Our Mission

The Student Hardship Fund (SHF) was formed in 2011 to support Emory students facing unexpected financial hardship. The fund aids both undergraduates and graduates at Emory University across all nine schools on the Atlanta and Oxford campuses. By providing financial assistance to support students during catastrophic events, such as a death in the family, unexpected job loss, uninsured medical expenses, and eviction, the Student Hardship Fund allows Emory students to continue their education despite the obstacles they are facing. We hope to offer support to students who often do not have any other avenue to turn to because we know the power of community and the importance of lending a helping hand. 

Our Impact

Since the spring of 2020, alongside the Emory Together Fund, we have continued to support students who have been affected by COVID-19 and the subsequent downturn of the economy. Fizza Mahmood 21C shared, "I am endlessly thankful for the alumni who have rallied around this cause and continued to support Emory students through these challenging times. During my time as Student Hardship Fund Chair this past year, I saw firsthand the ways in which the pandemic has affected every aspect of student life from housing to food security. Whether it was providing funding for laptops or helping to prevent evictions, I'm incredibly grateful for the impact we were able to have in preventing financial burdens from interfering with student success this year." 

Your Support

We are raising money to help undergraduates and graduates in their academic and professional pursuits, illustrating that financial hardships do not have to be a barrier to receiving the education that our students deserve. All gifts to the campaign will allow the Student Hardship Fund to provide necessary financial assistance to students struggling with various life events. For the 2020-2021 academic year, over $46,000 was awarded to students in need, marking this past year as the largest amount of money the Student Hardship Fund has ever awarded since its conception in 2011. By making a gift to this campaign you are helping one more student make it to the finish line and obtain their degree. We need your help to be able to continue to fulfill this critical need in the student body, as well as ensure the future existence of this fund. We thank you in advance for making a gift today and for making a difference in the lives of our future leaders!

Applying to the fund

If you are an Emory student experiencing a crisis and you need financial help, apply for assistance here.