Student & Alumni Emergency Fund

A fund by the community for the community

As a result of unforeseen challenges impacting our community, many of our members are struggling to afford basic living expenses such as rent, food, and medical bills, through no fault of their own.

In response, ISC has established this emergency fund to provide short-term support for those facing immediate financial hardship.

Fund Overview

  • Purpose

    To provide short-term financial assistance to students and alumni facing sudden, unforeseen, and immediate financial hardships

  • Eligibility

    Current university students and alum who graduated within the last 5 years, experiencing loss of income or funds

  • Allowable Expenses

    Basic needs including but not limited to rent, medical expenses, and food/groceries

  • Disbursement Policy

    Each individual may receive up to $1,500 per application, and up to $3,000 each year

    (Limits may change based on available funds)

  • Application Process

    Applications will be reviewed on a monthly basis and prioritized based on level of urgency, and available funds.

    Applying does NOT guarantee funding

  • Verification

    Approved applicants are required to submit proof of emergency and financial need before receiving support

  • Confidentiality & Privacy

    All application information and documents remain strictly confidential, only accessible to committee members and ISC board

  • Terms & Conditions

    Applicants must agree to the full terms & conditions of the fund before applying

  • Current Application Process

    Round #2 - June application is open from 6/15-6/30.

  • Support Our GoFundMe Campaign

    Current university students and alum who graduated within the last 5 years, experiencing loss of income or funds

  • Stay Up-To-Date!

    To receive important updates regarding application timelines and fundraising efforts, please join our Telegram Channel.

Round #1 Emergency Fund Update

  • Total Applications

    241 Applications were received from students and alumni facing financial hardship.

  • Applicants Selected for Support

    25 applicants selected to receive $1,000 each through the ISC Emergency Fund. 3 applicants funded through our partner, the Iranian American Women Foundation (AWF), receiving $1,500 each.

  • Total Donations

    A total of $29,090 has been fundraised through the ISC Emergency Fund.

  • Duration

    Application for support was open from May 18th - May 31st.

This fund is brought to you in collaboration with our partners:

Iranian American Woman Foundation

Niku Charity Foundation

Persian Center

Frequently Asked Questions

  • No. The ISC Emergency Fund is a privately funded charitable program supported by donations and nonprofit partners. It is not a government benefit program and is not considered a public charge.

    Please note that ISC does not provide legal advice. If you have specific immigration concerns, we encourage you to consult a qualified immigration attorney.

  • No. Existing applications automatically remain under consideration for future funding rounds. Please do not submit duplicate applications.

  • You may log in and update your existing application during future application rounds. We encourage applicants to provide any significant updates or additional details that may help us better understand their circumstances.

  • Applications are reviewed by ISC committee members based on the information provided, demonstrated need, available funding, and eligibility requirements.

  • No. Unfortunately, available funding is limited and we are unable to support every qualified applicant. Submission of an application does not guarantee funding.

  • All applicants will be contacted by email regarding the status of their application. Please regularly check your Inbox, Spam, and Junk folders.

    If you believe you should have received a communication from us but cannot find it, please contact:

    emergencyfund@iranianamericanstudents.org

  • Please respond as soon as possible. Delays in providing requested information may affect our ability to process your application.

  • Yes. Application information is reviewed only by authorized ISC committee members and approved partner organizations when applicants provide consent.

  • Current students, recent graduates, researchers, and other members of the student and scholar community who are currently residing in the United States and facing unexpected financial hardship may apply, subject to program requirements and available funding.

  • The ISC Emergency Fund is supported entirely through donations, fundraising efforts, and partnerships with community organizations.

    @ISCEmergencyFund