Blair Family Foundation Veterans Emergency Fund
The Blair Family Foundation Veterans Emergency Fund was created in December 2012 with a gift from The Blair Family Foundation, at the direction of Mrs. Faye Blair-Berry. The fund assists men and women from all branches of the U.S. military, particularly those who have returned from active duty to resume or begin their studies at The ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ.
The Blair Family Foundation Veterans Emergency Fund will provide emergency funds for student-veterans dealing with all types of financial hardships while they wait for support from the Veterans Administration, federal or state government, or other aid to arrive. The emergency fund is a loan that must be repaid — but without interest, according to terms negotiated with the University’s Military Services Center (MSC). The fund serves as a safety net for student-veterans, providing emergency funding when unexpected events threaten to disrupt or prevent their education.
PROTOCOLS AND PROCESS FOR DISTRIBUTION OF THE FUND
Application and approval committee:
- Requests for emergency funds must be submitted online. They will be reviewed by a three-person Veterans Steering Committee that will report to The Blair Family Foundation to share information about the loans that have been granted.
Who qualifies as a student-veteran?
- Anyone who has veteran status who has not been dishonorably discharged
- Undergraduate or graduate status, in good academic standing
- Full-time or part-time status, in good academic standing
What constitutes an emergency?
- Unexpected events that threaten to disrupt or prevent the education of student-veterans; some examples include:
o Rent- or utility-related expenses that impact living conditions
o Car repairs (must show estimate from repair shop or appropriate
documentation)
o Short-term child care needs
Process:
- Electronic submission completed and submitted along with proper documentation
- Committee will review application and documentation within 24 to 48 hours
- Upon 2/3 approval, the Bursar’s Office will have the student sign a contract agreeing to repayment of the loan within 90 days. The funds then will be disbursed to the student.
Level of Assistance provided:
- Must have depleted other sources of emergency funding; $500 cap on funds per veteran; $750 possible at the discretion of the approval committee
- Subsequent loans/grants may be approved if the student-veteran has no outstanding emergency fund balances
Payback plan:
- Loans must be repaid in 90 days
Repository and monthly reports:
- Military Services Center will be the repository of all records
- The Manager of Enrollment Services will provide the co-chair, Military Veterans Steering Committee, with a monthly report of loans/scholarships granted and payback of existing loans
Electronic application accessible through the MSC and UA Adult Focus websites:
- Documentation must be provided when the application is presented for review and approval