No, the funds were donated to help Blackburn students through challenging times, so there is no need to pay the funds back. However, to share our gratitude, recipients are asked to write a short, anonymous note of thanks to the donors for their act of generosity. We also encourage recipients to remember this act of generosity and, when they can afford to do so, pay it forward to the next generation of Blackburn students.

After receiving the application, the dean of students will reach out to meet with the applicant to discuss the request. The dean of students will maintain confidentiality to the greatest extent possible. If the request is granted, the recipient will be issued the funding and typically be asked to share receipts from the expenses.

Click on the Benevolent Beaver Fund Application to apply for funding.

There may be a restriction placed on the number of times any one student can access these funds; generally, no more than twice in an academic year.

Funding is dependent on the amount of donations that are given to the fund. An individual gift rarely exceeds $600.

Any Blackburn College student who is currently enrolled and attending is eligible to apply.

The fund is intended for unanticipated emergency expenses such as food, transportation, off-campus housing, medical care, and basic necessities. Because this fund is for unanticipated emergencies, it will not be used for tuition, fees, on-campus room and board, and books. Examples of what the fund is used for include: a student needs help paying rent or utilities; a student working in new construction needs a pair of steel-toed work boots in order to work; a student has car problems and needs help with repairs; a student is ill and the medical visit is covered by insurance but a needed prescription is not covered.