The Faculty/Staff Emergency Fund is in danger of running dry. Volunteers are asking employees to consider the spirit of the fund and step up to help fellow UI employees.
“Donations have fallen off even as the demand has increased,” said Karie Wolfson, the director of the program. “The reality is, our fund is depleting; we’re giving out more grants than we’re taking in right now and at some point we’re going to run into difficulty.”
She said there are concerns that the fund, used by UI employees facing a crisis, won’t be available in the future if donations do not soon increase.
Since its inception in 1992, the fund has helped more than 700 campus employees, assisting them during times of financial crisis with small grants for rent or mortgage payment, utility bills, medical bills, and food or clothing.
“I don’t know if we have the evidence to say this is directly related to the economy, because there are always peaks and valleys – but we have seen the demand increase,” she said.
Volunteers on the grassroots fundraising committee are trying to get an annual contribution – no matter how much – from every university employee. There are no administrative costs associated with the fund drive, so all donations go directly into the fund through the UI Foundation.
Susan Fowler, a professor of special education, has been contributing for years through payroll deduction.
“I thought this was a great way to show support anonymously to staff who truly keep the university working,” she said. “I’ve known individuals faced with short-term emergencies, often medically related, who simply needed a helping hand to provide stability for themselves or their families.”
Wolfson said the program thrives on small donations, mostly through payroll deductions, though donors may also write a check to the fund.
“It doesn’t have to be a lot,” she said. “We’re thankful for every penny.”
Wolfson said there’s still time to claim current donations on next year’s tax forms, though donors will have another opportunity to give during a planned fund drive in April.
A university employee does not have to contribute to apply for assistance. Faculty members, academic professionals and civil service staff members with at least a 50 percent appointment and who have completed at least six months of service at the university qualify to apply for the fund.
Eligible university employees can apply for emergency assistance at any time. Applicants are screened through the Faculty/Staff Assistance Program and reviewed and approved by a separate confidential committee. All contacts are confidential and assessments are free.
The contribution form can be found online at http://fsap.illinois.edu/ContributionForm.pdf. Checks should be made payable to UIF/UIUC Faculty and Staff Emergency Fund and mailed to the UI Foundation, 400 Harker Hall, MC-386. Donations also are accepted through payroll deduction. Donations are tax deductible.
Payroll deduction or credit card donations can now be set up securely online through the foundation website, www.giving.illinois.edu
More information about the fund is online
or call 217-244-5312.
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