If you have a question that is not listed below please email [email protected]

General Information

What is the Cavalier Fund? 

Through the generous support of UVA alumni and friends, the Cavalier Fund was established to ensure that all undergraduate students had access to a similar educational experience while attending UVA, regardless of their financial resources. Eligible students can apply for and receive grant funding of up to $1,000 per academic year to support their interest and participation in co-curricular activities that supplement the University’s academic program. 

What can Cavalier Fund grants pay for?  

Cavalier Fund grants are limited to up to $1,000 per student, per academic year. Students may apply multiple times throughout the academic year to pay for eligible expenses but may not exceed $1,000 in funding from the Cavalier Fund. The awarded amount may differ from the requested amount depending on the eligibility and availability of funding resources.

How much funding assistance can I receive? 

Cavalier Fund grants are limited to up to $1,000 per student, per academic year. Students may apply multiple times throughout the academic year to defray their out-of-pocket expenses but may not exceed $1,000 in funding from the Cavalier Fund. The awarded amount may differ from the requested amount depending on the eligibility and availability of funding resources. 

Need assistance with the Cavalier Fund?  

Eligible students can receive assistance with completing the Cavalier Fund application and/or brainstorming ideas of ways to utilize the available grant funding. To request an appointment, contact [email protected].

Other things to note about the Cavalier Fund: 

The Cavalier Fund is a limited resource and funding is not guaranteed. Funds may be exhausted prior to the posted closing date of the funding window. Applicants are encouraged to submit applications as soon as they are aware of a desired opportunity.

Eligibility

Who is eligible? 

All enrolled undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need are eligible to apply for Cavalier Fund grants. Students who do not demonstrate financial aid will be notified immediately of their status upon application attempt.

Students are encouraged to check your most recent Financial Aid Award offer in SIS to determine eligibility. Students with demonstrated financial need may see awards such as Federal Pell grants, Direct Subsidized loans, or AccessUVA scholarships in their financial aid offer. If you are unsure or need assistance in determining whether or not you qualify, you may contact Student Financial Services at [email protected] or (434) 982-6000. 

Student enrolled part-time are eligible to apply for funding, but will have the maximum amount of funding they are eligible to receive adjusted to match their current enrollment status.

Currently, graduate and professional students are not eligible to receive grants through the Cavalier Fund. It is recommended that you contact your specific academic unit to inquire if similar funding assistance may be provided. 

When is funding available?  

Funding is available during both the Fall and the Spring semesters, provided students are enrolled during the applicable term. 

What Is Funded 

Examples of eligible costs:

Cavalier Fund grants may be used to pay required dues for any student organization that is active in the Hoos Involved database and demonstrates the capacity to receive payments for the benefit of grantees.  Grants may also pay or defray required costs of activities sponsored or approved by such student organizations or by University departments or offices. 

The following list provides examples of, but is not limited to, approved activities and opportunities that are allowable according to the Federal and University guidelines: 

• Associated costs for membership in registered, active student organizations, including Contracted Independent Organizations (CIOs), Special Status Organizations (SSOs), Fraternal Order Agreement organizations (FOAs, and Agency organizations. Examples include but are not limited to Greek-letter organizations, honor societies, club sport teams, and para-professional organizations.
• Participation in enrichment activities sponsored by student organizations or University offices such as travel to a lecture, entrance fees or tickets for arts and cultural experiences, registration for or travel to individual or team competition, fees associated with recreation and outdoor adventure excursions, or other similar activity.
• Participation in community service activities, including Madison House-sponsored events, Alternative Spring Break, or other service-related organization activities. Funds may be used to cover travel to service locations and lodging during the duration of the experience.
• Supplies for participation in co-curricular programming or experiences, including technology, sports equipment, or printing of research posters that may be needed to participate in or attend functions related to the experience.
• Costs associated with attending or participating in a University-sponsored professional or pre-professional conference or research-related experience including registration fees, transportation, lodging, and meals not provided by the conference.  

What Is Not Funded 

Examples of opportunities not funded: 

The Cavalier Fund may not be used to support for-credit activities or other items covered through tuition and fees, or regular cost-of-attendance items covered by financial aid such as books and school supplies, laptops, rent, utilities, food, clothing, or miscellaneous personal items. Additionally, the Cavalier Fund is not intended to support an emergency financial crisis. Finally, the Cavalier Fund cannot be used to support charitable donations.

If you are seeking assistance in any of these situations, consider these other resources: 

• Hoo Needs Help Emergency Funding
• Student Financial Services Emergency Funds
• Food Insecurity Assistance
• Housing Insecurity Assistance
• Student Council Support and Access Services
• UVA Mutual Aid

Can I be reimbursed for previous expenses? 

No, Cavalier Fund awards may not be used to reimburse individuals, student organizations or University departments for a previous expense. Co-curricular opportunities must be completed after the application submission and award notification date.  

Are graduate and professional students eligible?  

Currently, graduate and professional students are not eligible to receive grants through the Cavalier Fund. It is recommended that you contact your specific academic unit to inquire if similar funding assistance may be provided.  

Application Process  

When can I apply?  

The application cycles for the Cavalier Fund for the 2026-2027 academic year are as follows:

Application Cycle #1: Closed

Application Cycle #2: October 12 - November 20

Application Cycle #3: January 18 - February 26

Application Cycle #4: March 8 - April 9

Application review, decisions, and disbursement will occur on a weekly basis throughout each application cycle.

How do I apply? 

Applications must be submitted electronically via the Cavalier Fund application page, accessed via the "Apply" button on our home page. All supporting documentation must be submitted at the time of application, as requested.  

When applying:

1. Fill out First and Last Name
2. Select "Request Type" field, and choose the Request Type which best describes your opportunity.
3. From the "Activity or Opportunity" dropdown which appears, select your opportunity. If your opportunity does not appear on the dropdown, try a different Request Type field. If your opportunity cannot be found under any of the Request Types, select "My opportunity is not on the list, and I'd like to add it,' and proceed to the bulleted list below. If your opportunity is already listed, and you've selected it, proceed to step 4.
   • Enter the total amount you're requesting.
   • Enter the name of your opportunity.
   • Enter the date your opportunity starts.
   • Enter a description of your opportunity, your expense breakdown, and how the funding will benefit your experience at UVA.
   • Select the Request Type which best describes your opportunity.
   • Select what kind of organization your Sponsoring Organization is.
   • Select your CIO, SSO, or fraternity/sorority from the dropdown list. If you do not see your organization available in the dropdown, your organization may not be eligible to sponsor students. 
   • Enter your organization's signatory account name.
   • Enter your organization's signatory account UVA email.
   • Select if your organization has a UVA Fund account, and will therefore be receiving the funds electronically, or if your organization has an external account, and will therefore be receiving the funds in the form of a check. If your organization has a UVA Fund account, enter the account number ("FSOD___"). Proceed to Step 5.
4. Enter the total amount you're requesting in "Amount Requested."
5. Submit your Activity Documentation Attachment.
6. Select "I agree to the post-impact statement requirement."
7. Click "Submit."

 

What Information Do I Need to Apply?

• Name of Sponsoring Organization or Department
• First and Last Name of Organization Contact (Must be the authorized signer for organization account, i.e., a President or Treasurer)
• Computing ID of Organization Contact
• Full description of opportunity
• Formal Invoice/documentation of cost of the opportunity

What formal documentation do I need?  

Examples of formal documentation may include: 

• Invoice or documentation outlining membership dues to student organizations, club sports, or Greek organizations with the organization name and contact information included.  Must include name and logo of organization name.
• Conference registration form
• Tentative budget of expenses for co-curricular travel, lodging, and meals  

How do I know if my sponsoring student organization has a UVA Fund Account?

When preparing your application reach out to your organization President or Treasurer to see if they have a UVA Fund Account.  This is also a great time to let them know that you are applying to the Cavalier Fund to pay for an opportunity with their organization.

 

If your sponsoring organization does not have an account at the UVA Fund but wants to create one, please contact the organization’s President and/or Treasurer and provide them with the link to begin the process. Using an UVA Fund Account is the fastest and most efficient way for organizations to receive grant funds from the Cavalier Fund on behalf of student applicants.  

https://alumni.virginia.edu/uvafund/open-an-account/ 

Is my sponsoring organization required to have an account with the UVA Fund to receive an award on my behalf?

No, organizations are not required to have an account with the UVA Fund l to receive an award on an applicant's behalf. However, it is highly recommended that all active and registered organizations of the University do have an account at the UVA Fund. Organizations with a valid UVA Fund Account will receive a direct deposit from the Cavalier Fund for students granted awards. If an organization does not have an active UVA Fund Account, organizations can receive a check for the Cavalier Fund award amount. Checks may be picked up directly from the Dean of Students office located on the 2nd floor of Peabody Hall on Grounds.

When will I be notified of my application decision? 

Application review, decisions, and disbursement will occur on a weekly basis throughout each application cycle. The Fall 2026 application cycles are:

Application Cycle #1: August 25 - October 2

Application Cycle #2: October 12 - November 20

How will the awarded funds be disbursed? 

All Cavalier Fund grants will be paid directly to the student organization or University department sponsoring or assisting students with the approved activity.  Organizations with UVA Fund accounts will receive funds through direct deposit. Organizations who do not have a UVA Fund account will need to pick up checks directly from the Dean of Students office located on the 2nd floor of Peabody Hall. Only the student recipient or the organization's signatory authority are permitted to pick up the check. University departments will be paid via an account code.

Student Organization Payments

My Organization has a UVA Fund Account, How will my organization be paid?

If your organization has a UVA Fund account you can expect an electronic deposit 7-10 business days after you have been notified by student affairs that your payment is on its ways.

My Organization does not have a UVA Fund Account, How will my organization be paid?

Student organizations without a UVA Fund Account will be able to receive a paper check for deposit to their organization bank account. Once approved, either the student recipient or the organization signatory contact will be able to pick up the check directly from the Dean of Students office located on the 2nd floor of Peabody Hall.

Do checks expire?

Yes. If an award is disbursed in the form of a physical check, the check should be picked up from Peabody Hall within 30 days of award notification and deposited into the organization's external bank account within 90 days of receipt of award notification. Failure to cash the check within the designated time period may result in the awarded funds being canceled and the grant rescinded.