Students, faculty and staff facing sudden financial hardship related to COVID-19 can seek relief through a University of Nebraska system emergency fund.
Established in 2019 at the University of Nebraska Foundation, the University of Nebraska Emergency Assistance Fund was created to help members of the NU community facing financial distress due to unexpected crises — including last year’s flooding, other natural disasters, home displacement, food insecurity or other emergencies.
As the current pandemic may cause economic uncertainty for families and individuals, the university’s senior leadership is encouraging those in need to apply for support from the emergency fund. Those who are able to give can make a contribution.
“In times like this, we must do all that we can to maintain the prioritization of education for our students,” President Ted Carter, UNL Chancellor Ronnie Green, UNO and UNMC Chancellor Jeffrey Gold, UNK Chancellor Doug Kristensen and NU Foundation President and CEO Brian Hastings wrote in a message to colleagues on March 23.
“We do not want their studies to be compromised by food insecurity, loss of income, changes in housing arrangements or other uncertainties or unforeseen expenses. The Emergency Assistance Fund helps us help our students through these transitions and period of need.”
Gifts may be made on the NU Foundation’s website.
Students, faculty and staff can apply for the NU Emergency Assistance Fund through April 30 online or by sending email to nuemergencyfund@nebraska.edu. Aid from the fund will be awarded by the NU president on the basis of need.
Information on other opportunities to support the university during the COVID-19 crisis is available here.