The Equity and Care Relief Fund by the Student Association of George Brown College has reached its third cycle and is aiming to help more and more individuals by providing financial support ranging from $100-$1000. The last date to apply for the fund is March 4, 2022.

The fund proposed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic was an initiative taken by the SAGBC’s Board which helps students by providing them short-term relief in terms of financial aid. The fund aims to lower the barriers and obstacles that students come across while applying for awards, funds and bursaries.

“I think looking to the objective, a lot of COVID relief funds offered for students are difficult to access due to excessive paperwork,” said Charlene Holmes, the coordinator behind the Community Care Centre, the SAGBC program which oversees the Equity and Care Relief Fund. “Therefore, this fund as a low barrier will not ask for financial statements. It will not ask for affidavits.”

The fund is available for students enrolled in full-time courses at George Brown College or registered with accessibility services and who identify with six equity-seeking groups: Black students; students with disabilities; First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students; International and racialized students; LGBTQ+ students; and Women and Trans students.

Holmes said the fund is open to both domestic and international students.

“When government support excludes international students or come with age limits, students have a lot of obstacles accessing care,” Holmes said.

The fund has been one of the longest-running COVID support programs at George Brown College. It’s been successful in helping students without asking for overwhelming proof of payments and paperwork, as it can be off-putting for students to prove why they need help by revealing personal information. With this ease of application, the fund was able to release financial aid to almost 51 per cent of the applicants.

When asked about the misuse of the low-barrier access of funds, Holmes said that the margin of error has been quite low as students have been responsible and are well-aware of their needs as the fund is based on the principles of trust.

As we move towards the end of the pandemic, Holmes emphasized that the Student Association will continue providing various supports regardless of whether or not the fund continues.

“I hope that this funding model not only continues on, but also goes on to inspire other funding institutions or bursary applications to make themselves low-barrier and accessible,” said Holmes.

To apply for the Equity and Care Relief fund, complete this form before the deadline of March 4, 2022. For any questions and accommodations, students can send an e-mail to EquityFund@Sagbc.ca.