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Impact Funds: Supporting Student Success

Impact Funds provides limited financial assistance to currently enrolled students experiencing a sudden or unexpected financial situation that creates a temporary financial need and may impact their ability to continue their education. Assistance is intended to help offset an unexpected expense and reduce an immediate financial barrier to student success.  
 
Student Impact Funds are designed to provide short-term support during unexpected financial situations and are not intended to serve as ongoing financial assistance. As part of the Basic Needs assessment process, students are connected with campus and community resources that can help promote long-term stability and success. 

To be considered for Impact Funds, students must complete the Basic Needs Intake Form and meet with the Basic Needs Coordinator to discuss their circumstances, explore available resources, and determine whether they are eligible for assistance. 

 

To be considered for Student Impact Funds, students must meet thef following eligibility requirements:

  • Completed FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application
  • Must have a verified “unmet need”
  • Less than 70 units toward GPA
  • Minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA
  • Completed CSEP
  • Adhere to follow-up meeting procedures with Basic Needs Coordinator.

Submission of an application does not guarantee funding. All requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and are dependent on eligibility, available funding, and demonstrated need.

Examples of circumstances that may be considered include:

  • Unexpected housing-related emergencies
  • Rent assistance needs due to a sudden financial hardship
  • Utility shut-off notices or essential utility support
  • Emergency transportation needs
  • Vehicle repairs impacting a student's ability to attend classes or work
  • Medical, dental, or vision-related expenses
  • Loss of employment or significant reduction in work hours
  • Family emergencies, illness, or unexpected life events
  • Educational supplies required for course participation
  • Other unexpected circumstances affecting a student's ability to persist in college 

Student Impact Fund assistance is intended for one-time or short-term emergencies. 
Current funding guidelines include: 

  • Up to $500 per semester (Fall and Spring)
  • Maximum of $1,000 per academic year

Funding decisions are based on:

  • Documentation provided
  • Availability of funds
  • Impact on the student's educational success
  • Completion of required intake and assessment processes

Students requesting assistance for rent, utilities, transportation, vehicle repairs, or educational supplies are required to provide supporting documentation such as bills, invoices, estimates, quotes, or notices. Failure to provide documentation will result in a processing delay. 

After submitting the Basic Needs Intake Form: 

  1. Submit a Basic Needs Intake Form.
  2. Schedule a meeting with the Basic Needs Coordinator to review your circumstances..
  3. During the appointment, your situation will be reviewed and resources will be explored.
  4. If appropriate, your request may be considered for Student Relief Fund assistance.
  5. You may be connected to additional campus and community resources to support your long-term success. 

Students experiencing urgent situations should indicate this within the intake process so the Basic Needs Center can prioritize outreach when appropriate. 

• Student Impact Fund request is not in alignment with the compendium guidance provided by the California Community College’s Chancellor’s Office (CCCCO)
• Student has already received $500 in Impact Funds during current semester
• Student is receiving multiple ongoing forms of scholarships and grants (Pell Grant, SEOG, CalGrant, CalWorks, HireUp, Cashaid, Disability and/or Unemployment)
• Student does not have unmet need
• Student is not able to demonstrate they have an unforeseen or unexpected emergency by providing documentation (i.e. a bill or proof of documented emergency)
• Not actively enrolled in the semester that funds are being requested in
• Request for tuition fees (not aligned with CCCCO guidance)
• Not attending current term classes as verified by the student’s instructor(s)
• Has a pattern of not passing courses demonstrated by 2 or more consecutive terms of less than a 2.0

Subsequent semester emergency fund awards will be contingent on the following:
• Student does not have a CSEP on file
• CSEP is not aligned with courses being taken or not aligned with academic goals
• Student has not fulfilled the conditions from previous fund requests

Apply for Assistance 

To be considered for Student Impact Fund assistance, complete the Basic Needs Intake Form. 
Please note: Funding is limited and not all requests will result in a financial award. Students may still be eligible for resource referrals, support services, and case management through the Basic Needs Center regardless of funding eligibility.