January 11, 2021

Given the unprecedented and unexpected continuation of the pandemic and its effect on students and campus life, Columbia GSAPP is announcing the opportunity to apply for a one-time emergency grant paid directly to students. We understand many are experiencing challenges in finding work or other funding sources generally used to support items such as food, housing, course materials, technology, transportation, health care, and child care, and this grant is intended to assist students in overcoming those challenges.

This funding will be provided from the CARES Act Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund and is available to currently enrolled GSAPP students who meet the eligibility requirements for U.S. federal financial aid programs. U.S. Citizens and Eligible Noncitizens must have completed a valid 2020-2021 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA: https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa) at the time of completing this application. Priority will be given to eligible students with substantial need or demonstrated extenuating circumstances due to the pandemic.

The emergency grants may be between $500 and $1,000, and amounts will be determined based on the number of applications received and the specific needs presented in the application. Funds are limited and GSAPP does not guarantee that all eligible students will receive funding. Those students who are not eligible for CARES funding may apply and other institutional sources including the GSAPP Emergency Fund will be considered.