TIAA Emergency Aid Microgrant Initiative

February 26, 2026

Unexpected and emergency expenses remain a persistent barrier to on-time college completion and student success. Addressing basic needs insecurity for students emerged as a clear priority in NASPA’s 2025 Top Issues in Student Affairs survey results, and federal data indicate a staggering number of students report that they would be unable to come up with $500 within a month. NASPA has a deep commitment to addressing basic needs of college students, and we recognize the importance of emergency aid grants in supporting the persistence of students facing unexpected financial crises. First launched by NASPA in 2025, this year’s TIAA Emergency Aid Microgrant Initiative recognizes and awards 2-and 4-year accredited nonprofit institutions with up to $10,000 to provide emergency aid resources directly to students. 

 

How to Apply

To request an application, please complete the following form HERE. Please expect to receive a link to the application from NASPA within one business day of completing the form once the application is live on Wednesday, March 4. 

We request that a senior leader or their designee serve as the main point of contact for all application correspondence. One application per institution will be accepted. To help prepare a strong application, institutions should consider developing responses with a team of professionals who are involved with emergency aid efforts at the institution. 

A PDF copy of the application questions can be downloaded HERE. All applications must be submitted using your personalized application link; PDF applications will not be accepted.

Request Application

Eligibility

This application is open to non-profit accredited two- and four-year institutions of higher education that have emergency aid programs in place. Former recipients of the microgrant cannot reapply.

Institutions that are currently under a Request for Proposal (RFP) with TIAA are not eligible for the award. RFP means their institution is accepting proposals for their retirement provider. Institutions with ERISA regulated retirement plans may self-elect to not accept the award, but that is their decision.

Institutions are expected to:  

  • Submit only one application 

  • Indicate point of contact who leads or supports those leading emergency aid efforts at the institution 

  • Indicate application support from a senior level leader or their designee who is responsible for student services at the institution 

  • Develop and manage the process to provide microgrant funds directly to students (up to $500 per student) for emergency aid purposes and spend down funds by the end of November 2026 

  • Engage in two virtual follow-up interviews with NASPA to inform a public-facing report about the initiative 

  • Collect and share data about the number of students impacted and number of staff and faculty engaged in the effort

Important Dates

Application Opens: March 4, 2026

Application Closes: 5:00pm ET on Thursday, March 19, 2026 

Award Notifications: Award recipients will be contacted by May 26, 2026

 

Application Guidelines

NASPA will prioritize institutions who demonstrate a consistent commitment to centering first-generation students in their efforts. Institutions must demonstrate that they are positioned and ready to receive and distribute microgrant funds directly to students, and former recipients of the microgrant cannot reapply. 

The application includes a mix of closed- and open-ended response questions. A high-level review of key areas in the application will include a focus on the following:

  1. Completeness of the Application: To what extent does the institution demonstrate commitment and attention to detail as evidenced by completeness of the application?

  2. Institutional Characteristics: To what extent does the institution’s emergency aid approach identify and address needs of first-generation and low-income students?

  3. Impact Potential: To what extent does the institution demonstrate that the use of TIAA’s microgrant will advance its emergency aid efforts? How well can the institution gather and use data needed to understand the impact of TIAA’s microgrant on student success? 

  1. Institutional Readiness (Distribution Capacity): To what extent does the institution have the necessary processes and policies in place to directly provide microgrant emergency aid funds to students? Does the institution have a communications plan to inform students and campus constituencies about the TIAA emergency aid microgrant? 

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs

How can institutions use the awarded funds?

Awarded funds must be used to provide direct emergency aid microgrants to undergraduate students facing unexpected financial crises. Each student may receive up to $500 in emergency aid. Institutions must ensure that funds are distributed directly to students and spent by November 30, 2026. The microgrant can be paid directly to students via ACH/DD, check, or gift cards.

Are international students eligible to receive funds?

Yes, international undergraduate students facing unexpected financial crises are eligible to receive funds.

Can students receive multiple emergency aid disbursements?

No. Each student may receive a one-time emergency aid microgrant using NASPA/TIAA funds of up to $500 per award.

 

If my university’s foundation is disbursing funds to students, whose information do I use to apply?

The name of the applicant and the name on the check that NASPA will send to the recipient should align. If your institution’s foundation is the one who will need to receive the check to disburse funds to students, then the application should be submitted by the foundation. 

Please also use open-ended question space in the application to note any nuances and details like this as it relates to payment and award disbursement.

 

 

What student expenses are approved qualifying expenses for emergency aid microgrant funds?

Eligible expenses may include but are not limited to:

  • Unexpected medical, dental, or mental health related expenses

  • Food or meal assistance

  • Transportation needs (e.g., car repairs, emergency travel)

  • Emergency housing assistance (e.g., rent, utilities, emergency shelter)

  • Technology needs related to coursework (e.g., laptop repair, internet access)

  • Childcare expenses

 

How should my institution distribute emergency aid to students?

Institutions should develop a process to ensure funds are distributed equitably and efficiently. The microgrant can be paid directly to students via ACH/DD, check, or gift cards. This process may involve:

  • A simple, brief application or request system for students about the nature of the hardship and how the microgrant will help

  • Coordination with financial aid, student services, or emergency aid offices

  • Clear communication with students about the processing of available funds to ensure timely access 

The process should ensure students are treated with fairness and that support is tailored to individual circumstances. Students’ personal information and hardships should be handled with the utmost privacy, protecting their dignity and autonomy

 

 

What is the timeline for disbursement of funds from NASPA to my institution?

Once the award is accepted by the institution and W9 materials are received, NASPA will move forward with processing your ACH payment electronically via Bill.com. Once submitted by NASPA, payment should be received within 2-3 days.

What reporting or follow-up is required from awardees?

Institutions receiving funds should:

  • Ensure all funds are distributed and spent by November 30, 2026

  • Participate in two virtual follow-up interviews with NASPA as part of a summary on how funds were distributed and their impact on students

 

Who should institutions contact for further questions?

For any questions regarding fund usage, distribution, or reporting requirements, institutions should contact:

 

Dr. Jhenai Chandler, NASPA Vice President for Research and Policy, at [email protected]. 

Alexa Chamberlain, Director of Research and Strategy, at [email protected] 

 

2025 Microgrant Award Winners

TIAA-Microgrant-School_CCA
TIAA-Microgrant-School_GSU
TIAA-Microgrant-School_LAGCC
TIAA-Microgrant-School_SoLACC
TIAA-Microgrant-School_UHD

About TIAA

The Emergency Aid Microgrant Initiative was made possible by the generous sponsorship from TIAA. TIAA is a leading provider of secure retirements and outcome-focused investment solutions to millions of people and thousands of institutions. It is the #1 not-for-profit retirement market provider.

If you have any questions regarding this application, please contact [email protected] 

Related NASPA Resources