Open to all students, Buffalo State University is proud to support our emergency program provided in honor of our previous joint effort between the Gerstner Family Foundation and the Heckscher Foundation for Children, to help students facing emergency situation in the short term and to help them graduate from college in the long term.
The grant (up to $2,000 maximum) cannot be used to cover costs of tuition, books or supplies required for attendance at Buffalo State, credit card debt, cable bills, legal representation. The emergency must be an unforeseen event and unexpected need for funds; cannot be a chronic problem or anticipated expense. Examples of emergencies (not exhaustive): homelessness or threat of eviction, medical emergency, natural disaster, domestic violence, theft, loss of employment. Examples of expenses (not exhaustive): overdue rent, utilities, clothing, furniture, medical expenses, back-up child care, back-up transportation, replacement of stolen items needed for school. Examples of expenses that are not eligible (not exhaustive): tuition, books, credit card debt, cable bills, legal representation.
The fund will be administered by the Dean of Students Office and the Emergency Relief Coordinator. Students can apply for one grant in a calendar year. Applications can only be made during the fall or spring semester. At least one in-person meeting with the student is required as part of the application process.
Once the application comes in, the Assistant Director goes into banner and verifies all of the information you have provided. From there applicants names are sent to Financial Aid to verify need ("unmet need" - meaning you've exhausted all funding opportunities provided to you in grants and loans or "no unmet need" meaning you have not taken loan offered to you/don't have financial need). If it is proven that you have unmet need, a TEAMS call will be scheduled with staff and we talk through your application. Then take the information to a committee who makes the final decision on funding. If approved, a check will be prepared in 3-5 business days. You would then complete a thank you form for the grantors and the check would be mailed to you.
If you have unmet need you will hear from the Dean of Students Office to schedule a meeting. Either way, you will receive an email from us about the status of your application.
If you believe you meet all the required criteria, AND you are able to provide the required documentation, please use the following link to apply: Bengal2Bengal Fund
