Stay Informed

HEERF FAQS

What is HEERF?

The Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds are part of each of the three COVID-19 bills passed by Congress and signed by the presidents through 2020 and 2021. These included the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act (2020), the 2021 Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (December 2020), and the American Rescue Plan (March 2021). The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund within the acts provided money to colleges and universities to disburse to students as emergency grants for expenses related to and income lost due to COVID-19.

When will funds be available to students?

MVNU submitted the application for the funding and was approved to begin disbursing funds in late April 2020. With each additional act passed, MVNU was granted additional funds to allocate through the original application.

MVNU has emergency grants available to aid students who are facing unexpected financial challenges related to the pandemic. Students may use the funds toward any component of the cost of attendance, or for emergency costs that arise as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic such as food, housing, tuition, health care (including mental health care), or child care, in addition to income from lost wages.

MVNU recognizes the broad impacts of COVID-19 and is making these funds available to undergraduate, graduate and professional students on all campuses.

Who is eligible for these funds?

Emergency grant aid will be awarded in accordance with federal, state, and institutional rules and regulations. Requirements for the American Rescue Plan funds differ from previous allotments. Students can apply for emergency grants through the Emergency Grant Application and address questions to stayinformed@mvnu.edu. Eligibility requirements differ by funding source, but the university will address applications from students who meet these criteria:

• Registered for classes at MVNU on or after March 13, 2020, the date of declaration of the national emergency considering the novel coronavirus disease; and
• Have or can demonstrate financial need or hardship caused by or because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Note: MVNU is required to prioritize students with exceptional need.

How can I apply for COVID-19 Emergency Funds?

Please fill out the COVID-19 Emergency Funds application located at this link. Applications will be reviewed by a committee the week of March 20, 2023; deadline for applications is March 19, 2023. Students will be notified of the committee’s decision via email.