Great Falls College MSU plan for CARES Act Student Emergency Funding (HEERF) Distribution

Great Falls College MSU received $845,222 in federal funds as a result of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). Of these funds, at least half ($422,611) will be distributed as direct grants to students in response to disruption to campus operations due to COVID-19 concerns. Grants are to be given to students to help with expenses incurred as a result of this disruption. The grants are provided directly to the student without withholding any amount for institutional charges the student may owe.

The US Department of Education requires us to post the below information:

Great Falls College MSU signed and returned to the Department the Certification and Agreement on April 14, 2020. We assure that the institution will use no less than 50 percent of the funds received under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.

Great Falls College MSU has received $845,222, of which at least $422,611 will be spent on direct to student grants.

Reporting Date Funds Distributed Estimated Eligible Students Students Receiving Grants
5/14/2020 $208,000 570 322
6/30/2020 $267,235* 570 400
8/14/2020 $267,880* 570 400
09/30/2020 $267,880* 570 400
12/30/2020 $431,737* 669 520

*totals for all categories are cumulative

For the initial HEERF distribution for Spring 2020 semester, all eligible students were sent an application to confirm that they experienced technology expenses. The students were able to indicate other expenses on the application survey form to request additional funding. Upon receipt of the application, students were granted a flat amount up to $800. Students were required to request and explain further expenses to receive an amount above $800.

Following US Department of Education and Office of Commissioner of Higher Education guidelines, the eligibility requirements are as follows:

  • Title IV eligible

  • For Spring Semester distribution, were not enrolled in an online only program as of 3/23/20

  • Incurred expenses as a result of campus disruptions due to COVID-19. Eligible expenses include food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and child care.

Applications will be reviewed for eligibility by the Financial Aid department.

Funds will be distributed through Student Accounts on a first-come, first-served basis and can be requested any time until funds run out or April 2021, whichever is first. Students are strongly encouraged to sign up for direct deposit. Otherwise, physical checks will be mailed to students’ address of record.

Funds were available for the Fall 2020 semester for expenses incurred as a result of further campus disruption.  


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