Chico State Basic Needs Project

Basic Needs Emergency Grants

Are you currently in an unexpected or extenuating financial situation or economic crisis?

What is a Basic Needs Emergency Grant?

To support Chico State student basic needs and academic progress towards graduation, the Basic Needs Emergency Grant program assists eligible students experiencing unexpected or extenuating economic challenges with financial assistance in the form of a financial aid grant through Financial Aid.

Please Note: Basic Needs Emergency Grants are available during the fall and spring semesters and only available during the summer months for students actively enrolled and taking Summer Session.

Unexpected Economic Crisis Examples:

  • Unexpected or extenuating financial challenge
  • Uninsured dental or medical emergency
  • Under threat of eviction due to unexpected or extenuating circumstance
  • Victim of a crime, scam or accident  
  • Displacement due to unsafe, unhealthy or unpredictable living conditions
  • Unpredictable change in financial circumstances
  • Disaster or household emergency situations (e.g. climate fires)

Eligibility:

  • Be in an unexpected or extenuating economic crisis (see examples above)
  • Be a currently enrolled CSU, Chico undergraduate or graduate student or have an intention of enrollment approved through Basic Needs.
  • Be able to specifically document the nature of the economic crisis and the urgent financial situation.
  • Be available to initially meet with a Financial Aid adviser and Case Manager.
  • Be willing to work towards economic stability by following through with a mutually agreed-upon action plan with a University case manager, which may include working with staff at: Financial Aid & Scholarship, Financial Wellness, Academic Advising, WellCat Counseling Center and other on and off-campus offices to improve financial, mental and physical sustainability.
  • If applicable, complete the FAFSA, (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), CADAA (California Dream Act Application), or equivalent. Note: Unhoused, former foster, and unaccompanied homeless youth (youth that are unhoused) have financial aid access rights and are strongly encouraged to contact Basic Needs for advocacy support with financial aid applications
  • If appropriate, must be actively pursuing part-time employment and all other means of self-support, if currently unemployed but able to work.

Not Eligible for Emergency Grant

  • If you have additional financial resources, benefits, financial aid and/or grant eligibility that can be used first.
  • If you need it to pay for expected or planned expenses that could have been successfully budgeted for (e.g., tuition, travel or car insurance).
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