The Hardship Fund was established by the Action Agenda for Racial Equity and Inclusion to support students facing urgent or unforeseen costs that distract them from their academic endeavors. The need for this fund arose after Valpo faculty and staff shared their stories of using their own resources to help students experiencing economic emergencies. 

Your gift will enable us to establish a system to care for students from low-income, first-generation, and historically underrepresented backgrounds during difficult times. Students will be able to apply for a direct check of a maximum of $500 per calendar year using an easy online form. This application will be reviewed by the directors of the Retention Office, Office of Multicultural Programs, and Access and Accommodation Resource Center, who will provide the support our students need.

The Hardship Fund will alleviate pressures such as: providing a commuter with gas money for the week to drive to/from campus; paying a month's internet bill for a student who can't stay on campus to complete online work; helping a student to fix a car or a computer; or purchasing an off-campus student's groceries for the week. Inspired by what our faculty and staff are already doing, The Hardship Fund makes us Proud to be Valpo!

This crowdfunding project will run until May 13, or until the project is fully funded.