Emergency Student Support

The COVID-19 situation brought about sudden changes to our entire UMass Dartmouth community. The traditional academic semester was brought to an abrupt end as students returned home to learn through online modalities.

For some students, this transition came with unexpected financial hardships. Unplanned travel expenses. Storing or shipping their belongings. Purchasing laptops and internet access. Some even face food and housing needs. 

Thank you: $35,514 raised in 60 days

The crowdfunding campaign for student emergency needs brought about by COVID-19 has now closed. We are thrilled to report that our community of supporters raised more than $10,000 above our $25,000 goal. A total of $35,514 was raised for students by 204 donors to the fund.

Donations came from across the state and around the country, ranging in size from $10 to the $10,000 from the Alumni Association. We count alumni, students, faculty, staff, parents, friends and even a high school student in this caring, supportive community of donors.

Students received direct support for basic needs including food and housing. Others paid electric and internet bills to be able to finish their semester remotely. All, without exception, were overwhelmed by your generosity. Their gratitude is perhaps best expressed by a student whose family was hit hard by Covid-19, who said “Thank you. This allows me to put my financial worries aside and focus on my sick mom.” The University has provided direct financial support to hundreds of students by using philanthropic funds in combination with CARES Act aid.

The pandemic has been a challenging time for us all. Your compassion for student suffering during this time makes you extraordinary.

Thank you for your caring support of UMassD students.

Still want to help?

You can still make a gift online to directly help students with unanticipated financial needs or ensure their return to UMassD this fall with a donation to unrestricted financial aid. The current situation brings a time of uncertainty to a majority of students who rely on workstudy jobs or off-campus employment to pay for tuition. Your donations to this fund will relieve some of the financial hardships they may face as they complete this semester and prepare to return in the fall.

Applying for emergency funds

At this time, we have exhausted the resources so generously made available for the year from the Student Emergency Fund so we are unable to accept additional requests for financial support through this form. For information about how students can apply for federally granted CARES Act funds for emergency costs associated with COVID-19, please visit the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF).

For questions, please contact Lena Reddick at 508.910.6891 or lreddick@umassd.edu.