The Maria Cares Student Emergency Fund was established to assist Maria College students who encounter an unforeseen financial emergency which would prevent them from continuing their education at Maria College. These funds are not intended to be used for routine expenses or as a supplement to educational funding sources. Requests must be urgent in nature. Students may apply for funds when they have exhausted all other resources. Funds do not need to be repaid.
The number of students who can be served by the Maria Cares Student Emergency Fund is subject to the availability of funds. A maximum of two (2) awards will be made to any one student during all combined enrollments at Maria College. The fund must be sustained by continual contributions from alumni, parents, faculty, students, staff, and friends of Maria College.
Eligibility for the Maria College Student Emergency Fund:
- Be a student enrolled at Maria College (at least part-time)
- Demonstrate academic diligence
- Have financial hardship resulting from an emergency, accident, or other unplanned event
- Be able to demonstrate current financial need with supporting documentation
- Have exhausted all resources (including Student Financial Aid)
An emergency would include an event or unforeseeable circumstance that would result in your inability to remain enrolled at Maria College. These funds are not meant to supplement any financial aid or scholarships received based on financial need.
Examples of expenses that would be covered (including, but not limited to):
- Medications and other medical care expenses
- Safety needs (i.e., changing a lock)
- Replacement of essential personal belongings due to unforeseen emergency
- Travel costs related to a death or illness of an immediate family member
Funds outside the criteria already discussed, such as educational purposes, etc. will be considered on a case-by-case individual basis. The Maria Cares review team will consider looking at the need, student, and dollar amount requested. If the review team agrees the need is sufficient the request with back-up documentation and narrative will be sent to the Vice President of Institutional Advancement for review and approval.
Examples of expenses that would NOT be covered (including, but not limited to):
- College tuition and fees
- Parking tickets or other fines
- Entertainment, recreation, and non-emergency travel
- Cost of living expenses (i.e., auto loans, insurance, cell phone bills, rent, utilities, food, and other essential household expenses etc.)
Award Procedures:
- Students in need of emergency financial assistance should complete the online application form located here: https://forms.office.com/r/ViZLTsYhPX
- Staff will review the request within 2-3 business days and if approved, funds will be distributed within one week of submission.
- The average range of a Maria Cares Student Emergency Fund award is $100 to $500 per request.
If you have any questions about the Maria Cares Student Emergency Fund, feel free to send us an email at: mariacares@mariacollege.edu.