Student Emergency Fund

Hundreds of students have received help from the Student Emergency Fund since it was introduced in 2018 during Richmond's first Spiders Helping Spiders campaign. Your gift to this fund will provide direct aid to students in need facing an unanticipated or emergency expense, situations that could otherwise derail their education.

During the 2024-25 academic year, 193 students benefitted from the Student Emergency Fund, totaling $68,892 for clothing, travel, technology, meals and support during holiday breaks, emergency housing, and medical needs.

• "I am seeking help for a medical bill from an emergency I experienced a few weeks ago. I had no way of knowing the cost would be so high and bill is overwhelming. The emergency not only impacted my health but has placed a significant financial strain on me."
• "I am seeking funds for a winter jacket. I am an international student and could not bring my winter jacket from home because I share it with my mother. I cannot afford to purchase my own winter jacket due to lack of resources."
• "I had to undergo an emergency root canal that I put off because I could not afford the procedure. I was at risk of losing a tooth due to an infection and was having other serious health implications so I could delay the procedure. I am on financial aid and cannot rely on assistance from my parents so I’m asking the Student Emergency Fund for help with this."