Student Crisis Fund

The Student Crisis Fund was created to assist students whose circumstances prevent them from continuing their education at Carl Sandburg College. Sandburg's Foundation is potentially able to help with one-time, non-recurring expenses that are an emergency situation.

Students should review all eligibility requirements before applying. A committee will review the applications and determine approval based on full completion of the application, attached documentation (e.g., unpaid bill), meeting the Student Crisis Fund eligibility requirements, and the availability of funds. 

Donate to the Student Crisis Fund.

 

Eligibility requirements

  • Applicant must be a part- or full-time student enrolled in credit classes (minimum of 6 hours) at Carl Sandburg College. Dual-credit students are exempt from qualifying for Crisis Funding. 

  • These funds are non-academic, non-recurring, one-time expenses for students, where payment is important to the student's continued enrollment at Sandburg. Crisis funds do not cover monthly, recurring bills. 

  • Student Crisis Funds may not be used for tuition, fees or books, equipment expenses required for academic programs, childcare, fuel costs, or fuel reimbursement. 

  • Applicants must have successfully completed at least one semester of work at Sandburg and have a GPA of 2.0 or higher

  • If a student is enrolled full-time at another institution, yet taking classes part-time at Sandburg or during a term, they are exempt from qualifying for crisis funding.
     
  • Students may not receive more than one Crisis Fund in any academic year or within 90 days of receiving prior crisis funding. One academic year includes the summer, fall, and spring semesters.

  • The maximum amount funded per academic year (fall, spring, summer) is $500.

  • All fields must be completed on the Student Crisis Fund Application Form with attached documentation, or the committee will decline to review the form. (Note: If you have applied for financial aid, please attach a copy of your award notification). 
    • Please include any supporting documentation in the attachments section of the application (e.g., pay stubs, financial aid statements, emergency bills, etc.).

Possible needs for consideration include but are not limited to

  • Housing insecurity or unexpected changes in housing arrangements
  • Loss of income or unemployment
  • Unexpected medical bills
  • Technology access (WiFi)
  • Emergency vehicle repairs (If your request is vehicle related, you will be asked to supply the make, model and year of your vehicle on the Student Crisis Form Application, as well as including a copy of your vehicle registration). 

Apply for the Student Crisis Fund today.

For an extensive list of community organizations, please refer to the Helping Hand Booklet for free resources and services in Knox County and surrounding areas. 

Please contact the Sandburg Foundation for questions about Student Crisis Funds at foundation@sandburg.edu or 309.341.5349.