The Student Hardship Fund exists to help students who experience severe unexpected financial difficulties during their training.
Many students survive on a very tight budget during their training at LAMDA. As a result, unforeseen events such as a problem with a landlord or a change in family circumstances can have a hugely detrimental impact on their finances.
It is extremely important that the Academy is able to assist students in such situations in order that their financial problems do not force them to abandon their training completely. The Student Hardship Fund enables us to do this, providing an instant safety net for students facing the most serious financial difficulties.
Students are able to apply to the Fund through the Appeals Committee which meets on a termly basis and is made up of members of LAMDA's Executive Board and senior Academy staff. Grants made from the Hardship Fund may be used for a variety of purposes including supporting fee payments, essential maintenance costs and the purchase of equipment necessary for training.
The Student Hardship Fund is generously supported by members of the LAMDA Angels scheme and audiences at our productions. For a number of years now, LAMDA has not charged for tickets for its productions, instead offering our audiences the chance to make a donation to the Fund.
We are extremely grateful to everyone who has contributed to the Student Hardship Fund over the years and thank them for the invaluable role their contribution has played in helping some of our most talented and deserving students complete their training free from destabilising financial pressures.
As the Academy is an affiliate of the Conservatoire for Dance and Drama, donations to LAMDA may also generate additional funds for its benefit through the Higher Education Funding Council for England’s matched funding scheme.