Skip to main content Skip to main navigation Skip to footer content

CARES Act Grant Updates

CARES Act Update

January 5, 2023

From: Jake Emery, Controller

Scott Seibring, Director of Financial Aid

The federal government passed the American Rescue Plan Act (ARP) on March 11, 2021, which is a federal stimulus package meant to ease economic burdens related to the COVID-19 pandemic. This federal legislation included funding for higher education and students who have been directly impacted by the pandemic. Section 2003 (a)(4) of the ARP requires Illinois Wesleyan University to provide 50% of the amount received for funding in financial aid grants to students as was required to be provided under sections 18004(a)(1) and (c) of the CARES Act.

The University will receive federal aid in the amount of $3,507,292, of which $1,753,646 will be distributed directly to our students. The remainder of the ARP act funding will go to offset the University’s loss of revenue and increased expenses as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.  

The ARP Act instructs all universities to prioritize eligible students with exceptional need, such as students who receive Pell grants or with extraordinary financial circumstances. Eligible students are defined as students who were or are enrolled in an institution of higher education on or after the date of declaration of the national emergency due to the coronavirus (March 13,2020). The federal act encourages us to give special attention to students with need, and those who are Title IV eligible (eligible to file the FAFSA and be considered for federal aid).

Extraordinary financial circumstances could include students who are eligible for other federal or state based aid or have faced significant unexpected expenses either for themselves or that would affect their financial circumstances, such as loss of employment, reduced income, or food or housing insecurity.

These $500-$3,000 individual grants were automatically distributed based on the following factors, expected family contribution (EFC) from the 2021-22 FAFSA, off campus housing and other aid related factors.

Grants of $1,145,000 were distributed to 845 students returning for the Fall 2021 semester on July 27, 2021, grants of  $1,797 were distributed to 6 students on October 27, 2021, grants of $600 were distributed to 2 students on November 17, 2021 and grants of $10,805 were distributed to 15 students on March 29, 2022.  The remainder of $585,444 was distributed to students in April 2022.

This notification summarizes grants previously distributed. NO ACTION is required.

Quarterly Reporting (Q4-2022) - Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF)

 



Report of American Rescue Plan Act Funding and Awards Granted

October 11, 2022

From: Jake Emery, Controller

Scott Seibring, Director of Financial Aid

The federal government passed the American Rescue Plan Act (ARP) on March 11, 2021, which is a federal stimulus package meant to ease economic burdens related to the COVID-19 pandemic. This federal legislation included funding for higher education and students who have been directly impacted by the pandemic. Section 2003 (a)(4) of the ARP requires Illinois Wesleyan University to provide 50% of the amount received for funding in financial aid grants to students as was required to be provided under sections 18004(a)(1) and (c) of the CARES Act.

The University will receive federal aid in the amount of $3,507,292, of which $1,753,646 will be distributed directly to our students. The remainder of the ARP act funding will go to offset the University’s loss of revenue and increased expenses as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.  

The ARP Act instructs all universities to prioritize eligible students with exceptional need, such as students who receive Pell grants or with extraordinary financial circumstances. Eligible students are defined as students who were or are enrolled in an institution of higher education on or after the date of declaration of the national emergency due to the coronavirus (March 13,2020). The federal act encourages us to give special attention to students with need, and those who are Title IV eligible (eligible to file the FAFSA and be considered for federal aid).

Extraordinary financial circumstances could include students who are eligible for other federal or state based aid or have faced significant unexpected expenses either for themselves or that would affect their financial circumstances, such as loss of employment, reduced income, or food or housing insecurity.

These $500-$3,000 individual grants were automatically distributed based on the following factors, expected family contribution (EFC) from the 2021-22 FAFSA, off campus housing and other aid related factors.

Grants of $1,145,000 were distributed to 845 students returning for the Fall 2021 semester on July 27, 2021, grants of  $1,797 were distributed to 6 students on October 27, 2021, grants of $600 were distributed to 2 students on November 17, 2021 and grants of $10,805 were distributed to 15 students on March 29, 2022.  The remainder of $585,444 was distributed to students in April 2022.

This notification summarizes grants previously distributed. NO ACTION is required.

Quarterly Reporting (Q3-2022) - Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF)

 


 

Report of American Rescue Plan Act Funding and Awards Granted

April 7, 2022

From: John Bryant, Assistant Vice President and Controller

Scott Seibring, Director of Financial Aid

 

The federal government passed the American Rescue Plan Act (ARP) on March 11, 2021, which is a federal stimulus package meant to ease economic burdens related to the COVID-19 pandemic. This federal legislation included funding for higher education and students who have been directly impacted by the pandemic. Section 2003 (a)(4) of the ARP requires Illinois Wesleyan University to provide 50% of the amount received for funding in financial aid grants to students as was required to be provided under sections 18004(a)(1) and (c) of the CARES Act.

The University will receive federal aid in the amount of $3,507,292, of which $1,753,646 will be distributed directly to our students. The remainder of the ARP act funding will go to offset the University’s loss of revenue and increased expenses as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.  

The ARP Act instructs all universities to prioritize eligible students with exceptional need, such as students who receive Pell grants or with extraordinary financial circumstances. Eligible students are defined as students who were or are enrolled in an institution of higher education on or after the date of declaration of the national emergency due to the coronavirus (March 13,2020). The federal act encourages us to give special attention to students with need, and those who are Title IV eligible (eligible to file the FAFSA and be considered for federal aid).

Extraordinary financial circumstances could include students who are eligible for other federal or state based aid or have faced significant unexpected expenses either for themselves or that would affect their financial circumstances, such as loss of employment, reduced income, or food or housing insecurity.

These $500-$3,000 individual grants were automatically distributed based on the following factors, expected family contribution (EFC) from the 2021-22 FAFSA, off campus housing and other aid related factors.

Grants of $1,145,000 were distributed to 845 students returning for the Fall 2021 semester on July 27, 2021, grants of  $1,797 were distributed to 6 students on October 27, 2021, grants of $600 were distributed to 2 students on November 17, 2021 and grants of $10,805 were distributed to 15 students on March 29, 2022.  The remainder will be distributed to eligible students during the Spring 2022 semester with preference given to students new to IWU this academic year.

Students who have incurred COVID related expenses or experienced additional financial hardship due to COVID may be eligible for additional funds. Documentation may be required to receive additional funds.  Contact the Financial Aid Office for more information.

This notification summarizes grants previously distributed. NO ACTION is required.

Quarterly Reporting (Q1-2022) - Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF)

Quarterly Reporting (Q2-2022) - Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) (FINAL REPORT)


 

Report of American Rescue Plan Act Funding and Awards Granted

Jan.10, 2022

From: John Bryant, Assistant Vice President and Controller

          Scott Seibring, Director of Financial Aid

 

The federal government passed the American Rescue Plan Act (ARP) on March 11, 2021, which is a federal stimulus package meant to ease economic burdens related to the COVID-19 pandemic. This federal legislation included funding for higher education and students who have been directly impacted by the pandemic. Section 2003 (a)(4) of the ARP requires Illinois Wesleyan University to provide 50% of the amount received for funding in financial aid grants to students as was required to be provided under sections 18004(a)(1) and (c) of the CARES Act.

The University will receive federal aid in the amount of $3,507,292. Of which, $1,753,646, will be distributed directly to our students. The remainder of the ARP act funding will go to offset the University’s loss of revenue and increased expenses as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.  

The ARP Act instructs all universities to prioritize eligible students with exceptional need, such as students who receive Pell grants or with extraordinary financial circumstances. Eligible students are defined as students who were or are enrolled in an institution of higher education on or after the date of declaration of the national emergency due to the coronavirus (March 13,2020). The federal act encourages us to give special attention to students with need, and those who are Title IV eligible (eligible to file the FAFSA and be considered for federal aid).

Extraordinary financial circumstances could include students who are eligible for other federal or state based aid or have faced significant unexpected expenses either for themselves or that would affect their financial circumstances, such as loss of employment, reduced income, or food or housing insecurity.

These $500-$3,000 individual grants were automatically distributed based on the following factors, expected family contribution (EFC) from the 2021-22 FAFSA, off campus housing and other aid related factors.

Grants of $1,145,000 were distributed to 845 students returning for the Fall 2021 semester on July 27, 2021, grants of  $1,797 were distributed to 6 students on October 27, 2021 and grants of $600 were distributed to 2 students on November 17, 2021. The remainder will be distributed to eligible students during the Spring 2022 semester with preference given to students new to IWU this academic year.

Students who have incurred COVID related expenses or experienced additional financial hardship due to COVID may be eligible for additional funds. Documentation may be required to receive additional funds. Contact the Financial Aid Office for more information.

This notification summarizes grants previously distributed. NO ACTION is required.

Quarterly Reporting (Q4 2021) - Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF)


Federal Stimulus - Aid to Students

October 12, 2021

From: John Bryant, Assistant Vice President and Controller

Scott Seibring, Director of Financial Aid

The federal government passed the American Rescue Plan Act (ARP) on March 11, 2021, which is a federal stimulus package meant to ease economic burdens related to the COVID-19 pandemic. This federal legislation included funding for higher education and students who have been directly impacted by the pandemic. Section 2003 (a)(4) of the ARP requires Illinois Wesleyan University to provide 50% of the amount received for funding in financial aid grants to students as was required to be provided under sections 18004(a)(1) and (c) of the CARES Act.

The University will receive federal aid in the amount of $3,507,292, of which $1,753,646 will be distributed directly to our students. The remainder of the ARP act funding will go to offset the University’s loss of revenue and increased expenses as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.  

The ARP Act instructs all universities to prioritize eligible students with exceptional need, such as students who receive Pell grants or with extraordinary financial circumstances. Eligible students are defined as students who were or are enrolled in an institution of higher education on or after the date of declaration of the national emergency due to the coronavirus (March 13,2020). The federal act encourages us to give special attention to students with need, and those who are Title IV eligible (eligible to file the FAFSA and be considered for federal aid).

Extraordinary financial circumstances could include students who are eligible for other federal or state-based aid or have faced significant unexpected expenses either for themselves or that would affect their financial circumstances, such as loss of employment, reduced income, or food or housing insecurity.

These $500-$3,000 individual grants will automatically be distributed based on the following factors: expected family contribution (EFC) from the 2021-22 FAFSA, off-campus housing, and other aid-related factors.

Grants of $1,145,000 were distributed to 845 students returning for the Fall 2021 semester on July 27, 2021. The remainder will be distributed to eligible students before the end of the Fall 2021 semester with preference given to students new to IWU this semester.

Students who have incurred COVID-related expenses or experienced additional financial hardship due to COVID may be eligible for additional funds. Documentation may be required to receive additional funds. Contact the Financial Aid Office for more information.

Quarterly Reporting - Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund


 

CRRSAA Act Grants to Students

April 14, 2021

From: John Bryant, Assistant Vice President and Controller

Scott Seibring, Director of Financial Aid

The federal government passed the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA) on December 27, 2020, which is a federal stimulus package meant to ease economic burdens related to the COVID-19 pandemic. This federal legislation included funding for higher education and students who have been directly impacted by the pandemic. Section 314(d)(5) of the CRRSAA requires Illinois Wesleyan University to provide at least the same amount of funding in financial aid grants to students as was required to be provided under sections 18004(a)(1) and (c) of the CARES Act.

The University will receive federal aid in the amount of $1,982,260. Of which, $670,840, will be distributed directly to our students. The remainder of the CRRSAA act funding will go to offset the University’s loss of revenue and increased expenses as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.  

The CRRSAA Act instructs all universities to direct these grants to students who have incurred expenses due to COVID-19. You will find examples of such expenses below. The federal act encourages us to give special attention to students with need, and those who are Title IV eligible (eligible to file the FAFSA and be considered for federal aid). The CRRSAA Act, however, does not address COVID-related expenses incurred by our international students and our DACA students.

The CRRSAA Act encourages us to help students who have incurred a range of different expenses, including (but not limited to):

  • Food
  • Housing and moving expenses (e.g. rent, storage)
  • Technology (e.g. internet, routers, computers, cameras, software)
  • Transportation (e.g. unexpected travel costs)
  • Medical expenses
  • Increased utility costs

The federal act specifically requires the grants to cover unexpected expenses related to COVID-19. Should you determine that you do not meet these criteria and do not need this grant, it will be your responsibility to return the funds to the University in order for it to be redistributed to students with greater need. To coordinate the return of funds, please contact the Business Office at busnoff@iwu.edu.

These $100-$1,100 individual grants will automatically be distributed based on the following factors, expected family contribution (EFC) from the 2020-21 FAFSA, off campus housing and other aid related factors.

We will notify all students selected to receive grant funds by April 16, 2021.  


 

October 28, 2020

To: Students and Families 

From: John Bryant, Assistant Vice President and Controller

Scott Seibring, Director of Financial Aid

The federal government passed the CARES Act on March 27, 2020, which is a federal stimulus package meant to ease economic burdens related to the COVID-19 pandemic. This federal legislation included funding for higher education and students who have been directly impacted by the pandemic. Illinois Wesleyan University has signed and returned to the Department of Education the Certification and Agreement and the assurance that the institution has used, or intends to use, no less than 50 percent of the funds received under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.

Illinois Wesleyan University is located and operates in the 13th Illinois congressional district. The University’s federal tax identification number is 37-0662594.

The University received federal aid in the amount of $1,341,680. Fifty percent of that amount, $670,840, was distributed directly to our students. The remainder of the CARES act funding will go to offset the University’s loss of revenue and increased expenses as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.  

The CARES Act explicitly instructs all universities to direct these grants to students who have incurred expenses due to COVID-19. You will find examples of such expenses below. The federal act encourages us to give special attention to students with need, and those who are Title IV eligible (eligible to file the FAFSA and be considered for federal aid). The CARES Act, however, does not address COVID-related expenses incurred by our international students and our DACA students.

The federal act specifically requires the grants to cover unexpected expenses related to COVID-19. Should you determine that you do not meet these criteria and do not need this grant, it will be your responsibility to return the funds to the University in order for it to be redistributed to students with greater need. To coordinate the return of funds, please contact the Business Office at busnoff@iwu.edu.    

There are two phases of CARES Act grants for our eligible students, outlined below:

  • Phase I - CARES Act Base Grant ($600,200): These $100-$1,100 individual grants were distributed based on the following factors: expected family contribution (EFC) from the 2019-20 FAFSA, off campus housing and other aid-related factors.

    Approximately 1,290 students are eligible and 1,084 students were awarded grants on May 19, 2020. Payments were made similar to a student account refund and will be paid via check or direct deposit based on the authorization on file.

  • Phase II - CARES Act Application Grants ($70,640): We know some students faced unexpected costs during the quick switch from face-to-face instruction to remote learning that will not be covered by the base grants in Phase I. The CARES Act encourages us to help students who have incurred a range of different expenses, including (but not limited to):
  • Food
  • Housing and moving expenses (e.g. rent, storage)
  • Technology (e.g. internet, routers, computers, cameras, software)
  • Transportation (e.g. unexpected travel costs)
  • Medical expenses
  • Increased utility costs

21 students were awarded grants totaling $6,580 on July 16, 2020, ranging from $100 -$500. Payments were made similar to a student account refund and will be paid via check or direct deposit based on the authorization on file.

309 students were awarded grants totaling $64,060, on September 23 2020, ranging from $95 - $385. Payments were made similar to a student account refund and will be paid via check or direct deposit based on the authorization on file.

As of September 23, 2020, all CARES Act grants have been disbursed. This will be the last public quarterly report regarding the disbursement of CARES Act funds pursuant to Section 18004(a)(1).

 


 

August 10, 2020

To; Students and Families

From: John Bryant, Assistant Vice President and Controller

Scott Seibring, Director of Financial Aid

The federal government passed the CARES Act on March 27, 2020, which is a federal stimulus package meant to ease economic burdens related to the COVID-19 pandemic. This federal legislation included funding for higher education and students who have been directly impacted by the pandemic. Illinois Wesleyan University has signed and returned to the Department of Education the Certification and Agreement and the assurance that the institution has used, or intends to use, no less than 50 percent of the funds received under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.

Illinois Wesleyan University is located and operates in the 13th Illinois congressional district. The University’s federal tax identification number is 37-0662594.

The University will receive federal aid in the amount of $1,341,680. Fifty percent of that amount, $670,840, will be distributed directly to our students. The remainder of the CARES act funding will go to offset the University’s loss of revenue and increased expenses as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The CARES Act explicitly instructs all universities to direct these grants to students who have incurred expenses due to COVID-19. You will find examples of such expenses below. The federal act encourages us to give special attention to students with need, and those who are Title IV eligible (eligible to file the FAFSA and be considered for federal aid). The CARES Act, however, does not address COVID-related expenses incurred by our international students and our DACA students.

The federal act specifically requires the grants to cover unexpected expenses related to COVID-19. Should you determine that you do not meet these criteria and do not need this grant, it will be your responsibility to return the funds to the University in order for it to be redistributed to students with greater need. To coordinate the return of funds, please contact the Business Office at busnoff@iwu.edu.

There are two phases of CARES Act grants for our eligible students, outlined below:

  • Phase I - CARES Act Base Grant ($600,200): These $100-$1,100 individual grants were distributed based on the following factors: expected family contribution (EFC) from the 2019-20 FAFSA, off campus housing and other aid-related factors.

    Approximately 1,290 students are eligible and 1,084 students were awarded grants on May 19, 2020. Payments were made similar to a student account refund and will be paid via check or direct deposit based on the authorization on file.
  • Phase II - CARES Act Application Grants ($70,640): We know some students faced unexpected costs during the quick switch from face-to-face instruction to remote learning that will not be covered by the base grants in Phase I. The CARES Act encourages us to help students who have incurred a range of different expenses, including (but not limited to):
  • Food
  • Housing and moving expenses (e.g. rent, storage)
  • Technology (e.g. internet, routers, computers, cameras, software)
  • Transportation (e.g. unexpected travel costs)
  • Medical expenses
  • Increased utility costs

21 students were awarded grants totaling $6,580 on July 16, 2020, ranging from $100 -$500. Payments were made similar to a student account refund and will be paid via check or direct deposit based on the authorization on file.

Notification was sent to all students awarded grant funds. If you did not receive an email on that funding or you feel that funding did not meet your additional expenses, please feel free to complete the IWU Cares ACT Application: https://forms.gle/p6p21bPWDqaENRHy5. The remainder of Phase II funds are expected to be distributed by October 1, 2020.

CARES Act Grant Update

June 26, 2020

To: Students and Families 

From: John Bryant, Assistant Vice President and Controller
          Scott Seibring, Director of Financial Aid

The federal government passed the CARES Act on March 27, 2020, which is a federal stimulus package meant to ease economic burdens related to the COVID-19 pandemic. This federal legislation included funding for higher education and students who have been directly impacted by the pandemic. Illinois Wesleyan University has signed and returned to the Department of Education the Certification and Agreement and the assurance that the institution has used, or intends to use, no less than 50 percent of the funds received under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.

The University will receive federal aid in the amount of $1,341,680. Fifty percent of that amount, $670,840, will be distributed directly to our students. The remainder of the CARES act funding will go to offset the University’s loss of revenue and increased expenses as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.  

The CARES Act explicitly instructs all universities to direct these grants to students who have incurred expenses due to COVID-19. You will find examples of such expenses below. The federal act encourages us to give special attention to students with need, and those who are Title IV eligible (eligible to file the FAFSA and be considered for federal aid). The CARES Act, however, does not address COVID-related expenses incurred by our international students and our DACA students.

The federal act specifically requires the grants to cover unexpected expenses related to COVID-19. Should you determine that you do not meet this criteria and do not need this grant, it will be your responsibility to return the funds to the University in order for it to be redistributed to students with greater need. To coordinate the return of funds, please contact the Business Office at  busnoff@iwu.edu .    

There are two phases of CARES Act grants for our eligible students, outlined below:

  • Phase I - CARES Act Base Grant ($600,200) : These $100-$1,100 individual grants were distributed based on the following factors: expected family contribution (EFC) from the 2019-20 FAFSA, off campus housing and other aid-related factors.

    Approximately 1,290 students are eligible and 1,084 students were awarded grants on May 19, 2020. Payments were made similar to a student account refund and will be paid via check or direct deposit based on the authorization on file.

  • Phase II - CARES Act Application Grants ($70,640) : We know some students faced unexpected costs during the quick switch from face-to-face instruction to remote learning that will not be covered by the base grants in Phase I. The CARES Act encourages us to help students who have incurred a range of different expenses, including (but not limited to):
  • Food
  • Housing and moving expenses (e.g. rent, storage)
  • Technology (e.g. internet, routers, computers, cameras, software)
  • Transportation (e.g. unexpected travel costs)
  • Medical expenses
  • Increased utility costs

Notification was sent to all students awarded grant funds. If you did not receive an email on that funding or you feel that funding did not meet your additional expenses, please feel free to complete the IWU Cares ACT Application:  https://forms.gle/p6p21bPWDqaENRHy5 . Preference will be given to those applications that are received by May 20, 2020. Phase II funds are expected to be distributed in July 2020.

 

CARES Act Grant Information

May 12, 2020

To: Students and Families 

From: John Bryant, Assistant Vice President and Controller

Scott Seibring, Director of Financial Aid

The federal government recently passed the CARES Act, which is a federal stimulus package meant to ease economic burdens related to the COVID-19 pandemic. This federal legislation included funding for higher education and students who have been directly impacted by the pandemic. Illinois Wesleyan University has signed and returned to the Department of Education the Certification and Agreement and the assurance that the institution has used, or intends to use, no less than 50 percent of the funds received under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.

The University will receive federal aid in the amount of  $1,341,680. Fifty percent of that amount, $670,840, will be distributed directly to our students. The remainder of the CARES act funding will go to offset the University’s loss of revenue and increased expenses as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.  

The CARES Act explicitly instructs all universities to direct these grants to  students who have incurred expenses due to COVID-19. You will find examples of such expenses below. The federal act encourages us to give special attention to students with need, and those who are Title IV eligible (eligible to file the FAFSA and be considered for federal aid). The CARES Act, however, does not address COVID-related expenses incurred by our international students and our DACA students.

The federal act specifically requires the grants to cover unexpected expenses related to COVID-19. Should you determine that you do not meet this criteria and do not need this grant, it will be your responsibility to return the funds to the University in order for it to be redistributed to students with greater need. To coordinate the return of funds, please contact the Business Office at busnoff@iwu.edu.    

There are two phases of CARES Act grants for our eligible students, outlined below:

  • Phase I - CARES Act Base Grant ($600,500): These $100-$1,100 individual grants will automatically be distributed based on the following factors: expected family contribution (EFC) from the 2019-20 FAFSA, off campus housing and other aid-related factors.

    Approximately 1,290 students are eligible and 1,085 students will be awarded grants by May 19, 2020. Payments will be made similar to a student account refund and will be paid via check or direct deposit based on the authorization on file.
  • Phase II - CARES Act Application Grants ( $70,340): We know some students faced unexpected costs during the quick switch from face-to-face instruction to remote learning that will not be covered by the base grants in Phase I. The CARES Act encourages us to help students who have incurred a range of different expenses, including (but not limited to):
  • Food
  • Housing and moving expenses (e.g. rent, storage)
  • Technology (e.g. internet, routers, computers, cameras, software)
  • Transportation (e.g. unexpected travel costs)
  • Medical expenses
  • Increased utility costs

Notification was sent to all students awarded grant funds. If you did not receive an email on that funding or you feel that funding did not meet your additional expenses, please feel free to complete the IWU Cares ACT Application https://forms.gle/p6p21bPWDqaENRHy5. Preference will be given to those applications that are received by May 20, 2020.

CARES Act Grants for Students

May 8, 2020

As you are likely aware, the federal government recently passed the CARES act, which is a federal stimulus package meant to ease economic burdens related to the COVID-19 pandemic. This federal legislation included funding for higher education and students who have been directly impacted by the pandemic.   

Illinois Wesleyan University received federal aid in the amount of  $1,341,680. Half of that amount – $670,840 – is to be distributed directly to our students.The other half of the CARES act funding will go to offset the University’s loss of revenue and increased expenses as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.   

The CARES Act explicitly instructs all universities to direct these grants to  students who have incurred expenses due to COVID-19. You will find examples of such expenses below. The federal act encourages us to give special attention to students with need, and those who are Title IV eligible (eligible to file the FAFSA and be considered for federal aid). The CARES Act, however, does not address COVID-related expenses incurred by our international students and our DACA students.

The federal act specifically requires the grants to cover unexpected expenses related to COVID-19. Should you determine that you do not meet this criteria and do not need this grant, it will be your responsibility to return the funds to the University in order for it to be redistributed to students with greater need.    

There are two phases of CARES Act grants for our eligible students, outlined below:

  • Phase I - CARES Act Base Grant ($600,000): These $100-$1,100 individual grants will automatically be distributed based on a few factors, with the primary factor being the expected family contribution from the 2019-20 FAFSA.

    We expect approximately 1,000 students will be awarded grants beginning the week of May 11. These students will receive an email in a few days regarding the process and the specific amount.
  • Phase II - CARES Act Application Grants ( $70,000): We know some students faced unexpected costs during the quick switch from face-to-face instruction to remote learning that will not be covered by the base grants in Phase I. The CARES Act encourages us to help students who have incurred a range of different expenses, including (but not limited to):
  • Food
  • Housing and moving expenses (e.g. rent, storage)
  • Technology (e.g. internet, routers, computers, cameras, software)
  • Transportation (e.g. unexpected travel costs)
  • Medical expenses
  • Increased utility costs

We plan to notify all students of the first round of funding by Tuesday, May 12. If you do not receive an email on that funding or you feel that funding did not meet your additional expenses, please feel free to complete the IWU Cares ACT Application that will be sent to all Title IV-eligible students immediately following the communication regarding Phase 1 (the base grant). Preference will be given to those applications that are received by May 20, 2020.