Financial Support Resources

Student Assistance Fund

The Student Assistance Fund (SAF) provides financial assistance to students experiencing unforeseen emergency situations, unrelated to the normal cost of attendance, that interfere with their ability to access their education. The fund is designed to offset a short-term financial emergency and is not intended to replace or supplement financial aid or other sources of income. Consideration for SAF funding should take place after all other applicable financial aid and community resources are exhausted.

Students can explore how to address long-term needs by meeting with a Student Outreach & Support (SOS) Student Support Advisor to determine available options. DU awards Student Assistance Funds as a grant to a student’s Financial Aid package that students do not need to repay. Awards may impact other aid, may count as income, and may be subject to federal and/or state taxes.

Things to Consider Before You Apply

You may not receive the full amount of funding you requested. If the fund can't meet your emergency need, SOS can provide other resource information. Our office may also direct you to Financial Aid for long-term funding options. 

Receiving this grant could affect your existing financial aid package. Contact Financial Aid if you have questions about your financial aid package. You can reach Financial Aid at 303-871-4020 or at finaid@du.edu.

 

• Eligibility Requirements
  • Applicants must be enrolled in classes or otherwise engaged academically at DU for the term in which they are requesting SAF support. 
  • Students are limited to one award per academic year; however, SOS may consider multiple requests in a single year on a case-by-case basis.
  • Applicants cannot be full-time benefitted employees at DU.
  • Applicants must demonstrate financial need for emergency support. 
• What You CAN Use Funds For

  Applicant must show financial need for immediate and emergency support. 

  Expenses covered include, but are not limited to:

  • Replacement of essential personal belongings due to fire, flood, theft, or natural disaster, 
  • Temporary or emergency housing assistance due to: 
    • Documented impending or ongoing eviction 
    • Physical safety concerns,
  • Emergency transportation costs related to a family death or life-threatening illness, 
  • Costs related to emergency medical care that are not covered by insurance and/or not able to be covered by a payment plan, 
  • Safety-related needs (i.e. changing a lock, repairing a door or window), 
  • Food and household essentials that cannot be addressed through other DU programs such as Swipe Out Hunger or the on-campus food pantry, 
  • Necessary testing for documentation to support requests for academic accommodations.

   

  SOS has the discretion to approve requests for situations not set forth above. The issue must present a clear barrier to the student's ability to access their education.

• What you CANNOT Use Funds For

  Students cannot request Student Assistance Funding for the following purposes. This list is not exhaustive. You should connect with an SOS staff member to discuss your specific circumstances. 

  • Normal and anticipated academic expenses (tuition, fees, health insurance, books, rent, etc.) 
  • Medical bills for ongoing or non-emergency reasons and health insurance. This includes, but is not limited to routine lab work, primary care visits, therapy, non-emergency dental care 
  • Laptop replacement 
  • Replacement of non-essential personal belongings due to fire, flood, theft or natural disaster 
  • Routine car maintenance 
  • Penalties, fines, tickets, legal fees or jail bonds 
  • Costs for entertainment, recreation, or non-emergency travel 
• Application Process

  Students must submit their application and documentation via the Student Assistance Fund Form. A SOS staff member will review the application and contact the student to discuss it if needed. Once there is a decision reached, the staff member will inform the student of the outcome. If approved, SOS will inform the student of the amount awarded. Usually, award amounts range from $50-$500 per student depending on the circumstances. Students must submit receipts to SOS and may work with SOS to coordinate further support.

  Apply

• Documentation Requirements
  • Documentation should include your name, the date, and the cost of the items or services. It should also include the organization or individual that will receive payment. This can include a landlord, leasing office, a healthcare provider, or others. Examples of documentation can include bills, police reports, or receipts for covered expenses. 5GB maximum total size.
  • The staff member collects documentation before approval of the application and fund disbursement. There can be exceptions for special circumstances if there is no exact cost of the item(s) or service(s). Examples can include things such as groceries or household necessities.
  • If approved, applicants must provide detailed receipts to SOS to show how funds were used. The student must submit this documentation before the end of the quarter or within 60 days. Failure to submit receipt(s) may prevent the student from receiving funds in the future. Students may also have a hold placed on their account.
    • SOS understands that circumstances may impact a student's ability to gather necessary documentation. If so, the student must tell SOS. A staff member can work with the student to resolve that concern.
  • Students who submit falsified documentation will be referred to Student Rights and Responsibilities.

Additional Financial Assistance

There are resources available for students experiencing a financial emergency.

Please note these resources cannot replace financial aid, scholarships, or other funding opportunities.

 

Emergency Loans

If you're experiencing a temporary financial hardship, the Bursar's Office may help. Short-term emergency loans are available to students who are experiencing temporary financial distress. Find out more about the short-term emergency loans process and eligibility.

Bursar Emergency Loans

Engagement Enrichment Fund

The Office of Student Engagement offers small grants to qualified undergraduate students. This is thanks to donations from families, alumni, and other friends of DU. Students can request grants for academic, co-curricular, or pre-professional experiences.

Apply Now

Temporary Financial Assistance for the LGBTQ+ Community

There are several non-DU-related funds for members of the LGBTQ+ community in Colorado. Explore the Community Assistance Grant, The Rocky Mountaineers Motorcycle Club Catastrophic Assistance Fund, and the Holiday Letter Assistance program.

Community Funding Options

 

Steps to Financial Wellness

Many students do not have the opportunity to learn financial skills in school or at home. DU is committed to providing resources for our students on how to manage money and create financial freedom, which is why we've partnered with the National Endowment for Financial Education to bring DU students a FREE online financial literacy resource called CashCourse.

Financial Wellness Resources