Student Emergency Grant

The Carroll and Milton Petrie Foundation and the SPS Foundation understand that life is full of unexpected events--some of which can create serious hardships for students and their families. The purpose of the Student Emergency Grant Fund at the CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) is to provide emergency financial assistance to eligible students who are experiencing hardship which could adversely affect their educational success. The main criteria for a grant is the demonstration of a genuine need and that the capacity for continued study may be in jeopardy due to financial hardship. Applicants must be able to provide documentation supporting the need.

Effective spring 2024, students are eligible for one emergency grant award up to $750.00 during their CUNY SPS college tenure. In other words, students previously awarded a grant are not eligible to apply at this time.

**Student emergency grant awards are limited and subject to fund availability. Applying for an emergency grant does not guarantee an award.

Please do not hesitate to contact us regarding eligibility or if you need additional assistance with the application. Please note that all request for information will remain confidential. Please allow 2 - 3 business days for a response to all Student Emergency Grant inquiries.

Eligibility requirements for an emergency grant:

  • Students must be registered at the CUNY School of Professional Studies for the current semester
  • Students must be matriculated (non-degree or certificate students are not eligible to apply)
  • Students must have a record of good conduct
  • Students must have a current emergency need
  • Students must demonstrate an ability and intention to complete their course of study
  • Students must be available for a virtual consultation and be willing to participate in post-award questionnaires and interviews
  • Only students residing in the United States are eligible to apply for the Student Emergency Grant

Examples of emergencies include, but are not limited to:

  • Homelessness due to loss of housing or threat of eviction
  • Domestic violence
  • Destruction of living quarters due to fire or natural disaster (primary residence)
  • Recent overdue bills (medical, rent, utility turn-off notice)
    • We may request an updated bill date if date on bill is not within two months of application submission
  • Temporary job loss
  • Unexpected expenses due to illness or death in the immediate family
  • Other (you will be asked to provide a detailed explanation of your emergency)

The Student Emergency Grants cannot be used for:

  • Tuition
  • Previous educational debts
  • Textbooks
  • Credit card debts, loan payments including mortgages, and car note payments
  • Legal representation or services
  • Technology devices such as laptops, cellphones and other electronics

Maximum Award: $750.00 subject to fund availability and supporting documentation. However, the final award amount will be based on need as described in the student’s application and as supported by the appropriate documentation.

Applicants will be contacted within 72 hours, 96 hours for applications submitted over the weekend.

Emergency funds will be paid directly to the vendor, if a grant is awarded. It is important that documentation includes the specific information needed to get the payment to the approved payee. For example, a request for emergency funds to pay for housing, invoices must include the name, mailing address, phone number, and account information of the landlord.

As the grant draws on a limited pool of funds, the school cannot always guarantee the availability of funds for assistance.

How to Apply for a Student Emergency Grant:

Please review and prepare the following before submitting your online application:

  • A statement explaining your emergency and how the current situation is affecting your studies.
  • A statement describing what the requested funds will be used for. You will be asked to itemize each cost and provide supporting documentation for each item.
  • Documentation to demonstrate you are experiencing a financial hardship. Do note the Office of Scholarships may request additional documentation once your application is submitted.

Below are some examples of Documentation:

  • Loss of income:
    • Termination letter
    • Unemployment benefits
    • Paystubs demonstrating reduction of hours
    • Federal/State assistance
    • Bank statements with full name listed
    • Proof that unexpected expense exceeds current household income
  • Invoices:
    • Past due rent invoice.
      • If you do not have a rent invoice we can accept a signed lease and notarized signed letter from your landlord with documentation certifying that rent is past due. Note that you may be asked to provide proof of prior payment.
    • Recent overdue bills (Utility turn-off notice)
      • If invoices are listed under someone’s name other than the student, proof of relationship will be required in order for the invoice to be considered for payment under the grant. Additionally, prior payment history will be requested.
      • For roommate living conditions, the cost of payment will be prorated in favor of the student.
  • Medical hardship:
    • Recent medical bill
    • Loss of health insurance

Upon review of the student’s eligibility, complete applications will be reviewed by committee and a determination will be made. Committee decisions are final. If approved, the grant will be disbursed to the approved payees within 10 -14 business days of the final award letter.

Apply for Grant

Use your CUNYfirst/Blackboard login credentials to access the application system.