etc. An extra £200 is granted for welfare week. It is not directly funded by an optional levy.
Charities and crisis. The charities fund is used to donate to charities that are chosen by the JCR in a ballot held every Michaelmas. It is tied to an optional levy that currently stands at £1.50 per term.
Political Campaigning. The political campaigning fund can be used to fund political endeavours and activities carried out by Balliol members. It is tied to an optional levy that currently stands at £0.01 per term. More detail about the school can be found under the 'Political Campaigning' tab in the 'Optional Levies and Funds' menu.
Drama Society. The Drama Society are responsible for maintaining the Pilch, funding Balliol dramatic endeavours, and supporting any productions that take place in the Pilch. Since the Pilch is a proper studio theatre, it takes a lot of effort and money to keep it up. Money from this fund primarily goes on the day-to-day costs involved in lighting, cleaning, furnishing and generally maintaining the Pilch. It is under the operational control of the Drama Treasurer. It is tied to an optional levy that currently stands at £0.40 per term.
Music. The JCR Music Fund is used to maintain the music room, purchase musical equipment, and support Balliol-based musical groups. It is tied to an optional levy that currently stands at £0.20 per term.
Picture. This fund is used to purchase and maintain the JCR's collection of artwork, which is extensive and contains items by both amateur and professional artists (including Grayson Perry and Jacob Epstein). This includes the cost of running the annual picture ballot, which takes place in Michaelmas every year. This fund is not currently topped up by an optional levy.
Rose Hill Library and reading. This is used to support the Rose Hill primary school. Balliol JCR members used to regularly go to the school to help with reading lessons and this fund was used to pay for their travel costs. This no longer happens. Instead, our money goes directly to the school. More detail can be found here.
Prescription. The prescription fund is used to pay for the prescriptions and travel costs of JCR members. It can be accessed va the Drs WHO on request. It is not tied to a set optional levy, but may topped up via levies when it falls too low
Sexual Health. The sexual health fund is used to purchase condoms, emergency contraception and other sexual health products. These are regularly distributed by the Drs WHO and by the Women's Officers. It is tied to an optional levy that currently stands at £0.10 per term.
Scrawl. Scrawl is a termly publication containing poetry, photography, art and fiction by JCR members. It is created by the Comrades Shakespeare and open to any and all JCR members. The fund is used to cover publication costs (c.£90), put on arts-related events, organise the launch, and provide rewards to contributors. It is tied to an optional levy that currently stands at £0.60 per term, but will be reduced to £0.20 from MT19.
Sanitary. The sanitary fund is used to purchase tampons and other hygiene products. It is administered by the LGBTQ+ and Women's Officers, and may also be used by the for related purchases. It is not tied to a set optional levy, but may topped up via levies when it falls too low.
There are four further levies that go directly to various causes:
Against Malaria. Against Malaria is regularly assessed as one of the most impactful charities in the world. Every term, optional levy forms include £0.86 for this.
Deworm the World. Against Malaria is regularly assessed as one of the most impactful charities in the world. Every term, optional levy forms include £0.86 for this.
Nightline. Nightline is a support and listening service that helps students who need a confidential. Every term, optional levy forms include £0.50 for this.