Student Emergency Funds

• Eligible applicants must be enrolled at SUNY Brockport as a full-time, matriculated, undergraduate or graduate students in the semester the application is being submitted. Enrollment will be verified.
• Funding is limited to a one-time/semester grant not to exceed $1,000. Average grants range from $200-to-$500.
• Applications will be reviewed regularly with the intention to determine award decisions within five to seven business days of application submission. Additional documentation or follow up may be required before finalizing a decision.
• Only complete applications will be considered, which must include supporting documentation for emergencies involving a third-party provider (ie: housing, utilities, car repairs, medical, etc.) at a time of submission. Funding will be paid to the third-party provided when possible.
  • Support Documentation May Include:
  • Invoices or screenshots of currently dated bills and statements for upcoming or past due balances (not reimbursements).
  • Signed and dated leases with a current statement from landlord or property manager indicating upcoming payment owed or outstanding balance.
  • Estimates for medical or dental procedures (NY State of Health options are available for individuals who need insurance options).
  • Automotive repairs, maintenance, gas, insurance (ie: vehicles used only for commuting to work, school, childcare).
• Grants are made based on individual circumstances but generally a student must indicate financial need through the FASFA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form.
• Grants should not be used in place of financial aid. Grants are not considered a means to finance a student’s education, including required course materials, fees or tuition assessed by the University.
• No details are shared with a third-party provider unless there is a legitimate need as part of the funding decision. It may take two to three weeks from the time the application is submitted until approved grants are disbursed.
• The GEOF committee may advise students to seek other resources provided by the University, or in the local community, to cover needs.
• Exceptions to the guidelines are possible at the discretion of the GEOF committee. Academic, financial, and student conduct information may be used to determine eligibility.
• The GEOF committee comprises of representatives from the Office of Advancement, Academic Success Center, Division of Academic Affairs, Financial Aid Office, and the Division of Academic Affairs.

Emergencies are typically unexpected occurrences that may adversely impact a student’s ability to cover the cost of basic needs or essential living expenses. The following are examples of situations that may trigger financial distress:

• Housing insecurity (ie: threat of eviction, homlessness)
• Unexpected damaged or stolen property (ie: fire, flood, theft, break-in)
• Inability to access employment and, or loss of employment
• Unforeseen accident or medical/dental expenses
• Unsuspected travel expenses
• Unanticipated change in financial aid award causing financial hardship
• Domestic or relationship violence
• Basic needs insecurities (ie: clothing, menstrual supplies, groceries)

Examples of Eligible Expenses

• Child or family care
• Food
• Medical or dental expenses not covered by insurance
• Personal automobile expenses
• Rent or other housing
• Computer repair/replacement
• Transportation
• Utilities
• Replacement of stolen item(s) needed for education
• Emergency travel
• Hygiene supplies

Examples of InEligible Expenses

• Tuition
• University fees
• Credit card debt
• Cable bills
• Legal representation
• Required course materials
• Long term or ongoing expenses

This is not a complete list of eligible/ineligible expenses that will be considered. Please note that all requests may not be fulfilled.

Applications will be treated as private, but in some circumstances may be shared beyond the committee on an as-needed basis. Details will be shared with appropriate University offices to process funding requests, and to ensure the proper welfare of student applicants depending on the emergency.

Only apply for an emergency grant after other methods of funding have been exhausted. Request only the amount needed as funding is limited. Applications will be prioritized based on detailed review of need. Each request should clearly identify the amount and purpose of funds requested along with at least one other source contacted for help before requesting assistance. 

Applications will be accepted during the fall and spring semesters. Starting August 24, 2023, the application will be active for the Fall 2023 semester. The Golden Eagle Opportunity Fund is unavailable to students during the summer and winter sessions.

Additional information may be requested by email and, or phone number after your application is submitted.

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Contact Information

Foundation Scholarship Office
350 New Campus Drive
Brockport, NY 14420
(585) 395-5105
scholarships@brockport.edu