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Student Emergency Funds

Student Emergency Funds

The student emergency funds are intended to support CWU students facing financial burdens that are preventing them from achieving academic success.  

This emergency aid fund is intended to support currently enrolled CWU students by providing financial assistance in emergency situations.

How to Apply

Students must complete the Emergency Funds form linked below, which provides the Emergency Funds Committee with the necessary information to determine eligibility. 

Aid amounts are determined on a case-by-case basis, with priority given to students experiencing significant financial need as assessed by the Emergency Funds Committee. Students can only receive assistance once per academic year,  unless there are extenuating circumstances that are approved by the Emergency Funds Committee. Summer aid is subject to available funding and the Committee’s recommendation. 

What can funds cover?

The lists below provide examples of covered and uncovered expenses. These lists are not all inclusive, we encourage students to apply for consideration if their situation is not listed.  

Please note funding is not intended to reimburse expenses that have already been paid, to serve as a debt diversion program, or to replace/supplement existing financial aid. Emergency funding does not need to be repaid.  

Examples of Expenses Generally Covered 

Funding is intended to support students in urgent situations such as:  

  • Housing Insecurity: Assistance with rent, utilities, emergency housing (short- or long-term), or securing a rental property. 
  • Homelessness: Support for students experiencing homelessness. 
  • Food Insecurity: Consider applying for the Emergency Meal Fund for additional support. 
  • Emergency Medical Treatment/Medication: Support for unforeseen medical needs. 
  • Travel Expenses: Related to the loss of a relative. 
  • Family Emergencies: Financial assistance for critical family-related situations. 
  • Technology Rentals: Temporary equipment needs  

Examples of Expenses Generally Not Covered 

Emergency funds typically do not cover: 

  • Expenses resulting from a lack of financial planning 
  • Outstanding debt including unpaid university fees 
  • Credit card debt or loan payments 
  • Study-abroad programs, and fees 
  • Legal fees and court costs 
  • Parking tickets 
  • Non-emergency travel

Apply for Funding

Use the link below to submit your application for emergency funding. Please be sure to read over Acknowledgement and Agreement section.

Emergency Funds Application

Commonly Asked Questions

  • What is supporting documentation?

    Supporting documentation can range depending on a student's situation. We use supporting documentation to approve funding in certain emergency situations.  

    Documentation is required for the following expenses: 

    • Travel: Includes items such as plane tickets, U-Haul rentals, or train tickets. 
    • Medical Expenses: Includes documentation for procedures or medications. 
    • Housing: Includes a copy of the lease agreement. 
    • Car Repairs: Includes repair estimates or invoices. 

    If you are unsure about what documentation to submit, please contact basicneeds@cwu.edu to discuss the recommended documentation for your situation. 

  • Who approves funding?

    The Emergency Funds Committee is responsible for determining funding approval and award amount.  

  • I have not completed my FASFA, can I still apply?

    Yes! Please either call (509) 963-1857  or mention on your application any relevant information as to why a FAFSA application has not been completed. This information will only be used to determine emergency funding.  

  • Can I apply again?

    No as funds are limited. Students should only apply for emergency funding once per academic year. If you have extenuating circumstances that may warrant a second request, please contact basicneeds@cwu.edu. 

  • When will I hear back if I was approved?

    Students will receive an update from the Emergency Funds Committee within 7 business days. Response times will be delayed during academic breaks, summer, and national holidays. 

    If additional information is needed to process your application, you will be contacted to provide the necessary details. Failure to provide requested information may result in a denied application.  

  • Why was my request denied?

    Funding is dependent on a student's situation, the information provided by the student, and available funding. Funds can be denied due to a lack of substantive information, lack of available funding, or if the request does not meet the criteria as defined by the Emergency Funds Committee.

  • Can I appeal a denial? 

    Yes. Students may submit one appeal only. Please reach out to the basicneeds@cwu.edu to schedule a meeting to appeal your application.

  • How do I complete a W-9?

    Students are asked to fill out a W-9 when applying for emergency funding. We recommend students review this example to know which sections to fill out. Students are typically not required to fill out more than the highlighted sections of this document. 

    W-9 Example

     

    If you have additional questions on how to fill out this form, please feel free to connect with 509-963-1857. 

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