Rend Lake College News

Student Emergency Fund

Written by Emma Thompson | Jul 22, 2024 3:13:43 PM

About The Emergency Fund:

The Rend Lake College Emergency Fund was created to assist RLC students who encounter an unforeseen financial emergency or catastrophic event which would otherwise prevent them from continuing their education at RLC.  All funds are provided through various fund-raising activities and donations.  While funds provided through this fund are not a loan, students receiving funds are encouraged to donate to the fund at a later date if possible so that other students may also benefit. 

These funds are not intended to be used for routine expenses, such as books or supplies, or as a supplement to a student’s educational funding sources.  Requests must be urgent in nature, as a result of an unforeseen circumstance.

Qualifying Examples of urgent financial needs:

  • Experienced significant medical expenses related to self, spouse, or child, or immediate family member.
  • Loss of housing due to natural disaster, fire, etc.
  • Expenses related to the death of an immediate family member.
  • Replacement of books or personal belongings due to fire or natural disaster.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must be currently enrolled at RLC and have a temporary financial hardship resulting from an emergency situation.
  • Have completed at least 12 credit hours at RLC.
  • Have a minimum of 2.0 GPA and 50% credit completion rate and be in good standing.
  • Applicant must be able to provide sufficient documentation of financial hardship.
  • Applicant has considered all other possible resources and are either unavailable or insufficient.

Award

  • Award amounts will vary and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
  • The Student Emergency fund will award a maximum of one award per student. 

Procedures

  • Student completes the Request for Student Emergency Fund application, and submits the form, with all supporting documentation electronically.
  • Request will be distributed and reviewed by the committee who will decide.
  • RL-Cares member will notify student of the decision.
    • Request will be reviewed and responded to within 5 business days from the date the application is received.