• Student must be a currently enrolled undergraduate or graduate degree-seeking Ohio University student in the semester in which the funds are being requested with at least half-time to full-time credit hours (6-12 hours).
• Student must have a proven record of academic progress verified by earned credits, GPA and good academic standing.
• Student has a FASFA on file with Financial Aid or willing to complete one (if able).
• Student has exhausted all possible other financial resources, including student loans, Medicaid, personal financial accounts, etc. (unwillingness to take out student loans does not constitute a financial hardship).
• Student must be able to provide sufficient documentation of financial need (e.g. billing statements, receipts, repair estimates, etc.)

A student can be considered for an Emergency Microgrant by filling out an online application. Once you complete your application, a pre-assessment meeting with DOS Assistant Dean Kathy Fahl will be scheduled. The online application is confidential but does require disclosure for verification of information, including a personal interview. For questions about the process, email kathy@ohio.edu

Applications are reviewed weekly by a team of university professionals. The decision of the awarding of the grants will happen on a rolling basis. If students have a firm date for needed assistance, they should include that in the application. If the application is approved, the student will receive an email to their OHIO account.

Awarded students will have the money deposited in their bank account. If they do not have direct deposit, they should sign up at the time of application (instructions). If students do not have a bank account, talk with the DOS assistant dean to explore other options. The assistant dean of students will complete the Direct Student Payment Release form and return it to the Office of the Bursar. The Emergency Microgrant is considered a direct payment scholarship through the Bursar. Payments by direct deposit are processed the next business day. Checks are issued on Thursdays and will be mailed to the student’s local address. This scholarship will be reported on the IRS Form 1098-T and is considered a resource when determining overall eligibility for student financial aid.

International Students: 14% of the awarded amount may be deducted for income tax withholding. Assessment is based on the student’s residency status for tax purposes and provisions of any tax treaty between the U.S. and the student’s country of residence.

Most grants are $500, but sometimes can go as high as $1,000. The funds must be specific to the identified need. Grants can only be awarded once per academic year.

What Microgrants Cover

• Safety needs (changing of locks, temporary housing changes)
• Replacement of belongings, including text books, due to fire, theft or natural disaster
• Medical/Dental bills (cannot cover outstanding balances)
• Housing/Rent/Utilities
• Food/Groceries
• Personal Automobile/Travel
• Child care
• Other emergency or unforeseen circumstances

What Microgrants Do NOT Cover

• Tuition and Fees
• Legal Fines/Expenses
• Parking Tickets/Fines
• Health Insurance
• Study Abroad costs
• Anything that would show up on your university bill

To make a monetary donation to Emergency Microgrants, visit Ohio University’s giving page and click the “GIVE NOW” button. When asked what you would like to support, select "Student Affairs Support Fund” from the dropdown menu. Complete the rest of the form as usual. 

If you have questions about the Emergency Microgrant program or application process, contact the Office of the Dean of Students at deanofstudents@ohio.edu or 740.593.1800.