West Virginia University will hold an online fundraising program to help students struggling financially because of COVID-19, which has led to the university closing its campuses and moving classes online as well as the temporary closure of all non-essential businesses throughout the state.
The 24-hour program will be Tuesday and is dubbed #GivingTuesdayNow. It was put together by the WVU Foundation as part of an effort sponsored by GivingTuesday, a global generosity movement started in 2012. Hundreds of charities and nonprofits in more than 60 countries are expected to take part.
“We know many of our students at all of our campuses are experiencing a financial hardship right now because of the pandemic and the difficulty could extend well into the next academic year,” said B.J. Davisson, the foundation’s executive vice president and chief development officer.
“The goal for us with #GivingTuesdayNow is to leverage this global effort by giving Mountaineer Nation a simple and easy way to help our students if they are able,” Davisson said.
On Tuesday, WVU alumni and others are encouraged to donate specifically to the Gray Student Emergency Fund. Donations can be made at advancing.wvu.edu/project/20900/wall.
The purpose of the Gray Student Emergency Fund is to provide emergency financial aid and unrestricted scholarship support to students who are experiencing a sudden financial hardship like the ongoing pandemic. It is not yet known the number of WVU students who have been adversely affected by the coronavirus.
#GivingTuesdayNow is also separate from the Care Act — Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act — enacted in March. Care Act funds cover students’ basic needs and not tuition, said William Nevin, the foundation’s assistant vice president of communications.
The Gray Student Emergency Fund was established in 2013 by retired Student Life Vice President Ken Gray and his wife, Carolyn Gray.
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