Lumberjack Emergency Assistance Fund Application (LEAF)

Helping students through hardships

The Lumberjack Emergency Assistance Fund provides funding to assist currently enrolled NAU students (mountain campus, online and statewide) facing unforeseen crises or hardships that require immediate one-time financial assistance.

In an effort to meet as much need as possible and deliver the grants to as many students as efficiently as possible, LEAF applications will be opened once a week on Wednesdays at 8 AM. The application will remain open until we reach our weekly funding capacity. Applications will be reviewed within 3 days and students will be contacted either of approval, need for more documentation or a meeting with an Office of the Dean of Students staff member within the following 3 days. The application will reopen the following Wednesday at 8 AM. This will continue throughout the semester or further notice. If the application does not open we have reached our application capacity for the week.  The application opens every Wednesday at 8 AM until we reach our weekly limit.

FAQs

What is the Eligibility Criteria:

• Currently enrolled in more than one class
• Must be enrolled and attending Northern Arizona University (Mountain Campus, online, or state-wide
• Limited to one LEAF grant per NAU career
• Must have a current FAFSA on file with the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid and have unmet financial need
• Unexpected financial need, circumstances, urgent event, situation (more than just supplementing financial aid)
• Documentation supporting the request

How much can I receive?

Staff from the Office of the Dean of Students will make the determination on the approval of funding and the amount of funding. The value of the award may range in response to the needs of the student but does not typically exceed $500 and is limited to one award per NAU career. The fund is designated to help offset a short-term financial need and is not intended to replace or supplement financial aid.

Do I have to repay this funding?

Funds are awarded as a grant and do not need to be repaid. Funds may count as income and may be subject to federal and/or state taxes. Funds received will need to be reported on the appropriate year(s) Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

To receive a LEAF Grant you must:

• Meet the Eligibility Criteria
• Complete the application

• Provide documentation supporting your request
• Comply with any request for further information including a request for a personal or virtual meeting.

Ready to Apply?

Fill out an application and within three business days, staff from the Office of the Dean of Students will contact you about your request. If the application does not open we have reached our application capacity for the week.  The application opens every Wednesday at 8 AM until we reach our weekly limit.

Some students have reported they are not able to complete the application on their smart phone. Please plan accordingly.