The SEFA Student Emergency Fund Application is now available. SEFA is a limited emergency grant. The purpose of the grant is for students to use the funds towards emergency related situations, including rent, food insecurities, utility cutoff notifications, etc.

Criteria and Application

The maximum amount the students can apply for is $1,000 and the grant can only be awarded once in a lifetime. The additional criteria is as follows:

  • Apply for financial aid by completing a FAFSA or CA Dream Act for the associated academic year
  • Demonstrate financial need
  • Be classified as a California Resident
  • Enrolled in at least 6 CCSF units for the application term (exception Summer term - enrolled in at least 3 CCSF units)
  • Complete Student Emergency Funds Application
  • Meet Academic Standing Standards
    • 2.0 cumulative GPA
    • Completed 50% of all units attempted at CCSF
  • Submit a typed personal statement explaining your financial hardship/extenuating circumstances
  • Submit a comprehensive Student Education Plan
  • Has not previously received Student Emergency Funds
  • Provide supporting documentation of the emergency
    • Proof of eviction notice, utility shut off notification, death of parent/spouse, or other proof of rent and/or food insecurities

Grants are awarded based on urgency of need, available funding, and exhaustion of all other funding resources/options. You can view the Student Emergency Funds Application online.

For questions, please contact the Financial Aid Office at [email protected].

Frequently Asked Questions

The maximum amount students can apply for is $1,000 and the grant can only be awarded once in a lifetime.

Yes, you must have a 2.0 cumulative GPA and successfully completed 50% of all units attempted at City College of San Francisco (CCSF).

You must submit the following:

  • A comprehensive Student Educational Plan
  • Supporting documentation of the emergency including but not limited to eviction notice, utility shut off notification, death of parent/spouse, or other proof of rent and/or food insecurities

(please note that in some cases the committee may ask for additional documentation)

The purpose of this grant is for students to use funds towards emergency related situations. Unexpected emergencies covered by the Student Emergency Fund can include:

  • Emergency housing situation (e.g. eviction, roommate issues, rental issues)
  • Food insecurities
  • Utility cutoff notifications
  • Emergency automotive issues (e.g. for student with demonstrated need for private transportation)
  • Unexpected expenses related to education at CCSF (Tuition is not covered)
  • Emergency medical/dental/vision expenses that are directly related to academic progress
  • Sudden, recent loss of fixed income 

Costs not covered by the emergency fund:

  • Fees for other colleges
  • Fees for parking tickets, moving violations, traffic school, or expenses related to violation of regulations/law
  • Non-resident tuition
  • Planned Expenses*:
    • Monthly rental assistance or mortgages
    • Car Payments
    • General credit card debt  
    • Utilities - gas, phone, electric, water/trash, internet, subscriptions
    • Medical expenses

* Requests for the above will only be considered if payments could not be made due to unforeseen/unexpected urgent and/or catastrophic events which has caused a redirection of resources.

You will NOT need to pay back any of the student emergency funds.

Receiving the Student Emergency Fund Grant may have an impact on other financial aid awards and student unmet need. If you have questions regarding the potential financial aid impact of receiving such an award please contact the Financial Aid office in the Student Success Center.

  • Once approved, emergency funds are processed according to the Financial Aid Disbursement Schedule and may take 1–2 weeks to receive. We encourage students to enroll in direct deposit using the instructions by as it is the fastest way to receive a refund.
  • Additionally, please make sure your address in the myRam Portal is current to avoid any delays in processing your refund.
  • Please see instructions below to update your address:

    CCSF Portal > myRAM Portal > Personal Information > Scroll down to Address > Select Add New > Drop down on Address Type > select Student Mailing