The SVA Student Emergency Relief Fund provides emergency financial assistance to support currently enrolled, full-time graduate or undergraduate students who are experiencing acute economic distress.

Monetary support for the program is provided by the SVA Alumni Society and Visual Arts Foundation. The fund is administered by the SVA Alumni Society and must be sustained by continual contributions from alumni, parents, faculty, staff and friends of the College.

Eligibility and Application Guidelines:

Applicants must be currently enrolled, full-time graduate or undergraduate students experiencing immediate financial hardship resulting from an emergency, accident, or another unexpected critical incident. The expense must be unexpected, unforeseen, and the urgent nature unavoidable. Up to $500 may be requested. Students may receive one grant per semester, and a maximum of two grants during their SVA career. This funding is not intended to reimburse for expenses that have already been paid or to replace or supplement existing financial aid. If funds are granted, they do not have to be repaid. Those interested must complete the application form. Applicants must complete all questions in full and may be required to answer follow up questions.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Note, the funds allocated for this program are limited. The number of students who can be served by the SVA Student Emergency Relief Fund is subject to the availability of funds.

Examples of qualifying needs due to short-term financial hardship include but are not limited to:

Food
Emergency travel
Temporary loss of employment
Theft of essentials including computers, books and clothes
Art and other school supplies
Prescription drug copays
Surgery, dental work, or eyecare (e.g., buying eyeglasses) required as a result of an accident and not covered by insurance
Travel necessitated by the death or illness of an immediate family member
Temporary housing needs (such as due to fire, theft, or a natural disaster)
Loss of child care

The following needs are not considered emergency needs and are ineligible:

Normal and anticipated academic expenses already covered through financial aid (tuition, housing, fees, health insurance, and books)
Fines and fees (such as library fines or other expenses mistakenly incurred or preventable expenses)
Parking tickets
Alcohol and drug-related offenses, fines and court fees; penalties, fines, tickets, legal fees, or jail bonds
Funds to pay back prior loans
Auto, appliance and furniture purchases
Cash requirements that normally would be anticipated
Costs for entertainment, recreation, or non-emergency travel, or travel over breaks (Thanksgiving, Winter or Spring)
Student conferences
Expenditures resulting from poor financial management
Phones
Computer replacement due to negligence

Please fill out the Student Relief Fund application if you are in need.

Questions and concerns can be directed to alumnisociety@sva.edu.

Please allow a minimum of 3-5 business days for review of each request.

How to Apply