Cornell Offers Grants

Help for Those Facing Summer Layoff or Other Costs

If you work at Cornell and have incurred or expect to incur a 5 percent or more increase in living expenses since last July you are eligible to apply for a one-time payment from the new $750,000 fund Cornell has set up.

You are also eligible if you have experienced or expect to experience special financial challenges since July 2008.

A summer layoff from Dining should count as such a "special financial challenge."

Payment to you from the Fund, if approved, will total either $500, $750 or $1,000, less taxes and applicable deductions and will be made beginning July 2009.

Examples of living expenses that may have increased or are expected to increase by 5 percent which would make you eligible for a grant include (but are not limited to)

• rent
• mortgage
• dependent care costs
• work-related commuting expense
• utility charges
• tuition or other college expenses

Other financial challenges you have experienced or expect to experience since July 2008 also may qualify, including (but not limited to):

• job loss of a member in the household
• non-catastrophic ongoing medical expenses
• expenses related to deployment of military personnel
• seasonal layoffs

You will need to provide documentation, such as a bill or proof of payment, or an official letter (notifying of a layoff or something else which connects to your financial need or increased cost).... Applications must be postmarked by May 29.

You will need to provide documentation, such as a bill or proof of payment, or an official letter (notifying of a layoff or something else which connects to your financial need or increased cost).... Applications must be postmarked by May 29.

Applications must be sent by US Mail or Fax (NOT hand-delivered or e-mailed) and must be postmarked by May 29, 2009.

More information and applications are available from the Office of Workforce Diversity, Equity and Life Quality via e-mail (owdelq@cornell.edu) or phone, 255-3976, TDD/TTY, 255-7066. Local 2300 also has applications. Info:www.ohr.cornell.edu/caringCommunity/hardshipFund/index.html

For those who do not work at Cornell or are not eligible for the above grants, the Robin Whittlesey Social Justice Fund at GIAC (272-3622) may be able to assist if you are experiencing financial hardship.