Virginia Governor's Emergency Education Relief (GEER) Fund Grants

As part of the U.S.Government’s continuing efforts to provide financial assistance in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which included a provision for the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) Fund. Virginia’s GEER fund calls for Virginia institutions of higher education to use the one-time funding for immediate student financial needs. The fund is intended to provide emergency financial aid grants to enrolled undergraduate students currently facing financial hardship as a result of COVID-19. Grant monies may only be used only for their intended purpose, which include expenses under a student’s cost of attendance, such as food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and/or child care.

GW has disbursed all $47,500 of funds received from Virginia’s GEER fund in the form of student financial assistance to fifty (50) eligible undergraduate students enrolled in programs at GW’s Virginia campuses. GW calculated a non-taxable, one-time fixed award of $950 per student.  Eligibility was determined based on Pell eligible Estimated Family Contribution (EFC)  of $5,711 or less, as determined by a completed and verified FAFSA on record with the university for the 2020- 2021 year, in addition to receipt of the Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant. 

Questions regarding GEER may be directed to [email protected].