Bulldog Cares Fund

Bulldog Cares is a joint venture led by Student Development, Student Success and Financial Planning. The fund seeks to assist Gardner Webb students by providing financial support intended to prevent students from leaving the University for emergency financial reasons.

Students may apply for funds when they are experiencing a financial barrier or obstacle, and have exhausted all other resources.

Emergency aid is not a substitute for financial aid. Students who are seeking funding will be required to utilize all offered financial aid resources before being awarded emergency funding.

Expenses Covered by Bulldog Cares

Examples of emergencies to be considered include, but are not limited to:

• Emergency medical expenses, prescription eyeglasses, or essential dental work
• Food or transportation needs
• Travel expenses due to serious illness or death in the immediate family
• Overdue utility bills reaching a turn-off notice
• Homelessness or sudden loss of housing
• Loss of childcare
• Safety needs, including the needs of victims of domestic violence
• Books and other essential academic expenses
• Replacement of essential personal belongings due to fire or natural disaster

Expenses Not Covered by Bulldog Cares

    Tuition, fees, health insurance, and study abroad costs

• Non-essential personal bills such as: current utility, credit card, cable, cell phone, etc.
• Parking tickets, library fines, or other expenses mistakenly incurred
• Funds for the replacement of lost or stolen items
• More than one emergency request per year (grant or loan)

Eligibility Requirements

Any Gardner Webb University student may apply for emergency funds. Each applicant must meet the following criteria:

• Demonstrate financial hardship
• Experience an emergency, accident, illness, or other unforeseen event among the “covered” examples above
• Be currently enrolled as a full-time, degree-seeking
• All other resources, including loans through the Office of Financial Aid, have been considered and are insufficient, unavailable, or not available in a timely manner.

Applicants must complete all questions in full and submit supporting documentation as the situation allows.

Application Process

Students in need of emergency financial assistance are encouraged to meet with a member of the Student Development staff, who can assist you in completing the brief application. Students can also email (will include an email address) with their request. Completed applications are reviewed by the Dean of Students

The maximum emergency aid allocation to a student will be $1,000 per year. Most requests range from $300–$500 depending on the situation.

Support Bulldog Cares

Your contribution ensures that students can focus on their education during difficult times, empowering them to stay on track and achieve their goals. Join us in making a lasting impact—your support matters!