HOPE Crisis Fund

HOPE stands for: Help, Opportunity, & Pathway to Empowerment

HOPE Response Team

HOPE Response is here for students experiencing financial crisis that could derail their path toward SF State graduation.

As a reminder, the following expenses are expected as part of your academic journey and do not automatically qualify for HOPE Response support:

  • Tuition and fees
  • Housing/food/Living expenses
  • Books and school supplies
  • Technology for school
  • Travel/transportation/commuting expenses (check out the Gator Pass for info on transit benefits!)

HOPE Response at SF State is a resource for matriculated students experiencing a financial crisis. The application for Fall 2023 is now available and review of applications will occur most Thursdays (first review of applicants will be September 7th, 2023). Please note: Review of applications will not happen the week of Fall break (November 17-26) or during winter break (December 15 - January 31).

The HOPE Response Review Team will provide recommendations for resources, services, and strategies both on campus and in our greater San Francisco communities.

If you are experiencing an emergency such as not having a safe place to sleep tonight, please reach out to basicneeds@sfsu.edu regarding your crisis. Please do not reach out to them to follow up on your application, requests will be addressed based on urgency.

What does HOPE provide?

HOPE provides support based on a student’s individual needs. Common support includes:

  • One-time emergency funding

  •  Referrals to on-and-off campus departments, programs, and resources

  •  Support navigating University barriers

Please note HOPE emergency funding provides small, one-time awards.

Am I eligible for HOPE support?

We encourage all SF State students in need to reach out for support.

You may start the application via this link: Fall 2023 /Spring 2024 Application

Basic eligibility requirements for most services include:

  • A student must be enrolled at SF State University in the current, or upcoming semester

  • A student must be experiencing an unexpected financial crisis, that has the potential to derail their educational opportunities

  • A student must explore other forms of support or resolution prior to requesting HOPE support

  • Other eligibility requirements may apply

Though not all applicants will qualify for emergency funding, the HOPE Response Team will work to ensure students are connected with meaningful resources.

How do I request support from the HOPE Response Team?

You may start the application via this link: Fall 2023 /Spring 2024 Application

If you are experiencing a crisis that needs immediate attention, for example, if you do not have a safe space to sleep tonight, please email basicneeds@sfsu.edu. 

**please only email basicneeds if you are actively unhoused, not to check on the status of your application. A high volume of emails makes it difficult to respond to the most urgent needs. Basic Needs does not oversee all HOPE cases.

How long will it take to hear back after I submit my request?

HOPE requests are reviewed every Thursday, in the order received.  Please submit your request by 5 pm on Monday to ensure it is reviewed that week.  Review of applications will not happen the week of Fall break (November 17-26) or during winter break (December 15 - January 31). 

The HOPE Team will make every effort to respond to students in a timely manner.

If you are experiencing a crisis that needs immediate attention, for example, you do not have a safe space to sleep tonight, please email basicneeds@sfsu.edu

**please only email basicneeds if you are actively unhoused, not to check on the status of your application. A high volume of emails makes it difficult to respond to the most urgent needs. Basic Needs does not oversee all HOPE cases.

How long will it take to hear back after I submit my request?

HOPE requests are reviewed every Thursday, in the order received.  Please submit your request by 5 pm on Monday to ensure it is reviewed that week.  Review of applications will not happen the week of Fall break (November 17-26) or during winter break (December 15 - January 31). 

The HOPE Team will make every effort to respond to students in a timely manner.

If you are experiencing a crisis that needs immediate attention, for example, you do not have a safe space to sleep tonight, please email basicneeds@sfsu.edu

START YOUR APPLICATION