Current Basic Needs Support Grants:
FALL 2024 GRANTS OPEN SEPTEMBER 17 – DECEMBER 2, 2024
A note about MetroCards: Ride the MTA for Half Price
Lehman students who are seeking assistance in purchasing a MetroCard are encouraged to apply for the Fair Fares NYC program. This NYC program provides a 50% discount on all subway and eligible bus fares. CUNY Students, Student Veterans and NYCHA residents who meet the eligibility criteria can enroll in the program. For more information and to check your eligibility status, visit the Fair Fares NYC website.
BOOK/COURSE MATERIALS VOUCHERS OPEN AUGUST 29, 2024
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY - THIS PAGE INCLUDES NEW AND UPDATED INFORMATION.
Currently there are four basic needs support grant programs available to Lehman College students facing financial challenges. Two of the grants focus on emergencies.None of these grants can pay tuition, fees, mortgages, car loans, or insurance, or credit card bills.
Please note that these are not cash grants; students do not receive funds directly and must provide documentation of need. Students cannot receive funding that exceeds their unmet need as determined by the Office of Financial Aid.
| Name | Grant Details | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|
Emergency Grants (two programs)
|
Focused on unexpected, unforeseen, or unavoidable emergency expenses related but not limited to loss of property or income; illness or death in the immediate family; being a victim of an accident or crime; loss of childcare Minimum GPA of 2.0 Petrie – up to $1250 per semester; can also apply for one 30-day Unlimited MetroCard each semester Student Affairs – up to $950 per semester |
Petrie – online application provided through Petrie Foundation Student Affairs – Student Affairs Universal/Emergency Grant application provided through Lehman College Club CentralVendor/Payee will need to be registered in CUNYBuy for payment to occur. |
|
Provides funds to purchase books, academic course materials and supplies through the Lehman College Bookstore. Minimum GPA of 2.0 (undergraduate) and 3.0 (graduate) Up to $250 per semester available. |
Apply using the Student Affairs Universal/ Emergency Grant Application on Club Central; need to identify this grant on the application; funds must be used within two weeks of receipt. |
|
Funded through LCU Fund. Supports women enrolled full-time who have earned at least 12 credits at Lehman studying the arts, education, social work, public administration, religious leadership, criminal justice or health care who need temporary, non-emergency financial assistance related to housing. Lease that includes applicant’s name required. Income guidelines (based on FAFSA): less than $50,000 yearly Minimum GPA of 3.0 required Recipients may be asked to participate in events and/or activities on and off campus. Up to $3000 per semester/$6,000 per academic year (AY 24-25) |
Apply using LCU Housing Support Grant Application on Club Central. |
All grant applications require:
- the submission of *supporting documentation
- a short statement of need outlining your emergency or temporary hardship and how the grant will assist you.
In order for a full review of your application to begin, all supporting documentation, including the statement must be submitted. The processing of your application could be significantly delayed if supporting documentation is not clearly identified or not provided in a timely manner.
In addition, each application must go through a committee and financial review which can take up to one month. Processing will take longer if supporting documents are not submitted in a timely manner or if you do not include a statement of need.
Applications are open until the deadlines outlined or until funds are expended.
To find out your eligibility please complete the Basic Needs Support Grant Pre-Screening Form. You can also apply via the links below each grant description.
Please direct questions to student.affairs@lehman.cuny.edu
Emergency Grants
GRANT 1: The Carroll and Milton Petrie Student Emergency Grant Fund (includes MetroCard Requests)
DEADLINE: 12/2/24
The Carroll and Milton Petrie Student Emergency Grant Fund has been awarded to Lehman College for the purpose of providing grants that enable currently enrolled students in good academic standing who are experiencing temporary, short-term financial emergencies to remain in school. Students who demonstrate need and are facing unexpected, unforeseen, or unavoidable emergency expenses may apply for this grant.The grant provides awards up to $1250.00 per semester. The final award amount will be based on need as described in the student’s application and as supported by the appropriate documentation.
In addition, through this fund, students can apply for one 30-day Unlimited MetroCard each semester. You must note that you need help with “transportation” expenses on your Petrie application.
In addition, through this fund, students can apply for one 30-day Unlimited MetroCard each semester. You must note that you need help with “transportation” expenses on your Petrie application.
Eligible students must meet application requirements below and provide a complete application.
- Be a matriculated Lehman College student and in good academic standing (E-Permit and Visiting Students are not eligible).
- Have a minimum GPA of 2.0
- Upload their Student ID and supporting documentation to support their emergency and/or demonstrate need
- Provide an invoice, lease or other bill that includes your name and address
- Provide a W-9 form from the vendor to be paid (except if it’s a utility company such a ConEdison, Verizon etc.)
- Provide the name, address and contact information of the vendor/payee.
- Provide a written statement including the information below:
- How your academic program is helping to achieve your personal and career
- Your current unexpected, unforeseen, or unavoidable emergency and how the situation is affecting your studies
- How you will benefit from the grant
*Please note that Petrie funds are not disbursed directly to students-- funds are sent to the vendor directly (such as, landlord, ConEdison, etc.).
Click here to apply for the Petrie Emergency Grant
GRANT 2: Student Affairs Emergency Grant
Deadline: 12/2/24
The Student Affairs Emergency Grant Fund provides small microgrants to students experiencing financial challenges related to unexpected, unforeseen, or unavoidable emergencies. These funds are made available via the Student Activity Emergency Fund for students in need and are funded through the Student Activity Fee earmark allocation every semester. The grant provides awards up to $950.00 per semester. The final award amount will be based on need as described in the student’s application and as supported by the appropriate documentation.Please note that the vendor/payee may need to be registered in the CUNYBuy system for payment to occur.
Students who apply for other Basic Needs grants (e.g., Petrie or LCU Housing Fund) may also be eligible to request additional funds via the Student Affairs Emergency Grant.
Eligible students must meet application requirements and provide a complete application.
Eligible applicants must:
- Be a matriculated Lehman College student in good academic standing (E-Permit and Visiting Students are not eligible).
- Have a minimum GPA of 2.0
- Upload documentation to support their emergency and/or demonstrate need
- Itemize each cost and provide a total of requested amount
- Provide an invoice, lease or other bill that includes your name and address
- Provide a W-9 form from the vendor to be paid (except if it’s a utility company such a ConEdison, Verizon etc.).
- Provide the name, address and contact information of the vendor/payee.
- Provide a written statement detailing:
- How your academic program is helping to achieve your personal and career goals
- Your current unexpected, unforeseen, or unavoidable emergency
- How you will benefit from the grant
Click here to apply for the Student Affairs Emergency Grant
Non-Emergency Grants
GRANT 3: Lehman College Book/ Course Materials Voucher
Deadline: 12/2/24; Application opens 8/29/24
The Lehman College Book/Course Materials Voucher supports students experiencing financial hardship with textbook or course materials, including academic school supplies (e.g., lab notebook, graphing calculator) costs.Award Amount: $250.00 voucher to the Lehman College Bookstore or chargeback (refund) based on financial need and good academic standing. Requirements: Students who are awarded a voucher must purchase their books and materials through the Lehman College Bookstore. The Bookstore is located in the Old Gym Building and can be accessed online here.
If a student has already purchased their books and is seeking a chargeback/refund, they should note this in their application.
Voucher Criteria:
- Enrolled in a Lehman College degree program.
- Minimum 2.0 GPA for undergraduates and minimum 3.0 GPA for graduate students
- Must demonstrate financial need. Students are not eligible if they received a SEEK, ACE or Pell book advance/voucher.
- Funds must be used within two weeks of receipt.
Click here for Book/Course Materials Voucher Application
GRANT 4: The LCU Scholars Housing Support Grant Program
Deadline: 12/2/24
The LCU Scholars Housing Support Grant Program is an income and merit-based program, with the number of applicants often exceeding the funds available. If you have more urgent housing needs and/or do not meet the criteria for this award, we encourage you to apply for an emergency grant and/or reach out to the Student Affairs Basic Needs Center for additional support.The LCU Scholars Housing Support Grant Program supports a select number of women undergraduate and graduate students who have financial difficulties meeting their housing expenses in addition to their tuition and other education-related obligations. The funds are provided by the LCU Fund for Women’s Education, whose mission is to “clear the path for low-income women to complete college by helping them pay their rent.” The LCU Fund has outlined specific gender, major, GPA and income requirements (see below) and has identified as a focus of support, undergraduate scholars in their junior and senior years.
Scholars who are awarded LCU grants will need to meet additional program requirements. For example, students may be asked to participate in events and/or activities on and off campus.
In 2024-25, the LCU Scholars Housing Support Grant Program will provide up to $3,000 per semester ($6,000 per academic year) to awardees. This grant may be awarded annually provided students continue to meet requirements and funding is available. The final award amount will be based on need as described in the student’s application, LCU Fund guidelines and as supported by the appropriate documentation.
Students applying for the LCU grant must include a written statement detailing:
- How your academic program in the arts, education, social work, public administration, religious leadership, criminal justice or health care is helping to achieve your personal and career goals.
- Your current housing situation
- How you will benefit from an LCU housing grant.
LCU Eligible applicants:
- Must identify as a woman. This includes cisgender and transgender women.
- Must be a matriculated student enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program in the arts, education, social work, public administration, religious leadership, criminal justice or health care (E-Permit and Visiting Students are not eligible)
- Must have completed at least 12 credits at Lehman College
- Must be academically or artistically high performing as evidenced by a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or a portfolio of academic or programmatic success
- Must earn less than $50,000 annually (as determined by the FAFSA) and have no, or very limited assistance from family or other outside sources
- Must file a completed FASFA which indicates an unmet financial need after state and federal aid are applied
- Must use funds to cover HOUSING expenses (i.e., rent; we cannot cover mortgage payments)
- Must submit a recent lease that includes your name
- Must provide a W-9 form from the vendor/landlord to be paid
Students enrolled full-time for the academic year and undergraduate students in their junior or senior year are given preference for awards
Click here to apply for the LCU Scholars Housing Support Grant Program
All Grant Applications MUST Include Supporting Documentation
In order for a full review of your application to begin, all supporting documentation must be submitted. The processing of your application could be significantly delayed if supporting documentation is not clearly identified or not provided in a timely manner.If you have questions about supporting documentation, please reach out to student.affairs@lehman.cuny.edu.
*What is supporting documentation? Supporting documentation is proof of your emergency, short-term hardship and/or financial need. It includes bills, invoices, leases, and relevant letters/notices.
The Petrie, Student Affairs and LCU Scholars grant applications require that you submit supporting documentation. For instance, if you are requesting assistance with paying a specific bill (s), a copy of the bill(s) must be provided with your application. If you are requesting assistance with rental costs, a copy of your lease and rental bill must be included. We may request additional documents to help us with reviewing your application.
Supporting documents should include your name, address and account number (if applicable). In addition, the full bill should be uploaded. All charges/costs should be clearly detailed as well as the payee (vendor/landlord) and payee address. Digital bills with partial information are not acceptable. Leases should be recent, include your name, and should include signatures.
Bills/documents can be uploaded as PDFs or you can provide a clear digital picture of all pages in one file. Uploaded files should be identified in the following manner: Last Name_First Name_Type of Document (e.g., Smith_Mary_ConEdBill)
In order for a full review of your application to begin, all supporting documentation must be submitted. The processing of your application could be significantly delayed if supporting documentation is not clearly identified or not provided in a timely manner.
If you have questions about supporting documentation, please reach out to student.affairs@lehman.cuny.edu.
Sample of ACCEPTABLE bill submission
(from: https://www.coned.com/en/accounts-billing/your-bill/how-to-read-your-bill/sample-bill-residential)