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Faculty Staff Emergency Fund
What is the UIUC Faculty Staff Emergency Fund?
The UIUC Faculty and Staff Emergency Fund was conceived by concerned faculty and staff for the sole purpose of financially assisting other faculty and staff in times of crisis.
Is there a need on this campus for an Emergency Fund?
Yes. Employees are the most vital resource of this University. A financial crisis can happen at any time to any person. Long-term and terminal illnesses, death of a family member, substance abuse, and family breakups can and do create financial hardships, which can affect work performance. At such times, the emergency fund, administered in a confidential manner and composed of donations from colleagues, friends and family, enables recipients to retain their dignity in the midst of hardship as well as to realize that their significant contributions to the institution are being recognized. At the same time, donors experience the satisfaction of helping to bridge the financial gap for their colleagues until other assistance can be identified.
What is the goal of fund-raising for the Emergency Fund?
The goal is to receive an annual contribution, no matter how small, from each UIUC faculty and staff member. One hundred percent participation would send a powerful message to our colleagues. The collective results of each faculty and staff member contributing an appropriate amount would have major impact on this campus.
How will fund-raising be conducted?
The UIUC Faculty/Staff Emergency Fund Committee is a grass-roots group. It is supported by the Chancellor and coordinates the development, promotion, and fund-raising for the emergency fund. The frequency of fund-raising efforts will be dependent upon the amount received and the number of employees receiving assistance. The first donation to the fund was made by family and friends in memory of Joseph J. Schmiedel, a graduate and former employee of the University. Memorial gifts and other one-time gifts, such as donations in honor of retirees or of those receiving distinguished awards, will build upon the base and perpetuate the fund.
Will the Emergency Fund be related to or conflict with the University's traditionally strong support of the Campus Charitable Fund Drive?
No. The Campus Charitable Fund Drive is a campus-wide effort to support a wide range of health and human service agencies that benefit our employees as well as persons in the community. The UIUC Faculty and Staff Emergency Fund is designed specifically to provide financial assistance for UIUC faculty and staff in crisis situations.
Who is eligible to apply for assistance from the Emergency Fund?
Only the following UIUC employees are eligible for assistance from the emergency fund: faculty members with at least a 50% appointment who have completed at least six months of service at UIUC, academic professional staff members with at least a 50% appointment who have completed at least six months of service at UIUC, and status staff employees with at least a 50% appointment. An employee does not have to contribute to the fund in order to benefit.
How will the Emergency Fund be administered, and will there be any administrative costs?
All applicants for assistance are directed to the Faculty/Staff Assistance Program (FSAP), 1011 West University Avenue, Urbana, IL, 244-5312. The FSAP Counselors review each situation, pursue all relevant campus and community resources and forwards cases that meet eligibility requirements to a Chancellor-appointed Executive Committee of three, whose identity is known only to the Chancellor and FSAP staff. The Executive Committee acts immediately, notifying the FSAP staff of its decision. When the committee recommends a grant, the FSAP staff instructs the University Foundation Gift Administrator to issue a check. Only the FSAP staff know the name of each recipient. The Executive Committee submits quarterly activity reports, again without names, from which an annual report is produced. In this entire process there are minimal administrative costs to the fund.
How is the fund to be used?
Since the first award on April 30, 1992, individual faculty and staff members in crisis situations have significantly benefited from the fund. Some examples are:
- To UIUC employees awaiting their first disability benefits, assistance from the fund has (a) prevented loss of dependent insurance coverage and shut-off of utilities, (b) met mortgage/rent obligations and (c) provided medication and food.
- To UIUC families whose homes have been burned, payments have been made for lodging, clothes and food. Please make checks payable to: UIF/UIUC Faculty and Staff Emergency Fund
Send donations to:
University of Illinois Foundation
Faculty/Staff Emergency Fund
Harker Hall, M/C 386
1305 West Green Street
Urbana, IL 61801
The Faculty/Staff Assistance Program may be able to help. Call us at 217-244-5312.
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