Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for funds from the Hardship Fund?
Any employee of the college whose gross income in 08/09 is $42,500 or less, if your hours of employment have been reduced and you are unable to meet basic needs or have an unforeseen emergency.
How do I apply?
There is an application form you can fill out. It is available as a PDF in the left column of this site or you can pick up a copy in the Office of Human Resources. On the application you can ask to talk to someone about how to fill in the application form.
Who is the committee?
The committee members are Sam Speers, Director of Religious and Spiritual Life; Rebecca Edwards, Professor of History; Royce Drake ’10; Tanhena Pacheco-Dunn, Assistant Director of Human Resources; and Maureen Lashlee from the Community Action Partnership.
What is the Community Action Partnership?
The Community Action Partnership is a national organization with a community-based office in Poughkeepsie that puts people in touch with local agencies that provide a variety of services. They have client advocates who work with individuals to help them understand and gain access to the support that is available to them.
Who will know whether I have applied for funds?
Only members of the committee.
What else do I have to give to the committee besides the application form?
Anything that will help the committee understand what your need is. For example, if you cannot pay the rent or mortgage, a bill from the landlord or the bank showing what the amount is; if you have medical expenses you cannot meet, copies of the bills from the doctor or from the pharmacy; bills for electricity; an estimate of the cost of travel if you have a family emergency, etc.
When will I receive the funds, if the committee accepts my application?
The committee will meet weekly, starting in the week of June 8th, and will let applicants know by the end of each week. The funds will be issued from Accounts Payable as a check. The grant is not taxable.
What is the most money I can receive from the fund?
Unless there are unusual circumstances, the largest amount is $2,500.
Whom do I contact if I have questions?
Royce Drake ’10, a member of the committee.
Phone: 678-603-0798
Email: phdrake@vassar.edu
Please call M-F 5-8pm; Sat and Sun 1-3pm
Contribute
- Deadline for contributions:
31 July 2009 - To contribute by credit card online, go to the secure online form.
- To contribute by check or credit card, download the print form (PDF).