Be a Lion Fund
At Loyola Marymount University, we believe that every student should have the opportunity to fully engage in the rich and dynamic experiences that define life outside the classroom. However, financial challenges can sometimes stand in the way of participating in student organizations, events, and programs that are central to the LMU experience. The Be a Lion Fund was created to help remove these barriers by providing financial assistance to students, ensuring that all Lions can explore their passions, build community, and make the most of LMU’s vibrant student life.
The Be a Lion Fund supports costs associated with events or programs offered through LMU Student Affairs or participation in registered student organizations. Funding is not available for experiences tied to academic coursework—such as study abroad, labs, course-related trips, or activities and events provided outside of the university. View the comprehensive list of experiences or costs not covered by the Be a Lion Fund.
The 2026-27 application will open on Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.
Applications are reviewed weekly on a rolling basis throughout the academic year. Eligible students may apply at any time to receive up to $500 per academic year toward qualifying expenses. That maximum may be applied to a single expense or divided across any number of eligible expenses. Students are welcome to reapply each academic year during their time at LMU.
Have questions? Contact the Be a Lion Fund.
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IMPORTANT NOTE: Demand for the Be a Lion Fund has grown significantly. Last academic year, the fund provided more than $217,000 to students to help cover the costs of participating fully in the LMU experience. Student Affairs is grateful that so many students have benefited from this resource and recognizes that the need behind each request is real.
Because requests now far exceed available funding, award decisions must be made more judiciously. Beginning this year, funding decisions will place greater emphasis on a student's demonstrated financial need, as assessed by Financial Aid. Priority will be given to students with the greatest financial need, while also considering the overall cost and nature of the eligible expense.
As a result, students who received the full $500 allocation in previous years should not expect the same level of support this year. Many awards will be partial, and not all requests can be funded.
Students whose financial need cannot be determined through Financial Aid, including those who have not submitted a FAFSA, receive tuition remission, or believe the information on file does not accurately reflect their current financial circumstances, are encouraged to provide additional context with their application.
Student Affairs recognizes that financial situations can change quickly and welcomes updated or supplemental information for consideration. Students without documentation on file with Financial Aid should upload a letter describing the financial circumstances that support their request, including any significant changes in family contributions, unexpected expenses, or other developments affecting their ability to cover the eligible cost.
Providing specific and detailed information helps ensure that each request receives full and thoughtful consideration. Students are encouraged to apply and should plan with the understanding that any award may cover only a portion of their expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
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All undergraduate and graduate students can submit an application. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
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All LMU students enrolled at the Westchester campus —both undergraduate and graduate — are eligible to apply for funding. Eligibility is primarily determined by financial need, as assessed by Financial Aid based on the student’s current FAFSA submission.
If you have not submitted a FAFSA, believe the information on file does not accurately reflect your current financial situation, or would like to provide additional context regarding your financial need, we encourage you to include that information with your application. We understand that financial circumstances can change quickly, and we are happy to consider any updated or supplemental information you provide.
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Yes, you can apply for funding for organizations that you plan to join or have not yet paid dues for. If you are applying for funding for Sorority and Fraternity Life and/or Service Organizations, but you have not yet affiliated with a chapter or organization, select “In the process of becoming a member.”
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Be a Lion funding is awarded to students, not for organizations, so the funds should directly apply to the cost of the recipient’s participation.
For example, if an organization has dues of $800 and a Be a Lion recipient is awarded $500 for participation in that organization, then that student should not be expected to pay more than $300 in dues to that organization (the student may pay less than $300 if they receive supplemental financial assistance from the organization).
The Be a Lion Fund does not fund organizational operating costs. This includes expenses incurred by officers in running the organization's programs, trainings, mentorship efforts, or similar activities — even when an individual student pays those costs personally. Student organizations seeking support for their programs and initiatives should contact ASLMU, GSLMU, or Student Leadership and Development about other funding sources.
If you believe an organization is misusing Be a Lion funds, please email the Be a Lion committee at bealion@lmu.edu.
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All Be a Lion applicants will be notified via email it they have been approved, denied or we need further information. Be a Lion funds are distributed through several options including:
- Direct Payment: If your organization has an online payment portal, we can pay the amount awarded directly to your registered student organization account through our divisional purchasing card. Unfortunately, LMU does not currently support Venmo, Zelle, or PayPal payments so it will have to be website that accepts credit cards.
- Reimbursement: If you have already paid the dues or prefer this method, we can reimburse you through a university check, which can be picked up in University Hall. Please note that reimbursement takes about two weeks, so direct payment might be quicker if your organization provides an online payment portal or are willing to have the funds transferred into their Student Leadership and Development 81 fund.
- Transfer to RSO 81 Account: We can also if your registered student organization approves, can transfer the funds directly into their RSO financial 81 account through the Student Leadership and Development office.
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The maximum award amount is $500, per academic year, for an individual student.
Because requests now far exceed available funding,award decisions must be made more judiciously. Beginning this year, funding decisions will take into account more specifically a student's financial aid need status, with priority given to students with the greatest demonstrated financial need, based on the assessment of Financial Aid, as well as the overall cost and nature of the eligible expense.
As a result, some students who received the full $500 allocation in the past two years should not expect the same level of support this year. Many awards will be partial, and we will not be able to fund every request.
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The maximum Be a Lion Fund award is $500 per academic year. Any expenses beyond this amount must be covered by the student. While not guaranteed, many student organizations, programs, or university offices may offer their own internal financial assistance to help offset participation costs. We encourage students to inquire with their group or program about any additional support that may be available.
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- Academic course costs including travel,
- Study Abroad
- Other travel such as university holidays or breaks
- Passport fees
- Student Visa/OPT fees
- Tuition or fees
- Textbooks or supplies
- Laptops/Tablets
- Cell Phones and/or mobile devices
- Housing/Rent
- Bikes and/or scooters
- Health service fees