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Lumberjack CARES Act Grant

NOTICE: Applications for CARES Act Grant will open in November

Northern Arizona University will use the $11.7 million it received as part of the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act to directly assist eligible students who are facing financial hardship as it relates to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.   The university seeks to help students meet COVID-19 related costs to enable them to continue their education.  The university awarded approximately 52% of the funds to students during the first phase in the spring, and the remaining funds will be awarded in the second phase mid to late fall.

NAU will release a Lumberjack CARES Act Grant Application in November to award the remaining funds. Eligible students will be notified by email when the application is available. All students will be required to have a 2020-2021 FAFSA on file and meet the criteria below at the time of application.

How much will I receive?

Once the Lumberjack CARES Act Grant Application Form is complete, a direct deposit or check will be sent to you. The amount dispersed is dependent upon your  2020-2021 FAFSA and expenses explained on the application.

Who is eligible to receive the Lumberjack CARES Act Grant?

Student must have a current 2020-2021 academic year Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file to confirm eligibility for the Lumberjack CARES Act Grant.

Students must be Title IV eligible under Section 484 of the Higher Education Act requiring institutions to confirm eligibility of the following items:

Determined from information on the FAFSA:

  • Not owe an overpayment on Title IV grants or loans.
  • Not be in default on a Title IV loan.
  • Be a U.S. citizen or national, permanent resident, or other eligible non-citizen.
  • Have returned fraudulently obtained Title IV funds if convicted of, pled guilty to, or no contest to charges.
  • Not have fraudulently received Title IV loans in excess of annual or aggregate limits.
  • Have repaid Title IV loan amounts in excess of annual or aggregate limits if obtained inadvertently.
  • Have Selective Service registration verified if the student is a male between the ages of 18-26.
  • Have Social Security Number verified.
  • Not have a federal or state conviction for drug possession or sale, with certain time limitations.
  • File “as part of the original financial aid application process” a certification that includes a statement of educational purpose if requested by the Department of Education.
  • Determined by the institution:
    • Be enrolled as a full-time graduate or undergraduate student in a degree granting program on the date the application is activated mid to late fall.
    • Not be enrolled in an elementary or secondary school.
    • Be making satisfactory academic progress, if currently enrolled.

More information about the CARES Act and Student eligibility can be found here.

Who is not eligible to receive the Lumberjack CARES Act Grant?

Students not eligible include:

  • International students
  • DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival) students
  • Non-degree, graduate or undergraduate, students
  • Students that have applied for graduation
  • High school concurrent students
  • Students enrolled in an Online program when the application is activated in mid to late fall
  • Those students who are not making satisfactory academic progress

How are the funds distributed?

If you are eligible to receive the Lumberjack CARES Act Grant, funds will be distributed to the direct deposit you have on file in LOUIE, or a live check will be sent to the mailing address you have on file in LOUIE. To check or update your information in LOUIE, login in here.

CARES Act Reporting and Disclosure

  1. Northern Arizona University acknowledges that on April 17, 2020, we signed and returned to the Department of Education the required Certification and Agreement that states the institution intends to use no less than 50% of the funds received under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.
  2. On May 5, 2020, Northern Arizona University received $11,788.927 from the Department of Education pursuant to our Certification and Agreement for Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students.
  3. On May 12, 2020 Northern Arizona University began contacting students regarding how to submit a request for the Emergency Financial Aid Grant. The first distribution of funds began on May 14, 2020. As of September 1, 2020, $6,125,400 has been distributed.
  4. As of May 26, 2020, 16,404 students are eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 and thus eligible to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act. More information on eligibility is available on this page under the “Who is eligible to receive the Lumberjack CARES Grant?” question.
  5. May 12, 2020 Northern Arizona University began contacting students regarding how to submit a request for the Emergency Financial Aid Grant. The first distribution of funds was on May 14, 2020. As of September 1, 2020, 13,910 students have completed the confirmation process and have been sent grant funds.
  6. The methods used by Northern Arizona University to determine which students receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants and how much they would receive are detailed on this page in the opening as well as under the “How much will I receive?” question.
  7. Northern Arizona University contacted students and parents via email on May 12, 2020 with guidance concerning the Emergency Financial Aid Grants. In that email, students and parents were also encouraged to review information on this page, the Lumberjacks CARES Act Grant website.

FAQS

What is the CARES/Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund?

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act was passed by Congress and signed into law to provide economic relief from COVID-19. One section of the CARES Act established the Higher Education Emergency Relief fund, which affords the opportunity for NAU to provide emergency grants to students to help defray expenses related to COVID-19. There is additional funding for universities for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the pandemic.

When will CARES/Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds be available?

NAU applied for funding from the federal U.S. Department of Education based on the guidelines in the CARES Act. We received funding on May 6, 2020 and dispersed 52% of the funds in the spring and summer.  The remaining funds will be disbursed during the fall.

What documentation is required to be submitted with the application?

The CARES Act Grant Application link will be emailed to students who have FAFSAs on file. You will need to confirm your direct deposit information and mailing address in your LOUIE account are correct, as well as complete the application form in its entirety.

What constitutes eligible expenses to qualify for emergency funding?

Eligible expenses could include a variety of expenses related to the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on your academics. Some potential examples are: money spent for unanticipated travel, emergency child care due to extended school closures, and technology expenses.

Are the federal grants to students taxable?

No. According to the IRS: Emergency financial aid grants under the CARES Act for unexpected expenses, unmet financial need, or expenses related to the disruption of campus operations on account of the COVID-19 pandemic, such as unexpected expenses for food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, or childcare, are qualified disaster relief payments under section 139 of the Internal Revenue Code. This grant is not includible in your gross income.

Do I have to repay a Federal Emergency Aid Grant?

No. Grants are a type of financial assistance that do not need to be repaid.

Would this funding reduce my financial aid?

No, this fund does not negate or replace financial aid. It is a one-time grant.

Will I still receive funds if I have a charge on my student account?

Yes. CARES grant funds will be sent directly to you even if you have a balance on your account. This grant does not require your account to be at a $0 balance.

How does NAU plan to use the institutional grant funds made available through the CARES Act?

NAU will receive a second, different, institutional grant through the CARES Act. NAU will use these institutional funds to recover costs associated with the significant changes brought on by the global pandemic.

Who do I contact if I have additional questions?

If you have additional questions, please call 844-293-3159.