Graduate Student Emergency Fund

The Graduate Student Emergency Fund is available to our graduate students based on generous giving to support students through financially challenging circumstances. Funding is limited and priority consideration is given to students who have taken full advantage of other aid options available. This fund is considered one-time emergency assistance.

Award amounts will be determined based on the amount in the fund. In past years, awards of $75-$100 have been made. Applications will be reviewed quarterly. Please note, we are not offering funding at this time to assist in costs for tuition and fees The Stay Black and Gold Fund can support tuition and fees (https://studentaffairs.umbc.edu/stay-black-gold-emergency-fund/).

PLEASE NOTE: Award amounts will determined based on the amount available in the fund each semesters. You can only receive awards from the Graduate Student Emergency Fund once. It is important that we understand the immediacy of this need and the full picture of your current hardship. Please be as detailed as you are comfortable with to allow us to accurately provide support at this time when reviewing applications.

RESOURCES AROUND CAMPUS:
Retriever Essentials is still operating and distributing groceries. Please visit retrieveressentials.umbc.edu for more information and distributing groceries. Please visit retrieveressentials.umbc.edu for more information.

Please visit this FAQ for additional information on Rent and Utilities in Maryland – http://www.opc.maryland.gov/

Award
Varies (Prior awardees have received $75-$100)
Deadline
05/21/2026
Supplemental Questions
  1. Award amounts will be determined based on the amount available in the fund each semester. Applications are reviewed by a committee quarterly. Please note: awards disbursed have been in the range of $75-$100 in past years. We cannot support tuition or fee costs at this time.
  2. Please describe your current situation and why you need this award. * Please limit your response to 200 words.
  3. What exactly will the funds be used for? Please include as much detail as you can. Helpful information includes the timeline for expenses, resources you have already looked into or secured, and a breakdown of the specific costs related to your request. Please note: We cannot support tuition or fees costs at this time.
  4. Please add the amount you are requesting. Put $0.00 if no funding is needed.
  5. RENT: Please add the amount you are requesting and the date your bill is due. Put N/A if no funding is needed.
  6. UTILITIES: Please add the amount you are requesting and the date your bill is due. Put N/A if no funding is needed.
  7. MEDICAL: Please add the amount you are requesting and the date your bill is due. Put N/A if no funding is needed.
  8. TRANSPORTATION: Please add the amount you are requesting and the date you need the money by. Put N/A if no funding is needed.
  9. OTHER EXPENSES: Please add the reasoning, the amount you are requesting, and the date you need the money by. Put N/A if no additional funding is needed.
  10. Is there any additional information that you wish to share?
  11. Show 5 more