Southern New Hampshire University announced today it will open a $1 million emergency fund to assist members of the SNHU community, students or employees, facing immediate financial crisis caused by the shutdown of the federal government.

Beginning Thursday, January 17, 2019, students, faculty and staff affected by the shutdown can apply for funds to assist them during this time. The aid will take the form of direct grants with no repayment.

“As the federal government shutdown continues with no immediate end in sight, we want to make sure we are doing all we can to support our students, faculty, and staff who are directly impacted,” said Paul LeBlanc, University President and CEO, SNHU. “No one should have to go hungry, risk a loss of housing, or go without basic human needs because of the political impasse in Washington, and we hope this new emergency fund will ease some of our community members’ financial burdens.”

Those eligible for funds include:

Currently enrolled SNHU students who are also federal employees and not receiving a paycheck because of the government shutdown; Currently enrolled SNHU students whose spouse or partner is a federal employee not receiving a paycheck because of the government shutdown; Currently enrolled SNHU students who are dependents of a federal employee not receiving a paycheck because of the government shutdown; SNHU employees whose spouse or partner is a federal employee not receiving a paycheck because of the government shutdown.

For all students, faculty, and staff interested in applying for funds, check your snhu.edu email for additional details or contact your advisor.

For any students who have questions about their aid during the government shutdown or how you may be impacted, please contact your advisor.