CARES Act Grant Program
The Union Office of Financial Aid is pleased to announce that we are awarding small grants to eligible students under the Fall 2021 CARES Act grant program. We sincerely hope that these grants—though modest—will be helpful to you as you pursue your studies at Union during a time of societal crisis.
What is the CARES Act?
In 2020 and 2021, the Department of Education—through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Securities Act (CARES Act) and the American Rescue Plan (ARP)—provided financial support to higher education institutions and to students affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. One part of this federal program allocates money to Union Theological Seminary, and a portion of that allocation is to be awarded to students who are experiencing financial hardships due to the pandemic.
How do I apply? What is the deadline?
There is no application. Eligible students will automatically receive their award during the month of November.
How is eligibility determined?
For the Fall 2021 CARES Act Program, the Union Office of Financial Aid will be prioritizing grants to students based on their financial need, which will be determined by the percentage of your Estimated Cost of Attendance that has not been already met with scholarship. Students with 100% of their financial need met by institutional scholarships or grants are not eligible to receive an award.
Funds are available to all currently enrolled students regardless of degree program, citizenship or residency status. However, students who are already receiving scholarships that are equal to or greater than Union’s Total Cost of Attendance are not eligible to receive grants under this program since Union already has already met 100% of need for those students.
What kinds of expenses qualify?
You may use your emergency grants towards the following expenses:
- any component of your cost of attendance, including tuition, health insurance, fees and living expenses
- emergency costs that arise due to the pandemic, such as:
emergency travel
unexpected loss of income
need to quarantine
health care
child care
technology upgrades
Expenses not covered include, non-essential household items, credit card bills, car payments, parking tickets, entertainment, and non-essential travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a loan? Does the money need to be repaid?
No, this is a grant that does not need to be repaid.
Would this funding reduce my financial aid?
No, these funds will not reduce or replace financial aid.
I was awarded CARES Act funding. Will I have to report it on my 2021 taxes?
No. The IRS recently announced emergency financial aid grants under the CARES Act are not taxable and should not be included in gross income. Additionally, you cannot claim any deduction or credit for expenses paid with the grant. For more information, visit the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund and Emergency Financial Aid Grants under the CARES Act webpage.
What additional resources are available if I need access to food?
Union students are encouraged to visit the Columbia Food Pantry.
If you have questions or need more information, email [email protected].
CARES Act Emergency Funding Program 30-Day Report
Union Theological Seminary (Union) has received funding under the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students. Union is required to post a regular allocation summary and grant reports.
View the 30-day Report