University of Cincinnati Campus

UC Emergency Funds Raise Over $55,000

Community comes together to assist UC students during COVID-19 outbreak

CINCINNATI – March 23, 2020 – New emergency relief funds created to assist students at the University of Cincinnati impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak have raised over $55,000 in less than a week.

UC has taken decisive measures to ensure everyone’s health and safety amid the outbreak, including assisting students with housing issues. Students are also being helped with food and other vital resources.

Partnering with UC’s Division of Student Affairs and the Student Government Association, the UC Foundation established the UC Emergency Relief Fund.  Additional funds will support students through the UC Bearcats Pantry, the UC Clermont Bearcats Pantry and UC Counseling and Psychological Services.

The response in giving to these funds has been incredible, according to UC Foundation President Peter E. Landgren.

“We have over 46,000 students and a health care system that have been challenged in the last weeks as a result of this global health crisis. Individuals across the country have been asking how they can help our UC and UC Health family during these times,” said Landgren. “Their generosity and swift response to the emergency funds has been incredible and will make an immediate impact on our most important constituents, our students and patients.”

UC student government representatives worked closely with the Foundation on outlining immediate student needs for the emergency relief funds.

“The response from our community members is a prime example of the sense of obligation to our public mission that exists among us, and will ultimately see us through to the end of these challenging times,” said Chandler Rankin, outgoing UC Student Government president. “On behalf of the many students who are in need of resources to be safe and healthy right now, thank you.”

The community is invited to support the UC student community by contributing to these relief funds. The complete list includes:

  • UC Student Emergency Fund – provides currently enrolled students with financial assistance related to the COVID-19 outbreak and campus closures.
  • Clermont Bearcats Pantry – the Bearcats Pantry for the UC Clermont campus, providing free food, hygiene items and cleaning supplies to students. The Clermont Bearcats Pantry will remain open during university closure amid high demand.
  • UC Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) – UC CAPS is remaining open to provide mental health services (e.g., self-help education, counseling, crisis care) over the phone to UC students. “Our students’ lives are directly impacted by the unexpected changes that have occurred due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Debra Merchant, UC’s vice president of student affairs.

“Their needs vary greatly and impact many aspects of their lives. Students have reached out seeking assistance with a wide variety of needs including rent, tech resources for on-line learning, food and more. I am so appreciative to UC’s Student Government for stepping up to support their fellow Bearcats with these emergency funds and for donor contributions during these challenging times.”

A fund has also been created to support UC Health’s crisis response to COVID-19 and the emerging needs of its clinician and the health system.

###

About the University of Cincinnati Foundation
Established in 1975, the University of Cincinnati Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation and the private sector fundraising entity for the University of Cincinnati and UC Health. The Foundation supports UC’s aspirations through philanthropic collaboration with the colleges, the Academic Health Center, UC Health and other units to maximize private support. The Foundation’s advancement efforts promote the development of productive, enduring relationships with alumni, friends, colleagues, students, foundations, corporations and the Greater Cincinnati community. For more information, please visit foundation.uc.edu.