Cavalier Fund

Cavalier Fund

Opportunities to Thrive

OVERVIEW

Announced by President Jim Ryan in fall 2022, the Cavalier Fund ensures the best and most inclusive undergraduate residential experience. The Cavalier Fund offers all UVA students access to all of the leadership, service, and student community activities that the University has to offer.

UVA will match endowed gift commitments of $100,000+ to the fund, paid within five years, with $.50 on the $1 (see below).

For students who cannot afford direct costs of participation or cannot take time away from work-study requirements (or both), support from the Cavalier Fund can make it possible. Through the Cavalier Fund UVA makes sure that students facing affordability barriers are provided with equal opportunities to engage and develop as citizen leaders.

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. Cavalier Fund grants cover opportunities such as travel to a lecture, expenses related to Madison House service opportunities, or membership in registered student organizations.

Programs Funded

Gifts to the Cavalier Fund support a number of programs related to the undergraduate student experience. Since its inception, the Cavalier Fund has helped students become involved in events and projects that enhance their college years, such as the following:

Pursue an externship in architecture
Participate in the Virginia Women's Chorus
Purchase of equipment for an independent film project
Attend a neuroscience conference
Participate in a fraternity regional leadership conference
Take part in an annual sorority conference
Attend a One Love Foundation event in New York City

Cavalier Fund

In order to continue to attract the very best students, and to prepare and inspire them to live their best lives, we must offer them an unparalleled experience while on Grounds.

President James E. Ryan

Ways to Give

Current Use Fund
Gifts for current use, of any amount, can be spent immediately on urgent needs, keeping Cavalier Fund support available for students when it is needed most, and often producing immediate results.

Matching Opportunity
To support the Cavalier Fund’s growth, the University has made $10 million in gift matching funds available to match any endowed gift commitment of $100,000 or more, paid within five years, with $.50 on the $1 until the $10 million is depleted. Endowments generate a steady stream of funding and grow over time, thanks to efficient management by UVIMCO.

For those gifts below the $100,000 threshold, pooled endowments funded by collective gifts from individuals also provide critical support for the Cavalier Fund. A special Parents Program Pooled Endowment offers matching funds for gifts of any amount.

Total Gifts + Matching Funds

126

Donors

$5,318,231

Commitments

$7,938,274

Total Impact

These gifts are important for many reasons. They establish a foundation for student success and ongoing engagement. The result is a holistic experience for students across myriad backgrounds. Together, these gifts and the opportunities they afford help make the University more accessible to all. That’s a good thing for everyone.

Cedric Rucker

Senior Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students

First-year students at opening convocation

Batten students in Coalfield Development Greenhouse

Update • October 31, 2022

$10 Million Investment in 'Cavalier Fund' to Broaden Opportunities for Students

University of Virginia President Jim Ryan on Friday announced a substantial investment in a fund that provides opportunities for more students to fully participate in the University’s enriching residential experience.