Giving to the university

Student Support

COVID-19 Student Fund: Support Brighton students in this time of uncertainty

Our work lives and social lives have changing dramatically. For our students, the way they are learning has also shifted to ensure we can continue to deliver courses via remote learning platforms. This will undoubtedly be a scary time for students, particularly if they live far from home.

The COVID-19 Student Fund was set up to respond to the growing needs of our students during lockdown. It is designed to fund practical solutions to help students continue their learning as we moved to digital teaching in March, and to support our students entering key worker roles and the NHS frontline. The COVID-19 Student Fund offers small grants of up to £200 and is open to all students at the University of Brighton studying at any level. It complements a range of other student finance programmes including the Alumni Hardship Fund and Student Support Fund, which both support core living costs. This new COVID-19 Student Fund has been instrumental in helping students from low economic backgrounds gain access to essential equipment, such as laptops and internet access, to continue their learning remotely while university equipment and facilities have not been available.

Marnie Middlemiss, Director of Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement said: “This new COVID-19 Student Fund, which is part of our existing hardship provision, is a vital part in providing support to our NHS and health care professional students, including social workers, midwives, paramedics and nurses, who are entering the NHS frontline early. They need access to funds for travel and to help them help the communities they need to support during this crisis. In addition, we are also concerned for our students who work in the hospitality and events sector, and those who have zero-hour contracts. As a university that puts our students at the heart of everything we do, we’re calling on our university community to support these students during this unprecedented time.”

Professor Debra Humphris, Vice-Chancellor of the university said: “With many of our Health Sciences students coming forward to signal their willingness to volunteer and work on the frontline of the NHS during this time of crisis, I have never been more proud to be the Vice-Chancellor of our university. I am in awe of all of our students who will be stepping up to help in this way. Their selflessness in stepping forward is a reminder to us all about the importance of their contribution to the values of our community. Help them reach the people and communities they need to most by supporting this vital Student Fund.”

This is a time when students will need extra support that will make a real impactful difference.

Consider contributing to the COVID-19 Student Fund to get additional help to those students in particularly challenging personal situations and to get behind those stepping up to help the NHS and social care system.

If this is something you are able to contribute to, even the cost of your daily coffee or weekly commute, please visit our Springboard fundraising page more information and to donate.

This COVID-19 Student Fund is in addition to the existing programme of support for students at the University of Brighton. It provides a fund for practical needs during this time of crisis. If you know of a student who may be in need of extra support at this time, please direct them to the Student Advice Team.

Keep an eye on social media and help spread the word @brightonalumni #BrightonForever

If you have any questions about the fund or donating, please contact giving@brighton.ac.uk

Research

In 2014, the University of Brighton was recognised as conducting research that would have a 91% global impact. From finding new ways to treat cancer, developing effective water sanitation systems for use in disasters and emergencies, to exploring alternative ways to deliver educational programmes in developing countries. Our world-leading researchers endeavour to solve global problems now and also ensure their expertise and knowledge is passed onto future generations through their teaching.

Be a fundamental part of our ground-breaking research by supporting us in finding solutions to local and global problems. Email our regular giving officer giving@brighton.ac.uk for more information.

Breakthrough Awards 

Our Breakthrough Awards are aimed at second year students to encourage them during what is often the most challenging phase of their undergraduate studies. By recognising and rewarding the efforts of individual students across the university, a Breakthrough Award could be the inspirational moment that changes a student’s life forever.

You can sponsor a school or subject area you feel most strongly about, you will have the opportunity to name the award and will have be invited to meet the award recipient at our annual celebration event.

Inspire one of our students. Email our fundraising team giving@brighton.ac.uk for more information.

Crowdfunding

You are required to get permission from the appropriate staff member before you submit your application-

• If your project is academic related, a signature form your tutor will be required.
• If your project is society related, a signature from the SU will be required.
• If your project is sports team related, a signature from Sport Brighton will be required.

The staff name and email will need to be provided before submitting your project to ensure this will not impact your academic work or wider student experience. We will contact this staff member before your project is approved.

Any questions about this agreement or your project should be directed to- springboard@brighton.ac.uk

Scholarships 

A scholarship provides life-changing support to a student. It inspires scholars to reach their full potential and provides the opportunity for excellence in their chosen field of study.

Scholarships range from sponsoring a shining star in the sports world, helping grow our diverse international community through supporting our international scholars, to providing an excellent health care worker with the means to deliver safer health projects in developing countries.

Become a facilitator for academic excellence. Find out more about our various scholarship programmes here or speak to us about creating your own scholarship by emailing our fundraising team at philanthropy@brighton.ac.uk.