COVID-19 EMERGENCY FUNDS

Recognizing the unprecedented impacts of COVID-19 related to income and expenses, if you have an emergency financial need that is related to the COVID-19 pandemic, Grand Valley's Office of Financial Aid asks you to visit the section on Special Circumstance & Financial Hardship Requests resources at https://www.gvsu.edu/financialaid/financial-hardship-requests-226.htm.      

SHORT TERM EMERGENCY LOANS (GVSU Office of Financial Aid)

As a service to students, the Financial Aid Office provides short-term loans to students when tuition arrangements have already been made for the upcoming semester. These limited loans ($500 maximum) are typically used for the purchase of textbooks and supplies.

Contact the Office of Financial Aid or the Regional Center that you are attending to obtain an application for a Short Term Emergency Loan, along with eligibility requirements and repayment information.

MICHIGAN VETERANS AFFAIRS AGENCY EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE FORM AND THE MICHIGAN VETERANS TRUST FUND

The Michigan Veterans Trust Fund exists to support Michigan veterans with financial hardships, including COVID-19 related issues for qualified veterans.  

To apply for emergency funds from the MVTF, contact the MVTF county committee serving the county where you reside or fill out and submit an Emergency Assistance Form or call 800-MICH-VET (800-642-4838).

Michigan Veteran Affairs Agency

West Michigan Veterans Coalition Military Family Assistance Fund

The West Michigan Veterans Coalition Military Family Assistance fund is a limited financial
assistance program, established to address the immediate “quality of life” needs of military-connected
families during a time of an unanticipated and temporary financial hardship.

Eligibility: 
● Furnish proof that you live within Allegan, Barry, Ionia, Lake, Kent, Mason, Mecosta,
Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana, Osceola, or Ottawa county.
● Be a current or former member of the U. S. Armed Forces or the spouse of a current or former member
of the Armed Forces.

Required Documentation:
● Supply a copy of your DD-214, Retirement Letter, NGB-22, Letter of discharge, or letter from a current
unit commander if still serving, or current orders.
● Provide proof of residence ( Current driver’s license, voter registration, state ID).
● Present invoices, bills, or account statement regarding the items for which you are seeking assistance.
If this is for a repair, at least 2 estimates must be submitted.
● Marriage and /or death certificate if you are a spouse who is applying.

How to apply for the West Michigan Veterans Coalition Military Family Assistance Fund:
● Apply online: https://podio.com/webforms/25059578/1843481
or
● Email Debra Unseld at [email protected] to request an application

The West Michigan Veterans Coalition reserves the right to deny any request, or at its discretion, only approve a portion of the 
requested amount.

All payments will be made directly to the vendor that is completing the service or to whom the funds are due.

An individual/family may only receive funds one time through the West Michigan Veterans Coalition Military Family Assistance Fund.

SVA-GVSU / Joseph D. Early Emergency Fund

Due to the numerous requests for emergency funding and the limited funds that are available through the Joseph Early Emergency Fund, GVSU's Student Veterans of America will expect all applicants to apply for assistance through Grand Valley State University's newly announced COVID-19 emergency fund (made available through the CARES Act) prior to submitting an application to the Joseph Early Emergency Fund.

Veterans are also encouraged to secure funds through the Michigan Veterans Trust Fund and Soldier and Sailor Relief Fund.   

 

On October 8, 2016, the Grand Valley State University community was stunned and saddened to learn that Joseph (Joe) D. Early, one of its own military-connected students, had suddenly passed away at just 32 years of age. 

Joe graduated from Jenison High School in 2002, joined the U.S. Army in 2003 and served three tours of duty in Iraq as an M.P. After separating from Army, Joe enrolled at Grand Valley State University where he received his bachelor's degree, posthumously.

His parents, Judy and Tim Early, launched an emergency relief fund in his honor and loving memory which they continue to support financially. The purpose of this fund is to assist military-connected students at Grand Valley who may encounter unexpected financial hardships while completing their degree. 

To apply for emergency funding or to contribute to the rolling fund, questions can be directed to the SVA-GVSU chapter.

With admiration and gratitude, we extend the most sincere gratitude to Judy and Tim Early for creating this funding opportunity for military-connected students in need!

Click here to access the Joseph D. Early Emergency Fund application. Completed applications will be submitted to Steven Lipnicki. 

--On behalf of Student Veterans of America at Grand Valley State University

Laker Vets Logo

Support the Joseph D. Early Emergency Relief Fund

The Student Veterans of America Chapter at Grand Valley State University helped to establish and continues to manage the funds and all related requests. They need your assistance to maintain and grow this emergency fund. As such, any financial support is essential to ensure that this fund remains viable to support the current and future emergency needs of military-connected students attending Grand Valley State University. 



Page last modified November 12, 2020