DC Futures Financial Assistance Program

2024-2025 Emergency Grants will be available for Spring 2025 beginning January 21, 2025.

The application for DC Futures Emergency Grants application is available as of Tuesday January 21, 2025. Emergency funds are available on a rolling basis until all funds have been awarded.  The first review and disbursement of awards will begin the week of January 27^th, once Spring 2025 enrollment and attendance is verified.  DC Futures scholars will receive an email when the application is available.

Eligibility Guidelines

All DC Futures Program scholars who are currently enrolled at Trinity and who are in good standing with the DC Futures Program are eligible to apply for emergency funds beginning Tuesday January 21, 2025.  The application will remain open as long as funding is available.

Emergency Fund

Emergency funds can be applied toward unexpected emergency expenses that would impact a DC Futures Program scholars’ ability to remain enrolled at the university (i.e., housing, child care, transportation, health, safety and security, and learning resources).  Emergency grants cannot be used to pay balances owed to Trinity.

• Emergency funds are capped at $1,000 annually, regardless of the DC Futures student’s program type (two- or four-year degree), as long as funds are available.
• DC Futures students must remain in good standing with the DC Futures Program to submit an emergency fund request and must be enrolled and attending classes at Trinity Washington University at the time of such request.
• Applicants are required to submit documents to support their need.  Examples include a utility bill, a past due rent notice, textbook list with costs, child care invoice, etc.  Please be certain that the applicant’s name is associated with the documentation.
• Applicants will be required to attest to the fact that the requests being made are true, necessary and qualify as events that would force them to leave school if they did not have the additional funds.
• Applicants will be required to attest to the fact that they are meeting with their DC Futures (or approved alternative) coaching provider at least once a month.
• Applicants will be required to maintain supporting documentation (records and receipts) of the expense in the case of an audit request.

Application and Award Process

• Complete and submit the DC Futures Financial Assistance Grant Application online at online at: https://discover.trinitydc.edu/student-affairs/dc-futures-financialassistance/.
• Please do take the time to review the application, and requirements before submitting the form and documentation.  Missing information or documentation will result in denial of application.
• Emergency grants are disbursed on a weekly basis, therefore, please allow up to 5 business days for review.
• Notification of awards will be sent via Trinity email.
• Once approved payment may take up to 10 business days to receive.
• Direct any questions to Dr. Karen Gerlach, Vice President for Student Affairs at GerlachK@trinitydc.edu.

Trinity does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, or marital status in any of its policies, procedures, or practices.

The DC Futures Program (DC Futures) was created in 2021 under the Office of the State Superintendent of Education’s (OSSE) authority to administer scholarships, financial assistance and direct payments aimed at expanding access to higher education for residents of the District of Columbia (D.C. Law 24-159; D.C. Official Code § 38-2602(b)(29A)) for students accepted and enrolled in one of three universities partnering with DC Futures. Scholarships and other financial assistance under DC Futures are supported wholly through the US Department of Treasury’s Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund established under the American Rescue Plan Act.