UMassGives 2023

The Student Care and Emergency Response Fund (SCERF) provides microgrants of up to $500 for undergraduate and graduate students experiencing financial hardship. These grants are often a critical source of support for students juggling multiple competing financial priorities. Even when financial aid covers tuition expenses, students are often left to cover the cost of other necessities. Many students work to cover living expenses, but living on a tight budget or encountering unforeseen expenses can threaten their ability to remain in school and graduate. These challenges may push students into economically precarious circumstances, and many will be forced to make difficult choices that could derail their goal of earning a university degree.

“I am a final semester student and the DOSO microgrant supported me in a moment where, as someone living paycheck to paycheck, I wasn’t sure how I could get out of the crisis situation I was in without going much deeper into debt. My car was totaled in the midst of a family emergency out of state and the financial strain was pushing me over my limit and impacting my school and work life. I am so grateful to DOSO for their support, which helped me pay for the rental car I needed to get home to western mass from PA.”

-Anonymous

SCERF funds will help students cover expenses associated with:

•    Food and housing

•    Medical and basic health needs

•    Childcare

•    Unexpected travel or transportation needs

•    Navigating family concern

•    Technology needs for academic success

Please consider helping UMass students today.

“I am a current senior at UMass in the BDIC program. The Microgrant was a breath of fresh air for me. It allowed my financial burden to be eased so I could focus on enjoying my college experience. I am so grateful for this grant. It really changed the course of my year for the better and felt like a Christmas miracle.”

-Anonymous