Support UMass Students in Times of Need
- Medical Fundraising Team
- Nov 1
- 2 min read
A Project by UMass Amherst Foundation
Taking Action for Students When It Matters Most
As a senior at UMass Amherst, I’ve seen firsthand how resilient our student community is—and how quickly unexpected challenges can disrupt even the most carefully planned academic journey.
No student should have to choose between staying in school and managing an emergency. Yet sudden hardships like medical crises, family loss, unexpected expenses, or food insecurity can place an overwhelming burden on students who are already working hard to succeed.
That’s why I want to help spread awareness about the student support funds at UMass Amherst—programs designed to step in when students need help most.
A Safety Net for Students in Crisis
The Student Care & Emergency Response Fund (SCERF) provides immediate assistance to students facing urgent, unforeseen situations. This support can help with:
Medical emergencies
Emergency travel due to a family loss
Sudden loss of income
Car or computer breakdowns
Unexpected or high-cost course materials
Housing-related emergencies
Since Spring 2020, over $770,000 has been distributed to more than 1,200 students, helping them stay enrolled, protect their well-being, and continue toward graduation.
One student shared how life-changing this support was:
“Programs like this gave me the motivation to continue when everything felt impossible. Knowing there was help made all the difference.”
Supporting Students Through Uncertainty
UMass Amherst also offers the Angel Fund, which supports students facing unexpected financial hardship due to changes in federal immigration policy. These challenges can impact housing, academics, legal needs, and emotional well-being.
Emergency grants from the Angel Fund are needs-based and never need to be repaid, ensuring students can focus on their education during uncertain times.
Food Security Matters
Food insecurity should never be part of the college experience. Contributions to Food Security Initiatives directly support the Campus Pantry, helping ensure students can focus on learning instead of worrying about their next meal.
Access to food is access to opportunity—and it plays a vital role in student success.
Why I’m Sharing This
As a UMass senior, I believe in taking action to support our community. Whether you’re a student, alum, faculty member, or friend of the university, your awareness and generosity can help ensure that temporary hardships don’t become permanent setbacks.
Together, we can show students that they’re not alone—and that UMass Amherst stands with them, every step of the way.
Give today to keep UMass students on track. Your gift provides hope in times of crisis.
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