financial assistance to support or give access to a student’s basic needs
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 student emergency fund is very limited and based on an 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. Applications to the Basic Needs Emergency Fund are typically reviewed and processed within 7–10 business days. In addition to the student emergency fund, the Center for 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.
Eligibility
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.
- Have not exceeded your financial aid budget with 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
Examples of Qualified Expenses
- 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).
Expenses not Covered
- Tuition or university fees (e.g., SPSF, departmental fees, meal plans, housing)
- Rent
- Vehicle payments, car insurance, or routine car maintenance (e.e., gas, oil changes, tires)
- Medical insurance or routine medical expenses (e.g., prescriptions)
- 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
- Costs associated with studying abroad
- Legal fees
- Passports or immigration fees
- Other non-essential expenses
Examples of Supporting Documentation
- Quotes
- Estimates
- Incident reports
- News articles
- Receipts
Would you like to support the Basic Needs Emergency Fund?
This fund is created with private donations from 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!
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
[email protected]