Emergency Fund
Click here for the contribution form.
What is the UIUC Faculty Staff Emergency Fund?
The UIUC Faculty and Staff Emergency Fund was conceived by concerned faculty and staff for the sole purpose of financially assisting other faculty and staff in times of crisis. The UIUC Faculty/Staff Emergency Fund Committee is a grass-roots group. It is supported by the Chancellor and coordinates the development, promotion, and fund-raising for the emergency fund. The first donation to the fund was made by family and friends in memory of Joseph J. Schmiedel, a graduate and former employee of the University. Memorial gifts and other one-time gifts, such as donations in honor of retirees or of those receiving distinguished awards, will build upon the base and perpetuate the fund.
Is there a need on this campus for an Emergency Fund?
Yes. Employees are the most vital resource of this University. A financial crisis can happen at any time to any person. Long-term and terminal illnesses, death of a family member, substance abuse, and family breakups can and do create financial hardships, which can affect work performance. At such times, the emergency fund, administered in a confidential manner and composed of donations from colleagues, friends and family, enables recipients to retain their dignity in the midst of hardship as well as to realize that their significant contributions to the institution are being recognized. At the same time, donors experience the satisfaction of helping to bridge the financial gap for their colleagues until other assistance can be identified.
What is the goal of fund-raising for the Emergency Fund?
The goal is to receive an annual contribution, no matter how small, from each UIUC faculty and staff member. One hundred percent participation would send a powerful message to our colleagues. The collective results of each faculty and staff member contributing an appropriate amount would have major impact on this campus.
Will the Emergency Fund be related to or conflict with the University's traditionally strong support of the Campus Charitable Fund Drive?
No. The Campus Charitable Fund Drive is a campus-wide effort to support a wide range of health and human service agencies that benefit our employees as well as persons in the community. The UIUC Faculty and Staff Emergency Fund is designed specifically to provide financial assistance for UIUC faculty and staff in crisis situations.
Who is eligible to apply for assistance from the Emergency Fund?
The following UIUC employees are eligible for assistance from the emergency fund: faculty members with at least a 50% appointment who have completed at least six months of service at UIUC, academic professional staff members with at least a 50% appointment who have completed at least six months of service at UIUC, and status staff employees with at least a 50% appointment who have completed at least six months of service at UIUC. An employee does not have to contribute to the fund in order to benefit.
Is the information provided by applicants confidential?
Information provided by grant applicants will be treated as confidential and shared only with individuals directly involved in grant administration, processing and tax reporting.
Is the emergency fund grant a taxable event?
Yes. Grants are considered taxable income. The total amount will be included as income on the grant recipient's W-2 form.
How will the Emergency Fund be administered?
All applicants are directed to the Faculty/Staff Assistance Program. The FSAP Counselors review each situation, pursue all relevant campus and community resources and forward cases that meet eligibility requirements to a Chancellor-appointed Executive Committee of three, whose identity is known only to the Chancellor and FSAP staff. The Executive Committee notifies the FSAP staff of its decision. When the committee recommends a grant, the FSAP staff instructs the University Foundation Gift Administrator to issue a check.
How is the fund to be used?
Since the first award on April 30, 1992, employees in crisis situations have significantly benefited from the fund. Some examples are:
• Preventing the loss of dependent health insurance coverage.
• Preventing shut-off of utilities.
• Meeting mortgage or rent payments.
• Providing medication and food.
How can I donate to the Emergency Fund?
Click on the contribution form at the top of this page. Please make checks payable to: UIF/UIUC Faculty and Staff Emergency Fund.
Send donations to:
University of Illinois Foundation
Faculty/Staff Emergency Fund
Harker Hall, M/C 386
1305 West Green Street
Urbana, IL 61801
Your gifts are tax deductible as allowed by law.
The Faculty/Staff Assistance Program may be able to help. Call us at 217-244-5312.