Emergency CARES Grant Program
As recently announced, Radford University has established two methods of disbursement for CARES Act funding. The first method is through the Radford CARES Grant Program where the award is based on the eligible student’s expected family contribution (EFC) as established on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The second method is through the Emergency CARES Grant Program.
The Emergency CARES Grant Program is an application-based program available to eligible undergraduate and graduate students.
As of February 15, 2021 Radford University will no longer accept Emergency CARES Grant requests. All requests that are submitted by 11:59:59 PM on February 15, 2021 will be reviewed for the maximum award eligibility. No revisions or additional requests will be processed after this time.
As of November 5, 2020 Radford University has modified the award maximum available to students. All students who were previously eligible and received a Radford CARES Grant award can now apply to receive a maximum of $1,500 in CARES program funding. Students are now eligible to request up to $1,250 in the Emergency CARES grant program. If a student has previously submitted an Emergency CARES award application and was not eligible to receive the funding, the student will be required to submit a new Emergency CARES award application to be reconsidered. No one student total from both the Radford and Emergency CARES programs will exceed $1,500.
The maximum award each student may receive under this program will be $250; however, under both programs combined, no student may receive more than $1,000. Upon review and approval of the application, funds will be distributed, as available, for needs demonstrated as a result of additional unanticipated expenses due to COVID-19 displacement beyond the Radford CARES Grant Program amount awarded.
How can I apply?
To apply for the Radford Emergency CARES Grant Program, follow these steps:
- Log into the MyRU Portal;
- Complete the Emergency CARES Grant Program application; and
- Enroll in direct deposit in the MyRU portal under Finances – Office of the Bursar – Direct Deposit Form. (NOTE: This step is not required, but is recommended to ensure funds are received as timely as possible.)
What is the application deadline?
The application will be open through July 31, 2020.
When should I submit my application?
For the best consideration, submit your application as soon as possible. The current plan, based on funding availability, is to stop accepting applications when all of the funds are disbursed or no later than July 31, 2020.
How do I know if I am eligible to apply for additional funds under the Emergency CARES Grant Program?
Please see student eligibility requirements at https://www.radford.edu/content/financial-aid/home/cares-act.html. As a reminder, a student’s total CARES award may not exceed $1,000 (Radford CARES Grant Program plus Emergency CARES Grant Program).
What if I have not submitted a FAFSA for 2019-2020?
In reviewing guidance provided by the U.S. Department of Education, Radford University has determined the following eligibility requirements. To be eligible for an Emergency CARES Grant from funds received under the CARES Act for Radford University, an undergraduate or graduate student must have been:
a. Enrolled for the Spring 2020 semester at Radford University Main Campus or Radford University Carilion (RUC) as of March 6, 2020, in an on ground (not fully online) program; and
b. Title IV eligible (defined as having a completed financial aid analysis from the 2019-2020 FAFSA on file from the U.S. Department of Education) as of March 6, 2020.
As a graduate student, can I apply for the Federal Emergency Grant?
Yes, graduate students who meet all of the criteria are eligible to apply.