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An image of the Pedestrian Bridge that connects The Hill to the Student Union. Many students are walking across the bridge with their backpacks on. Orange leaves are pictured in the top left corner, but they are out of focus.

Basic Needs Emergency Fund

The Basic Needs Emergency Fund provides financial assistance to support or give access to a student’s basic needs (physiological or safety/security). This fund is very limited and based on EMERGENCY need listed in the guidelines; not every application will be approved.

This fund is intended for emergencies that can be addressed or resolved with one-time financial support, capped at $500.00. Applications to the Basic Needs Emergency Fund are typically reviewed and processed within 7–10 business days. In addition to the emergency fund, the Dean of Students Basic Needs Team offers comprehensive basic needs support. You can meet with a member of our staff to get connected to resources on campus and in the community.

Click here to apply 

You can apply for help from the Basic Needs Emergency Fund if you are…

  • Currently enrolled, full-time, degree-seeking student.
  • Have an immediate, basic needs hardship resulting from unanticipated circumstances or life events.
  • Financial aid budget has not been exceeded by institutional aid (loans, scholarships, etc.)
  • Have exhausted other resources, such as:
    • Additional financial aid packages (unaccepted student loans)
    • Payment plans for bills
    • Assistance from family, friends, or community resources
    • Credit cards

  • Essential items that have been destroyed due to an unexpected circumstance (e.g., fire, flood, natural disaster)
  • Non-fixed utilities that are in danger of being disconnected (e.g., electricity)
  • Emergency, short-term housing related to student’s physical security (e.g. relocation for apartment flood).

  • Tuition or university fees (e.g., SPSF, departmental fees, meal plans, housing)
  • RENT – We are not able to support monthly rent.
  • Vehicle repairs or payments
  • Medical or vehicle insurance
  • Electronics, computers, technology
  • Non-essential or regularly anticipated utilities (e.g., cell phone, cable, internet)
  • Application or testing fees for academics (e.g., LSAT, GRE)
  • Household furniture costs not associated with an unexpected emergency (e.g., fire, flood)
  • Parking tickets or fines
  • Credit card payments, personal loans, or other personal debts
  • Study abroad costs
  • Routine car maintenance (e.g., gas, oil changes, tires)
  • Legal fees
  • Passports or immigration fees
  • Routine medical expenses (e.g., hospital bills)
  • Other non-essential expenses

  • Quotes
  • Estimates
  • Incident reports
  • News articles
  • Receipts

Would you like to support the Basic Needs Emergency Fund?

This fund is created with private donations through alumni, community, faculty, staff, and other outside support. If you would like to donate to the Basic Needs Emergency Fund, please click the link below. This critical fund is only available because of donors like you!

Donate Now

Select Area of Support: Basic Needs Emergency Fund

Questions?

Any questions regarding the Basic Needs Emergency Fund can be directed to:
Center for Basic Needs
865-974-3179
basicneeds@utk.edu