Emergency fund available to support students, employees impacted by COVID-19

University of Nebraska students, faculty and staff are reminded that an emergency fund established in 2019 at the University of Nebraska Foundation is currently available to provide support to members of the NU community who face sudden financial hardship related to COVID-19.

The University of Nebraska Emergency Assistance Fund was created to support students and employees across the four campuses facing hardship as a result of unexpected crises, such as last year’s flooding, other natural disasters, home displacement, food insecurity or other emergencies.

In recognition of the fact that 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 are invited to 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, Ph.D., UNO and UNMC Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D., UNK Chancellor Doug Kristensen, J.D., and NU Foundation President and CEO Brian Hastings wrote in a message to colleagues Monday.

“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 here.

Students, faculty and staff interesting in requesting aid from the University of Nebraska Emergency Assistance Fund may apply through April 30 here, or by contacting 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.