Student Emergency Fund: The Golden Eagle Opportunity Fund
The Golden Eagle Opportunity Fund provides financial assistance for current students in emergency situations, so that they can continue to pursue their education. Emergency situations are beyond the control of students and they can include instances such as:
death in the family
accident
loss of property
loss of income
Eligible applicants must be enrolled at SUNY Brockport as a full-time, matriculated, undergraduate or graduate students in the semester the application is being submitted. Enrollment will be verified.
Funding is limited to a one-time/semester grant not to exceed $1,000. Average grants range from $200-to-$500.
Applications will be reviewed regularly with the intention to determine award decisions within five to seven business days of application submission. Additional documentation or follow up may be required before finalizing a decision.
Only complete applications will be considered, which must include supporting documentation for emergencies involving a third-party provider (ie: housing, utilities, car repairs, medical, etc.) at a time of submission. Funding will be paid to the third-party provided when possible.
Emergencies are typically unexpected occurrences that may adversely impact a student’s ability to cover the cost of basic needs or essential living expenses. The following are examples of situations that may trigger financial distress:
Housing insecurity (ie: threat of eviction, homelessness)
Unexpected damaged or stolen property (ie: fire, flood, theft, break-in)
Inability to access employment and, or loss of employment
Unforeseen accident or medical/dental expenses
Unsuspected travel expenses
Unanticipated change in financial aid award causing financial hardship
This is not a complete list of eligible/ineligible expenses that will be considered. Please note that all requests may not be fulfilled.
Examples of Supporting Documentation include:
Invoices or screenshots of currently dated bills and statements for upcoming or past due balances (not reimbursements).
Signed and dated leases with a current statement from landlord or property manager indicating upcoming payment owed or outstanding balance.
Estimates for medical or dental procedures (NY State of Health options are available for individuals who need insurance options).
Automotive repairs, maintenance, gas, insurance (ie: vehicles used only for commuting to work, school, childcare).
Grants are made based on individual circumstances but generally a student must indicate financial need through the FASFA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form.
Grants should not be used in place of financial aid. Grants are not considered a means to finance a student’s education, including required course materials, fees or tuition assessed by the University.
No details are shared with a third-party provider unless there is a legitimate need as part of the funding decision. It may take two to three weeks from the time the application is submitted until approved grants are disbursed.
The GEOF committee may advise students to seek other resources provided by the University, or in the local community, to cover needs.
Exceptions to the guidelines are possible at the discretion of the GEOF committee. Academic, financial, and student conduct information may be used to determine eligibility.
The GEOF committee comprises of representatives from the Office of Advancement, Academic Success Center, Division of Academic Affairs, Financial Aid Office, and the Division of Student Affairs.
How to Apply for Funding
Applications will be treated as private, but in some circumstances may be shared beyond the committee on an as-needed basis. Details will be shared with appropriate University offices to process funding requests, and to ensure the proper welfare of student applicants depending on the emergency.
Only apply for an emergency grant after other methods of funding have been exhausted. Request only the amount needed as funding is limited. Applications will be prioritized based on detailed review of need. Each request should clearly identify the amount and purpose of funds requested along with at least one other source contacted for help before requesting assistance.
Applications will be accepted during the fall and spring semesters. The application will be active for the spring 2025 semester on Wednesday, January 22. The Golden Eagle Opportunity Fund is unavailable to students during the summer and winter sessions, however you can reach out to the Foundation Scholarship Office with inquiries or to discuss your situation.
Garrett W. Roe Office of Advancement 350 New Campus Drive Brockport, NY 14420 (585) 395-5124 groe@brockport.edu
Support the Golden Eagle Opportunity Fund
Nearly $300,000 has been distributed to students in emergency situations due to the generosity of our donors. Help us support students to overcome unforeseen financial challenges. continue their education, and remain on track academically.
Circumstances that impact a student’s mental health can prevent them from achieving academic success and continuing their education. The University offers short-term, one-time funds to students experiencing a situation that is negatively impacting their mental and emotional well-being through the Student Mental Health Emergency Fund.
Student funds are available to currently enrolled students who are experiencing a hardship or crisis that has impacted their mental and emotional well-being and could impact their ability to remain in school. Examples of situations that may impact a student’s mental health include, but are not limited to:
Death in the family
Crisis situation
Victim of a crime or accident
Need for mental health treatment that the student cannot afford
Recent traumatic experience or event
Loss of income
Students facing situations or circumstances which are beyond their control, which have had a negative impact on their mental and emotional health, may apply Student Mental Health Emergency Funding.
Eligible applicants must be enrolled for the semester in which the application is being submitted.
Only complete applications will be considered, which must include supporting documentation for mental health services, documentation from a mental health provider verifying that the student is a current patient.
Outline, as part of the application, a proposed spending plan for the funds.
Applicants are seeking to off-set short-term financial needs for mental health services and are not intended to replace financial aid, scholarships, or any form of social service funding.
Funding is limited to a one-time financial grant for the current funding period and will not exceed a maximum allotment of $1,000.
Exceptions to these guidelines may be made at the discretion of the committee.
All situations are unique and will be evaluated confidentially with the committee, and as needed, with appropriate University officials to process funding requests, and to ensure the proper welfare of student applicants depending on the emergency.
Additional information may be requested by email and, or phone number after your application is submitted. Applications must contain the required information in order for their application to be reviewed by the committee. Please note that all requests may not be fulfilled.
Applications are reviewed on a biweekly basis by a committee consisting of members the Division of Student Affairs and the Office of Advancement.
