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STUDENT EMERGENCY FUND

The Student Emergency Fund provides grants for SUNY University at Buffalo students to pay for urgent expenses
triggered by unforeseen events that threaten their ability to stay in college.

Below is information about how to apply for a grant and a link to the online application.
  Please note that not all students who apply will receive a grant and only completed applications will be considered.

  • Enrolled at University at Buffalo - SUNY pursuing bachelor’s degree
  • Are a U.S. citizen, permanent resident or have Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status
  • Full-time or half-time (currently taking at least half the number of credits to be full-time)
  • Minimum 2.0 GPA and otherwise in good standing with the college
  • homelessness or threat of eviction
  • medical or dental emergency
  • natural disaster
  • domestic violence
  • theft
  • loss of employment
Eligible Expense Examples:
  • rent
  • utilities
  • food
  • clothing
  • furniture
  • medical or dental expenses
  • child care
  • transportation
  • replacement of stolen item needed for school
NOT Eligible Expense Examples:
  • tuition
  • college fees
  • books
  • credit card debt
  • cable bills
  • legal representation
You can access the online application here. If you have questions or need assistance with completing the application, please go to Student Conduct and Advocacy, call 716-645-6154, or email ub-conduct@buffalo.edu. Should you experience technical difficulty with your application, contact Scholarship America directly at dreamkeepers@scholarshipamerica.org or 1-800-248-8080 x 490.
  • Situations and expenses listed are examples only; additional ones may qualify and those listed may not depending on the specific circumstances.
  • Maximum grant size is $2,000.
  • Must show evidence of expense (ex: bill); payment will be made to third party (ex: landlord).
  • Funds will be available within 72 hours (excluding weekends and holidays) of a complete application being received (including evidence of expense).
  • Each student is eligible for no more than one grant in an academic year.
  • Grants are only available during fall and spring semesters.
There are many resources on campus to support you, including: Additionally, off-campus Crisis Services is available 24/7.