TAMPA, Fla. (March 26, 2020) – The University of South Florida has created a fund to help provide financial relief to students who are facing unexpected challenges.  The USF United Support Fund will assist students, many of whom are far from home and have urgent needs such as food, toiletries, rent money and other basic essentials that are beyond their reach. 

The new financial realities can be a source of significant stress for students, who are also working through the transition to fully remote courses this week.  

“Many USF alumni and friends of the university are asking how they can help. Their passion and concern have led to the creation of the USF United Support Fund, to help people who need it right now,” USF President Steve Currall said. “There’s nothing more important than the health and wellness of our community and the impact of these gifts will help our students overcome these new challenges.”

Anyone interested in supporting this effort can make a monetary gift through the USF Foundation’s website.  In less than 48 hours since the fund launched, USF received gifts and commitments from over 350 individual donors totaling more than $73,000.

Students can apply for funds through the Office of Financial Aid.

For those interested in assisting in a non-monetary fashion, USF is coordinating a drive for non-perishable food items and toiletries to supplement student Food Pantries/Bulls Market on the Tampa, St. Petersburg and Sarasota-Manatee campuses. For more information about supporting the food drive, please click here.

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About the University of South Florida

The University of South Florida is a high-impact global research university dedicated to student success. Over the past 10 years, no other public university in the country has risen faster in U.S. News and World Report’s national university rankings than USF. Serving more than 50,000 students on campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Sarasota-Manatee, USF is designated as a Preeminent State Research University by the Florida Board of Governors, placing it in the most elite category among the state’s 12 public universities. USF has earned widespread national recognition for its success graduating under-represented minority and limited-income students at rates equal to or higher than white and higher income students. USF is a member of the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu.

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