This page continues to be updated as additional emergency grants become available; visit frequently for the latest information.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was passed by Congress and signed into law on March 27, 2020. The CARES Act, provides students much-needed grants to address the disruption of campus operations due to the Coronavirus. One section of the CARES Act established the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF). HEERF provides funds to institutions for emergency financial aid grants to students for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Student Eligibility Requirements for HEERF
On April 27, 2020, IVC received funding from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to provide institutional support as well as cash assistance to eligible IVC students under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965. Funds allocated under the CARES Act are referred to Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF I). HEERF I was later supplemented with the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSAA) or HEERF II and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARP) or HEERF III. The college also received an allocation as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI).
With the June 17, 2020, federal district court ruling in the case brought by the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, we updated our eligibility requirements accordingly. To be eligible for a HEERF Grant, a student must be enrolled and attending classes while these funds are available at IVC; declare IVC their college of record for purposes of receiving a HEERF Grant and now meet the now-current eligibility requirements for California Community College students.
Previously, the Financial Aid Office reviewed student eligibility bi-weekly to make awards to students and so no separate application was needed. Prior to the court ruling, an email notification was sent to FAFSA eligible students regarding the HEERF Grant and completing the FAFSA. Students wishing to pursue a HEERF grant needed to complete the CARES Act Emergency Grant Application. Awarding of IVC HEERF grants is subject to availability of funds, on a first come, first served basis. Students are still strongly encouraged to complete the FAFSA or a DREAM App to apply for other types of student aid offered via those applications.
Under HEERF II, using students’ 2020-21 FAFSA and CADAA applications, the Financial Aid Office reviewed student eligibility to automatically award IVC students enrolled during the Spring 2021 semester. All students with an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of 0 - 5711 automatically received a HEERF grant totaling $1000 in Spring 2021. Those with an EFC of 5712-10000 were automatically awarded a HEERF grant totaling $500 in Spring 2021
Under HEERF III The Financial Aid office used students’ 2021-22 FAFSA and CADAA applications to review their eligibility to automatically award IVC students enrolled during the Fall 2021 semester. All students with an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of 0 – 5846 automatically received a HEERF grant totaling $1000, and students with an EFC of 5846 – 10000 were automatically awarded a HEERF grant totaling $500 in Fall 2021.
If you are an IVC student currently enrolled in an active semester, in need of financial assistance to help relieve the pressures caused by the COVID-19 outbreak, and have not already been awarded a HEERF grant, you may complete an Emergency Fund Application.
Frequently Asked Questions: COVID-19 and HEERF
Below is a summary of HEERF funding allocations and the number of students who have received HEERF grants as of the date noted:
| Grant Award | Student | Institutional | MSI | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CARES Act | $2,242,905 | $2,242,905 | $18,527 | $4,504,337 |
| CRRSAA | $2,242,905 | $7,152,028 | $35,552 | $9,430,485 |
| ARP Act | $8,405,136 | $8,143,144 | $61,957 | $16,610,237 |
| Total Awarded | $12,890,946 | $17,538,077 | $116,036 | $30,545,059 |
| | ||||
| Student Grants* | $13,176,791 | $917,845 | $0 | $14,094,636 |
- Number of Students Served* : 8,451
- Estimated number of Eligible Students*: 35,347
*As of January 10, 2023
Documents
- Recipient’s Funding Certification and Agreement Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students under the CARES Act
- Recipient’s Funding Certification and Agreement for the Institutional Portion of the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund Formula Grants Authorized by Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act
- Grant Award Notification (Award Period: 4/24/20-04/23/2021)
- Grant Award Notification (Award Period: 5/06/20-05/05/2021)
- Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting, HEERF I funds - Amended (Quarter Ending: September 2020)
- Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting, (Quarter Ending: December 2020)
- Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting, (Quarter Ending: March 2021)
- Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting, (Quarter Ending: April 2021)
- Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting, (Quarter Ending: June 2021)
- Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting, (Quarter Ending: August 2021)
- Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting, (Quarter Ending: September 2021)
- Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting, (Quarter Ending: December 2021)
- Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting, (Quarter Ending: March 2022)
- Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting, (Quarter Ending: June 2022)
- Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting, (Quarter Ending: September 2022)
- Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting, (Quarter Ending: December 2022)
For questions or comments contact IVC Fiscal Office
The IVC Foundation can provide supplemental financial resources when members of our campus community find themselves in the midst of an emergency. If you are a currently enrolled Irvine Valley College student who is experiencing unexpected financial stress due to an illness, accident, a natural disaster, or the death of a family member, you can apply for the IVC Emergency Relief Fund. Applications may take up to two weeks to process
Phishing emails are being received regarding HEER funding. Stay alert to the phishing scams related to student assistance that are likely to surface. Do not provide personal information like your Social Security number or bank account information.
Keep in mind the following tips for spotting scams:
- Federal, state, and local governments will not ask you to pay a “deposit” or any other fees to obtain funding. Any attempt to collect money in exchange for grants is a scam.
- Neither the government nor Irvine Valley College will request your Social Security number, bank account number, credit card number, or other sensitive information as a prerequisite for receiving a grant.
- Refer to the Emergency Grant information above and the Emergency Fund FAQ for details about emergency aid being distributed.
If you receive a message you believe to be a scam, you can ignore it or check in with the Financial Aid Office by forwarding the email message as an attachment to .