COVID-19 Student Emergency Funding: Northern Kentucky University, Greater Cincinnati Region

We Are Here to Help

Welcome to the NKU Covid-19 Emergency Fund page. We understand that the COVID-19 pandemic has created a great deal of financial uncertainty in our community. To assist students in managing their financial challenges during this crisis, we have put several funding assistance opportunities in one place to make it easy for you to apply.

NKU CARES Emergency Funds will help students with financial need related to the disruptions caused by COVID-19, including costs for food, housing, course materials, technology, health care and child care. The NKU Student Emergency Fund, the Chase Student Emergency Fund and FUEL NKU are other options for aid. These are limited funds and will be distributed in a fair, equitable and efficient manner.

Please let us know if you have any questions. We are here to help!

Leah Stewart
AVP, Enrollment and Financial Assistance

NKU CARES Emergency Funds

These funds are for NKU students who were enrolled in the Spring 2020 semester as of March 15th. Students must be:

Degree-seeking
Enrolled half-time
Good academic standing
Face to face program (excludes on-line programs)

Apply Now

Other Available Resources

Student Emergency Fund

Currently enrolled Undergraduate or Graduate NKU student (excludes Chase Law)
Enrolled at least half-time
Good academic standing

Learn More

Fuel NKU

Food bags
Toiletries

Learn More

Chase Student Emergency Fund

Currently enrolled Chase Law student

Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions

NKU CARES Emergency Fund

Q. Who is eligible for the NKU CARES Emergency Fund?

NKU CARES Emergency Funds

These funds are for NKU students who were enrolled in the Spring 2020 semester as of March 15th. Students must be:

Degree-seeking
Enrolled half-time
Good academic standing
Face to face program (excludes on-line programs)

Apply Now

Q. How do I apply for the NKU CARES Emergency Fund?

Eligible students can simply complete the online form. Once submitted, you will be notified of your application status and award amount within 5 business days.

Q. What constitutes eligible expenses to qualify for NKU CARES Emergency Fund?

This could apply to a variety of financial costs directly tied to the effects of the unexpected financial burden due to the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This could include money spent for unanticipated travel, replacement of medications, emergency childcare due to extended school closures, additional technology requirements, etc.

Q. What kinds of expenses are allowable?

NKU CARES Emergency Funds provides monies to assist with covering expenses related to food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and/or child care.

Q. Do I have to repay the NKU CARES Emergency Fund?

Generally, financial aid grants are funds that you do not have to repay. The NKU CARES Emergency Funds are also designed to be a grant rather than a loan.

Q. I graduate this semester. Can I still receive assistance?

Yes, you are eligible to apply. However, it is recommended that you submit your application quickly as funding is limited.

Q. How will I receive the money?

For students who have signed up for direct deposit with Student Account Services, monies will be sent to the student’s financial institution via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). For students not enrolled in direct deposit, a paper check will be mailed to their home address.

Q. How much money is available for each applicant?

Fund amounts will be determined based availability of funds and the specific needs presented on the application. NKU cannot guarantee that all applicants will be selected for funding.

Q. If I am selected to receive an NKU CARES Emergency Funding, when will I receive the money?

We anticipate that NKU CARES Emergency Fund awards, once approved, will be available to students within 10 business days.

Q. What documentation is required to be submitted with the application?

At this time, applicants are not required to submit supporting documentation with the application.

Q. What if I owe a balance to NKU for tuition or other expenses?

If awarded, the full amount of the emergency fund will be disbursed directly to you. It will not, for example, be applied to an outstanding balance with the university.

Q. Will an emergency fund negatively affect my financial aid for this year or next year?

No. This fund will not impact your current or future financial aid awards.

Q. How can students obtain more information about the NKU CARES Emergency Fund?

Information is available from the Office of Student Financial Assistance at (859) 572-5143 or via email to ofa@nku.edu.

Q. What additional resources are available if I need access to food?

Fuel NKU can provide emergency food bags to NKU students. For more information, visit the Fuel NKU webpage.

Q. Do I need to report financial aid or grants on my federal tax return?

Each financial award you receive from the federal government and other sources will have separate and unique tax consequences for your federal tax return. Visit the IRS website for additional information and assistance.

Q. Will there be NKU CARES Emergency Funds for the 2020-21 academic year?

At this time, we have directed our focus to granting spring semester emergency aid, monitoring national/regional economic conditions, as well as the prospects for additional federal emergency funding for universities and students. Our primary goal is to assist students demonstrating an immediate need now due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We will update this FAQ webpage as decisions are made regarding the later use of aditional funds.

Student Emergency Fund

Q. What is the Student Emergency Fund?

Student Emergency Fund (SEF) In response to the rapidly-changing situation and to help our students in need during this unprecedented time, NKU has created the COVID-19 Student Emergency Fund, supported by the generosity of our donors. To qualify to receive money, a student must be enrolled at least ½ time during spring 2020 (undergraduate, graduate), in Good Academic Standing, and demonstrate a financial hardship related to the COVID-19 pandemic and the disruption of your education. To learn more about the students who have been awarded money from this fund, please visit https://supportnku.nku.edu/student-emergency-fund-stories.

Q. Are all students eligible for this emergency fund?

All undergraduate and graduate students (excluding Chase students) who were enrolled at least half-time for the Spring 2020 semester are eligible for this fund inlcluding online, international

Q. How much financial assistance may a student request from the Student Emergency Fund?

An applicant may request up to $400.00 for assistance.

Q. What types of expenses are covered?

The Student Emergency Fund will provide financial assistance for the following:

Providing food, toiletries, and funding necessary medications
Aiding in any educational-related expenses as NKU moves to online classes
Emergency medications and other costs related to emergency medical care
Assistance for students needing to travel home or to and from work
Unmet financial costs due to loss of employment
Travel costs related to a death or illness in the immediate family (parent, grandparent, sibling, spouse, or children)

Q. Who may a student’s contact with questions about the Student Emergency Fund or additional emergency resources?

Contact the Student Conduct, Rights & Advocacy office at 859-572-5147. If you need additional resources to help you navigate during these challenging times please visit https://inside.nku.edu/scra/communitycareteam.html.

Chase Student Emergency Fund

Q. What is the purpose of Chase College of Law’s Yzenbaard Student Emergency Fund?

To provide financial assistance for Chase College of Law students facing financial difficulties from the COVID-19 developments.

Q. Are all Chase students eligible to apply for financial assistance from the Yzenbaard Student Emergency Fund?

Yes, all Chase students are eligible to apply for assistance.

Q. How much financial assistance may a Chase student request from the Yzenbaard Student Emergency Fund?

An applicant may request up to $500. An applicant may submit one or more requests provided that the sum of all requests granted may not exceed $500.

Q. What information or documentation must be submitted with an application to the Yzenbaard Student Emergency Fund?

Applicants must: (1) state that they are facing financial difficulties from the COVID-19 developments because of lost employment, unexpected expenses, or other circumstances; (2) request an amount of financial assistance up to $500; and (3) describe their need for the amount of financial assistance being requested. No further documentation is required.

Q. Who may Chase students contact with questions about the Yzenbaard Student Emergency Fund or questions about the possibility of additional emergency financial assistance funds for Chase students?

Ashley Siemer, Chase Director of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management at graya4@nku.edu or 859.572.5841.