Access Fund
The goal of this fund is to provide enrolled full-time undergraduate, graduate, and professional Cornell students with access to financial support, up to $500, to help mitigate on-campus barriers, access basic necessities, and cover unexpected expenses not covered through financial aid or other university resources. Funding priority will be given based on the urgency of the situation, level of hardship, and the student’s overall financial situation. Depending on the situation, students may be referred to additional resources including financial aid to explore loan options.Please review the information below prior to submitting an application for the Access Fund.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of expenses may be covered?
This is not an exhaustive list, but expenses may include Cornell gym membership, Student OmniRide bus pass, unexpected medical, vision or dental expenses not covered by insurance, professional interview attire, personal hygiene products, winter coat and boots, laptop repairs, new backpack, virtual professional or academic conference registration, summer internship or academic experience, and transportation costs to attend a funeral of an immediate family member.
What type of expenses may not be covered?
This is not an exhaustive list, but expenses not covered include tuition, university fees, meal plan, groceries, classroom supplies, food/beverages, rent and utility expenses, parking tickets, late fees, Cornell ID replacement, credit card debt, hotel costs, storage, fees associated with graduate school, textbooks, or other academic expenses calculated into the cost of attendance as part of the student’s financial aid package. Funding is not available for travel, new laptops, academic supplies or furniture. If you are local and need support for groceries, we encourage you to visit the Cornell Food Pantry webpage to learn more and submit an application.
What is the process and how will students be notified?
To apply for grants through the Access Fund, students must submit an application using the link below. Applications should be submitted at least four weeks or 30 business days before the funds are needed. The application will be reviewed and if approved, the student will be notified by e-mail within two weeks (fourteen business days) upon receipt of the application. If the application is not approved, the student will be notified by e-mail within two weeks (fourteen business days) upon receipt of the application. Depending on the situation, the student may be referred to additional resources including financial aid to explore loan options.
Contact Information
The Access Fund is administered by the Office of the Dean of Students through the First-Generation and Low-Income Student Support. If you have any questions or would like to refer a student, please email us at accessfund@cornell.edu
Please complete the Access Fund application.
To make a gift in support of the Access Fund, please visit our online giving page.