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 

Eligibility

Who is eligible? 

All enrolled undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need are eligible to apply for Cavalier Fund grants.   

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. 

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 any academic term—Fall, January, Spring, or Summer— 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, or miscellaneous personal items. Additionally, the Cavalier Fund is not intended to support an emergency financial crisis.

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 will open December 15th and remain open through July 15th. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the academic year. Awarded grants will be disbursed the final week of each month.  

How do I apply? 

Applications must be submitted electronically via the Cavalier Fund portal. All supporting documentation must be submitted at the time of application, as requested.  

What supporting documentation may I need?  

Depending on the funding request, supporting documentation may be needed. Examples of supporting documentation may include: 

• Invoice or documentation outlining membership dues to student organizations, club sports, or Greek organizations  
• Conference registration form   
• Tentative budget of expenses for co-curricular travel, lodging, and meals  

When will I be notified of my application decision? 

Application review, decisions, and disbursement will occur the last week of each month. For the 2023-2024 academic term, applicants will be notified the weeks of November 27th, January 22nd, February 26th, and March 25th.  

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.