Bruce and Kathy Pitman Student Emergency Fund

The Bruce and Kathy Pitman Emergency Fund provides financial assistance to University of Idaho students facing unexpected financial crises that could impact their academic success. These funds are awarded as grants to help cover urgent, short-term financial needs that cannot be resolved through other resources.

To qualify, you must:

• Be currently enrolled in a University of Idaho degree program. (Priority is given to full-time students, but part-time students may also apply. Dual-enrolled students are not eligible.)
• Have explored or exhausted other funding options, such as emergency loans or financial aid.
• Demonstrate financial hardship due to an emergency or crisis, with supporting documentation (e.g., billing statements, receipts).
• Not have received assistance from the Bruce and Kathy Pitman Fund during the same semester (limited to one approved application per term).
• Be prepared to provide documentation of hardship upon request.

Priority is given to non-educational expenses though tuition and fees may be considered. Requests for financial assistance for legal fees, credit card debt or prior educational loans will not be considered.

Examples of eligible emergencies:

• Loss of housing due to eviction or unforeseen circumstances
• Domestic violence situations
• Damage to housing from fire or natural disasters
• Theft of essential belongings
• Overdue bills (medical, rent, utilities at risk of shutoff)
• Temporary job loss
• Unexpected medical emergencies

Eligible financial needs:

• Medical and dental expenses
• Housing, rent and utilities
• Food and groceries
• Transportation and travel costs
• Childcare expenses
• Books and school supplies

Awards are typically capped at $200. While we strive to support as many students as possible, requests exceeding this limit are unlikely to be approved.

These grants do not need to be repaid but may be considered taxable income and could impact your financial aid package. If additional assistance is needed, contact Financial Aid at finaid@uidaho.edu.

1. Submit an application through our online form.
2. The Dean of Students Office will review your request.
3. You will be notified of your application status via your Vandal email.

Please allow 10 business days for processing. For questions, email askjoe@uidaho.edu. 

There is no deadline — applications are accepted year-round, and funds are distributed based on availability.