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DASH Emergency Grants

An unexpected crisis should never force you to choose between paying the bills and staying in school. UCA is dedicated to helping you continue your education no matter what life may throw at you. DASH provides emergency micro-grants for expenses which the students don’t have to pay back.

 

HOW WE CAN HELP

DASH is a one-time-only grant designed to assist students experiencing unforeseen, temporary financial challenges associated with various expenses. For example, we would not pay for your utility bill every month but could pay for the current month if you are in immediate need. Each situation is unique, and we encourage you to call or email to find out how we can help.

Contact us at (501) 852-0704 or dashgrant@uca.edu with any questions or concerns.

 

EXAMPLES OF ELIGIBLE EXPENSES

(This list is not exhaustive)
  • Child Care
  • Food/Meals
  • Gasoline
  • Housing/Rent
  • Medical/Dental Expenses
  • Personal Automobile Expenses
  • Public Transportation/Bus Pass
  • Utilities

 

EXAMPLES OF INELIGIBLE EXPENSES

(This list is not exhaustive)
  • Fines for UCA parking violations
  • Expenses associated with studying abroad
  • Fees for Fraternity/Sorority
  • Expenditures on entertainment, non-urgent travel, leisure, or other non-essential items
  • Non-critical utilities (such as cable, streaming services), household, or furniture expenses not attributable to damage or theft

 

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

  • Full or part-time student seeking a degree
  • Enrolled at UCA during the semester in which the grant would be received
  • COVID-19 impacted your financial situation
  • Have not received the DASH Grant or Student Emergency Fund from Spring 2020 to the present.

 

APPLICATION PROCESS

  1. Submit an online application outlining the need for funding due to costs resulting from COVID-19 related unexpected circumstances.
    • Please be aware that the application consists of two distinct components: the application itself and a budget form, which you will be directed to after completing the initial application. Both components must be completed in their entirety before the committee can review your request.
  2. Provide appropriate documentation of your expense—for example, a car repair estimate or a utility bill.
  3. Meet with the Assistant Director, if required.
    If you cannot make it to an appointment you have already scheduled, be sure to cancel it or let the Assistant Director know. All no-shows will be required to complete a 1-page essay in order to be considered for a DASH grant in the future.

 

SELECTION PROCESS

  1. The Dash Grants Selection Committee will consider the completed application and vote.
  2. The student will receive an email stating whether their grant has been denied, fully awarded, or partially awarded.
  3. If the grant is approved, the Assistant Director will submit a payment request within 1-2 business days.
  4. Student Accounts will process payments on Mondays and Thursdays only after receiving approval from the State of Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration. Payments will be processed on Wednesdays after receiving approval.

All decisions by the committee are final and cannot be appealed.

IMPORTANT: The committee does not have a set timeline to make a decision.  It could take as little as a few days to as long as more than a month for a decision.  If you’re approved for the grant, it could take a week or more before funds are disbursed.

 

Click here to apply