Make a difference for students in crisis on Max Your Gift Day Nov. 18

November 17, 2021

The Foundations of Anoka Technical College and Anoka-Ramsey Community College have aligned efforts to help support students in crisis for Max Your Gift Day, Nov. 18.

Gifts to the Max Your Gift fund will support the colleges’ Crisis Grant program.

Life can be good until trouble hits. Loss of employment, divorce, or costly home and auto repairs are just a few circumstances that can derail a college student already balancing finances to pay tuition. There are countless stories at our colleges of how unforeseen financial challenges have impacted the lives of our students. However, thanks to the Crisis Grant program, students can rebound from distress to victory.

The Crisis Grant Program was designed to help students out of a financial crisis by providing short-term assistance.

Lydia, a student at Anoka Tech, said that a family transition plunged her household into financial despair.

“I was on a real stress ride,” she said. “I didn’t know how I was going to support my family and pay tuition. Receiving a crisis grant helped me keep a roof over our heads and pay for gas so I could get to school and work and keep the lights on.”

Crisis grants are meant to cover non-academic expenses. Examples include transportation, housing, unmet basic needs, or outstanding household or medical bills. The average grant is around $300. In extreme cases, amounts up to $1,000 can be considered. Students apply for a crisis grant with a counselor. Once approved, funds are delivered in one to two days. The program is a discretionary fund made possible by donations from private donors, community partners, and faculty and staff.

A gift of $50, $100, $200 or more can help a student pay for gas, buy groceries, make a medical or utility payment, or get the technology they need for remote learning in today’s environment. A gift of $500, $1,000 or more can help a student in extreme crisis pay rent, mortgage, or a large bill.

Any amount can make a difference and thanks to the generous support form the Ramsey Lions Club, there’s an opportunity for you to double your impact. The Ramsey Lions Club will match up to $25,000 for gifts committed to the Max Your Gift Fund.  

Learn more about the impact you can make and donate at MaxYourGift.com.