Emergency Microgrants

Emergency Microgrants

Emergency Microgrants are designed to help OHIO students by providing financial support when they need assistance with unexpected, unforeseen, and unavoidable emergency short-term expenses surrounding situations such as accidents, illness death of a family member, fire damage, or a need for temporary housing.  Currently enrolled students may apply for funds when they have exhausted all other resources (payment plans, additional student aid, assistance from family/friends, other personal resources).  This funding is not intended to reimburse for expenses that have already been paid, to replace or supplement existing financial aid, or to serve as a debt diversion program.

The funds are awarded to help alleviate short-term financial need and are managed by the Dean of Students Office in collaboration with Student Financial Aid and Scholarships.  This fund is sustained through generous gifts of donors, and grants awarded do not need to be repaid.

Review of emergency microgrants for fall 2022 semester will end on December 10th.  Consideration for emergency microgrants for the spring 2023 semester will begin on January 17th.

*ATTENTION GRADUATE STUDENTS:  The graduate student fund for Fall 2022 is depleted.  We are not able to award any additional microgrants to graduate students this semester.  If you need information on community resources you may be eligible for, email foodpantry@ohio.edu.

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Who is eligible for an Emergency Microgrant?
  • 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).
  • Applicants must have an immediate financial hardship resulting from an emergency, accident, or other unexpected critical incident.
  • The expense must be unexpected, unforeseen, and the urgent nature unavoidable.
  • All students including international, DACA, online, regional campus, etc. are eligible to apply.
  • 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 loans are considered as available funding.
  • Student must be able to provide sufficient documentation of financial need (e.g. billing statements, receipts, repair estimates, etc.)
How can I access Emergency Microgrants if I am eligible?

A student can be considered for an Emergency Microgrant by filling out an online application. The online application is confidential but does require disclosure for verification of information. For questions about the process, email meyerm2@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.

How can Emergency Microgrants be used? How much money is awarded?

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, you also must first apply for financial assistance through the hospital system)
  • Essential Utilities
  • Food/Groceries
  • Personal Automobile/Travel (when needed for classes and/or internship)requirements
  • 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
  • Sorority and fraternity dues
  • Credit card bills
  • Anything that would show up on your university bill
  • Non-essential utilities
  • Regularly anticipated fixed expenses (I.e. rent)
  • Costs for entertainment, recreation, non-emergency travel, or other non essential expenses
How can I donate to Emergency Microgrants?

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. 

Who can I contact for more information?

If you have questions about the Emergency Microgrant program or application process, contact the Office of the Dean of Students Basic Needs Coordinator, Merilee Meyer at meyerm2@ohio.edu or 740.593.1800.