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UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS URBANA-CHAMPAIGN

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Illinois Human Resources

Faculty/Staff Assistance and Well-Being Services

Emergency Funding

Supporting Our University Community

Employees are the most vital resource of this university. A financial crisis can happen at any time to any person. Long-term and terminal illnesses, death of a family member, substance abuse, and family breakups can and do create financial hardships, which can affect work performance. At such times, emergency funding, administered in a confidential manner, enables recipients to weather a financial hardship.

Faculty/Staff Emergency Fund

The Faculty/Staff Emergency Fund (FSEF) was conceived by concerned faculty and staff for the sole purpose of financially assisting other faculty and staff in times of crisis. The FSEF Committee is a volunteer group. It is supported by the Chancellor and coordinates the development, promotion, and fund-raising for the emergency fund. Faculty/Staff Emergency Fund brochure.

Eligibility

  • Must be a current staff employee, academic professional employee, or faculty member.
  • Must have a permanent position with the University (i.e., academic hourly and extra help employees not eligible).
  • At least 6 months of continuous regular employment at the University
  • Be employed on at least a 50%-time basis at the University.
  • Have a temporary financial hardship because of an emergency situation.
  • Have considered other possible resources which were not available or are not sufficient to meet the employee’s financial need.
  • Employees do not have to contribute to the fund in order to benefit.

Application Process

All applicants are directed to call Faculty/Staff Assistance and Well-Being Services at (217) 244-5312 to apply. The FSAWS Counselors review each situation, pursue all relevant campus and community resources, and forward cases that meet eligibility requirements to a Chancellor-appointed Executive Committee of three, whose identity is known only to the Chancellor and FSAWS staff. The Executive Committee notifies the FSAWS staff of its decision. When the committee recommends a grant, the FSAWS staff instructs the Illinois Human Resources Business Office to distribute the grant.

Make a Donation

Click here for a safe and easy way to give online.

Electronic Funds Transfer
Payroll Deduction

Acts of Kindness

Participating in service projects, charitable donation opportunities, and random acts of kindness are practices that strengthen with repetition, resulting in positive benefits for everyone involved.

FSAWS has been helping employees and their families during the holiday season for the last 15 plus years! As we look to provide ongoing support, we are now expanding the program to offer quarterly opportunities for departments to help individuals and families throughout the year.

There will be four opportunities for a department to provide support and here are a few ideas.

Spring Forward

Spring can bring new life to an employee in need! Consider donating gift cards for the purchase of food and gas for someone in need, or financially contribute to a family needing to cover summer childcare/camp participation. Departmental sponsorship entries due by the last business day of February.

Summer Break

Summer is oftentimes accompanied by unexpected expenses including lay off periods, urgent child-care needs and back-to-school supplies. Consider donating store gift cards, Visa gift cards, and school supplies to those needing support. Departmental sponsorship entries due by the last business day of May.

Fall Harvest

Fall is a great opportunity to show all employees, families/household members a giving spirit, in the best way…food! Spread kindness and good-will while also making someone’s season a little more delicious by purchasing food items and baskets for those in need. Departmental sponsorship entries due by the last business day of September.

Winter Warmth

Winter can be a challenging time for all. Consider supporting an individual, couple or family by purchasing winter clothing, food, gift cards and other items to ensure they stay warm this winter! Departmental sponsorship entries due by the last business day of October.