Student Emergency Fund
The Fashion Institute of Technology’s Student Emergency Fund (SEF) provides up to $500 to assist currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate degree-seeking
students facing short-term, unexpected financial hardships.
The grant aims to support students in good academic standing by helping them stay
enrolled and focused on their education during times of temporary financial difficulty.
Students who demonstrate need and are experiencing unforeseen, unavoidable emergency
expenses are eligible to apply. Applicants must provide documentation of a qualifying
financial emergency that occurred within the past three months.
Please note: the grant cannot be used for academic-related or anticipated expenses including,
but not limited to, tuition, fees, on-campus housing, health insurance, books, supplies,
or transportation.
To assist as many students as possible, recipients may receive only one grant per academic year. Applicants must provide documentation to verify their financial need. Students may complete and submit an application via their FIT email account.
Eligibility requirements for the Student Emergency Fund (SEF):
- Students must be registered at the Fashion Institute of Technology for the current semester
- Students must be enrolled in a degree-seeking program
- Students must have a record of good conduct
- Students must have a current financial emergency need
- Only students attending classes in-person on campus are eligible to apply for the Student Emergency Fund
Possible emergencies covered by the SEF may include but are not limited to:
- Emergency medical care, medications, and other costs related to not otherwise covered by insurance
- Homelessness due to loss of housing or threat of eviction
- Replacement of essential personal items needed due to unforeseen circumstances that impact the student’s well-being and/or safety
- Travel costs related to death or illness in the immediate family
- Recent job or income loss
Examples of Loss of Income documentation:
- Termination letter
- Unemployment benefits with claim history
- Authorization of medical leave of absence
- Paystubs demonstrating reduction of hours
- Federal/State assistance
- Bank statements with full name listed
Limitations — Expenses not funded by the SEF include but are not limited to:
- Anticipated academic expenses (tuition, fees, books/supplies, on-campus housing, health insurance)
- Educational loans or debt
- Credit card debts, loan payments including mortgages and car note payments
- Miscellaneous penalties (internal or external), e.g., laboratory breakage fees, library fines, parking tickets, legal representation, or jail bond
The SEF committee will review applications on a first come, first served basis and will contact the applicant as soon as possible if eligible for funding. Fund approval will be based on need as described in the student’s application and supported by the appropriate documentation as well as fund availability. Submission of an application does not guarantee funds will be awarded. Rewarded funds might be regarded as taxable income. Please contact SEF@fitnyc.edu with any questions.