Indigenous Student Rapid Assistance Fund

The Indigenous Student Rapid Assistance Fund provides rapid response grants to Indigenous students to alleviate stressors that, if left unaddressed, may disrupt or halt a student’s educational experience.

Assistance

This fund provides one-time, emergency assistance to Indigenous students experiencing financial hardships while attending postsecondary institutions in Montana.

Assistance Amounts: Typically, between $250 and $1,000 per request, though all requests will be considered.

Eligible Expenses:

  • Emergency food security costs (groceries, meal plans, etc.).
  • Emergency travel costs (vehicle repairs, airfare, gas, etc.).
  • Emergency housing costs (rent, short-term stays, etc.).
  • Emergency healthcare costs (prescriptions, medical or mental health care, etc.).
  • Emergency childcare or dependent costs (fees, food, clothing, etc.).
  • Emergency educational technology (internet, device repair, phone bills, etc.).
  • Other emergency educational costs (books, tools, supplies, etc.).

Important Note

This fund is designed to support students with emergency financial assistance while enrolled in college. It is not a student scholarship and operates separately from MCF’s scholarship program. Applications are accepted year-round for emergency needs.

Ready to apply for assistance?

Apply here

Additional Considerations:

  • Applications are determined case by case—students may reapply even if they have received previous assistance.
  • Prior awards, request frequency, and available funding will be considered.
  • Requests may be fully or partially funded, or denied, based on a variety of factors.

Eligibility

To be eligible for assistance, applicants must:

  • Be an Indigenous student
  • Be enrolled at an accredited postsecondary institution in Montana

Application Process

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the academic year, including summer terms and holiday breaks.

How to Apply:

  • Through the MCF Scholarship Portal
  • By a third-party advocate (college staff, faculty, high school counselor, teacher, etc.)
  • With assistance from MCF staff (applications may be submitted over the phone)

Note: If a third party is submitting an application, it is strongly recommended that the student be present to ensure accurate information is provided.

Verification Process:

Applicants must provide an email for a faculty or staff member at their college who can verify their need. A verification request will be sent immediately after submission.

Funding Timeline

Applications are reviewed as quickly as possible, and funds are typically available within 1–2 days, depending on:

  • The time needed for verification
  • Information completeness
  • The ability to process payments
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We're Here to Help

For additional help, questions or comments, contact Corey Kopp, Impact Programs Operations Manager.

406-262-7711 Email Corey Kopp

Interested in donating to the fund?

You can donate online or mail checks to PO Box 1145, Helena, MT 59624. Please mark FBO Indigenous Student Rapid Assistance Fund.