Cares Grant

A CCV Cares Grant can be used to cover any part of your college costs or for emergency expenses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Grants are funded by the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF).

What is Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF)?

The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) is part of federal stimulus legislation which provides financial support to students and higher education institutions. The original legislation that established HEERF was the Cares Act, passed in March 2020. The Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA) passed in December 2020 provided additional funds to HEERF with new criteria, and the American Rescue Plan, passed in March 2021, provided further funding for students and colleges.

What kinds of expenses are allowable?

A CCV Cares Grant can be used to cover any part of your cost of attendance, such as tuition, fees, books, technology, health care, childcare, housing, food, or transportation. It can also be used for emergency expenses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Some examples include:

• A student needs to pay tuition or fees remaining for a semester
• A student needs to buy textbooks for a semester
• A student needs a laptop or internet service to take their online courses
• A student needs food or housing assistance while enrolled for classes.

Note: If you are planning to purchase laptop or other tech needs with a Cares Grant, please refer to your course syllabus or contact your academic advisor for recommendations. Some courses recommend a PC (i.e. Windows) in order to run software needed for the course.

Am I eligible?

You may be eligible if:

• You are a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
• You are enrolled for the Fall 2022 semester.
• You have exceptional need

While a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is not required, we encourage you to file it if you are pursuing a degree or certificate at CCV. If you have not filed a FAFSA, you can get a list of steps on our financial aid page, or you can connect with the financial aid counselor at your local CCV academic center.

Does the money need to be repaid?

No, money received through this fund does not need to be repaid.

How do I apply?

You can apply by submitting an online application.

Awarding is evaluated and made on a case-by-case basis. For the Fall 2022 semester, the maximum grant is $1,000.

Once you submit your request, you will receive an email notification and next steps within 1-2 business days. Aid is sent to you either via check or electronically if you have set up direct deposit to your bank account.

How do you prioritize exceptional need?

CCV prioritizes students that have an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of under $14,000 from the 2022-2023 FAFSA OR can answer yes to either of the below statements if it has happened at ANY point in time since March 13, 2020:

• Job loss or reduced hours for myself, parent, guardian, or others who assist with my college and/or household expenses.
• K-12 school or childcare center closure for my child(ren) resulting in reduced working hours for myself or those who support my college and/or household expenses.

Students that do not meet the EFC threshold AND are unable to affirm any of the above took place are still eligible for funds at a reduced amount.

Eligibility is also based upon enrollment status. CCV uses the below chart to determine a student’s award maximum.

Will this money reduce my financial aid?

No, this money does not reduce or replace your financial aid.

What if I’m not eligible?

If you are neither a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen, please call 802-262-6557, contact the CCV financial aid counselor at your local academic center, or email us at financialaid@ccv.edu. CCV has other options like the Life Gap Grant or Student Assistance Fund (SAF) that may be able to assist you. These funds can provide CCV students with money to assist with urgent, compelling, or unexpected needs.

Whom may I contact for more information?

Please call 802-262-6557 or email the CCV financial aid counselor at your local academic center.

HEERF Public Disclosure