Updated information regarding CARES Act Funds and other aid, 5/30/20
If you have not already done so, please complete the request for the CARES Act Emergency Aid found here. This request form will be available until August 28, or until funds are depleted — whichever comes first.
To apply for possible additional emergency funds, whether or not you are eligible for the CARES Act funds, please complete the application here.
The Fontbonne Emergency Fund team will follow-up with you about your application within 72 hours of receipt.
Various organizations in the St. Louis region are also providing additional support resources that might be of assistance to you. They can be found here (please note – this website works best with a Google browser).
Information regarding CARES Act Funds, 5/14/20
Federal Aid Opportunities for Students in Need
Through the Federal CARES Act, Fontbonne has received emergency grant funding to assist students who have incurred expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the COVID-19.
Students are eligible for CARES Act funds if they have filed a 2019-20 FAFSA and have incurred expenses related to the disruption of campus operations as a result of the COVID-19. Federal guidelines prohibit the University from distributing CARES Act funds to international, undocumented or DACA students, or those who were already enrolled exclusively in online instruction. Please contact the Financial Aid Office (finaid@fontbonne.edu) if you have questions about your eligibility or need assistance filing a FAFSA.
Students who do not meet the eligibility criteria for CARES Act funds and are in need of financial assistance are still encouraged to fill out the request form because there may be alternative funding sources available.
Students who either did not incur additional expenses or do not need financial assistance should indicate they decline CARES Act assistance so the University can reallocate those funds to assist other students in need.
Complete the CARES Act Request Form here.
These funds will be distributed on a first come, first served basis while the funds are available therefore we encourage you to respond as soon as you are able. The University will disburse funds directly to the bank account on record for direct deposit. If you need to set up your account for direct deposit or update the bank account on file, please contact the Business Office (busoffice@fontbonne.edu) for assistance. Students not enrolled in direct deposit will receive a check mailed to the address listed on file. Please note that mailed checks may delay how quickly a student receives their funds.
It is important your address and contact information is current to avoid delays in processing fund distribution and to assist us in contacting you if needed. To update your contact information, log into GriffinNet with your username and password, select Edit Address on the top left, and update your local address to let us know where you are currently residing.
Fontbonne faculty, staff and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet always hold our students and their families in our hearts. Our focus on Serving the Dear Neighbor is heightened now while so many in our community are hurting as they cope with the uncertainty of this pandemic situation. Please know we continue to hold you in prayer for your safety and well-being. We look forward to your return to campus-we miss seeing you!
Disclaimer: At this time, federal guidance requires that this grant aid be reported on your 2020 1098-T form but the funds are not considered taxable income to you.
Q: What is the CARES Act/Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund provided by the federal government?
A: The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act was passed by Congress and signed into law to provide economic relief from COVID-19. The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund is a section of the CARES Act that provides funding to schools so they can distribute emergency financial aid grants to students whose lives have been disrupted by the pandemic.
Q: Who is eligible to receive CARES Act/Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund grants?
A: Students are eligible for CARES Act funds if they have filed a 2019-20 FAFSA and have incurred expenses related to the disruption of campus operations resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Under U.S. Department of Education rules for the program, these funds can be awarded to undergraduate, graduate, and professional students pursuing degree programs and enrolled at Fontbonne.
The U.S. Department of Education does not permit CARES Act funds to be distributed to international, undocumented or DACA students, or those enrolled exclusively in online courses.
Please contact the Financial Aid Office at finaid@fontbonne.edu if you have questions about your eligibility or need assistance filing a FAFSA.
Q: What if I do not meet the eligibility criteria for CARES Act funds, but I’m still in need of emergency aid?
A: Students who do not meet the eligibility criteria for CARES Act funds and are in need of financial assistance are encouraged to fill out the CARES Act Request Form. There may be alternative funding sources available.
Q: How can I apply for a CARES Act/Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund grant?
A: Fontbonne students must complete the CARES Act Request Form to be considered for a grant.
Q: How will Fontbonne distribute CARES Act/Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund grants?
A: Based on the limited amount of funding received from the U.S. Department of Education, CARES Act/Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund grants will be distributed on a first come, first served basis while funds are available.
If you qualify for financial aid, we will deposit the funds directly into your bank account on record. To set up your account for direct deposit or update your bank account on record, please contact our Business Office at busoffice@fontbonne.edu. If you are not enrolled in direct deposit, we will mail a check to your address on file.
It is important your address and contact information is current to avoid delays and so we can contact you if needed. Update your contact information by logging into GriffinNet with your username and password. Then select “Edit Address” on the top left of the page and enter your current address.