Student Emergency Fund

The Student Emergency Fund (also called the Lions Lifting Lions Fund) is a joint venture between the Division of Student Affairs and donations given by the TCNJ community. The SEF assists TCNJ students by providing financial support when they need assistance with unexpected, emergency expenses surrounding situations such as accidents, illness, death of a family member, fire damage, co-pay coverage for medical or mental health services, or the need for temporary housing or food. This funding is not intended to replace or supplement existing financial aid and does not have to be repaid. The SEF will not cover a student’s tuition, fees, or student loan payments. Students may apply when they have exhausted all other resources.

Apply for Emergency Funding

Select (Emergency Fund Request)

Donate to the Student Emergency Fund

Select the designation “Lions Lifting Lions”

Eligible Recipients for the SEF must:

be a currently enrolled TCNJ student;
have a financial hardship resulting from an emergency, accident, or unexpected critical incident;
have pursued, and determined to be insufficient, unavailable, or not available in a timely manner; all other resources, including emergency loans through student financial aid, scholarships and other student aid, and
applicants must complete all questions in full and submit supporting documentation in their application.

The Emergency Fund Committee will review the completed application materials to determine appropriate funding amounts if any. Funds distributed do not generally exceed $500 or go beyond two weeks for housing or food. The committee will review application requests in excess of $500 for unique and unusual circumstances of emergency financial need. Applicants may be required to meet with a staff member in the Dean of Students Office to discuss their application. Students currently receiving financial aid, should be aware that receiving funding from the SEF may affect their future aid packages.

Once the criteria are met, the Dean of Students Office will verify with the Office of Student Financial Assistance that the student would not qualify for the TCNJ Help Loan or that this is not a realistic option, and that there is still a financial need.

If the request does not exceed $500 dollars, and all eligibility requirements are met, the Dean of Students Office can process the emergency funds. If the request exceeds $500, and all eligibility criteria are met, the Emergency Fund Committee will review the application and process any awarded emergency funds. Please know that while TCNJ may fund requests, it is the student’s responsibility to understand how funds granted may impact their taxes, and are required to submit all necessary documentation required for taxes.