Federal Coronavirus Relief Funds

In response to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, the federal government allocated funds to institutions of higher education to provide timely economic relief to students negatively impacted by COVID-19. Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds (HEERF) were distributed in three rounds using distribution principles approved by the Board of Regents in May 2020.

The University of Minnesota system received allocations in all three rounds of funding: 

  • In spring 2020, as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (better known as the CARES Act).
  • In early 2021, as part of the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA).  In summer 2021, as part of the American Rescue Plan (ARP). 
  • In May 2020, the Board of Regents approved distribution principles for the student portion of the Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which includes the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund.

Federal Coronavirus Relief Funds Reporting

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HEERF III Reporting - American Rescue Plan

The University of Minnesota system received funds from the American Rescue Plan (ARP) during the spring of 2021. In compliance with the Department of Education’s ARP reporting requirements, please find the following reports on how funds were distributed:

HEERF II Reporting - Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act

The University of Minnesota system allocated funds from the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA) during the spring of 2021. In compliance with the Department of Education’s CRRSAA reporting requirements, please find the following reports on how funds were distributed:

CARES Act

In compliance with the Department of Education’s CARES Act reporting requirements, the following reports are available: 

Federal Coronavirus Relief Funding

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Emergency Grants

Please see information on eligibility, process, and timeline on our emergency grants page

Block Grants

Block grants are intended to be used broadly to support students how they see fit. Students who received a block grant were notified via email. Block grants may be used to cover bills, replenish savings, take care of basic needs, or pay for educational expenses such as tuition.

The University of Minnesota’s Office of Student Finance used a formula to determine eligibility. No application was necessary for this block grant.
 

Degree Completion and Student Success Funds for Undergraduate Students

A portion of the University’s funding was used to help eligible undergraduate students complete their degrees or advance their degree progress during the terms. Eligible students were identified based on degree progress and financial need and notified by email when they received these funds.