Hardship Funds
Hardship Funds offer financial relief to Suffolk students experiencing sudden emergencies such as unexpected medical needs, housing disruptions, or other urgent life events. These viral funds help students cover immediate expenses so they can stay in school and continue working toward their goals.
Sister Mary Ann’s College-Wide Helping Hands Hardship Fund
Featured FundThe Sister Mary Ann College-Wide Helping Hands Hardship Fund provides emergency financial support and food assistance to Suffolk County Community College students facing sudden hardships.
Originally launched as a campus food pantry in 1974, the fund has grown to address urgent student needs across all three campuses—from car repairs and medical expenses to housing or food insecurity. Supported by generous donors, this fund helps ensure that students can stay enrolled and focused on completing their education.
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The Richard and Mary Morrison Foundation Hardship Fund
The Richard and Mary Morrison Foundation Student Hardship Fund, established in 2014, supports Suffolk County Community College students facing unexpected financial challenges that threaten their enrollment. Qualified students may apply once per semester and could receive up to $1,000 to help cover tuition, fees, and textbooks. Awards are granted on a rolling basis and are reviewed by a committee. The fund honors the philanthropy of Richard and Mary Morrison, who encourage making a difference "one random act of kindness at a time."
Student ApplicationThe Michael J. Grant Campus Student Hardship Fund
The Michael J. Grant Campus Student Hardship Fund assists Suffolk County Community College students at the Grant Campus in Brentwood, NY, who face unforeseen financial crisis threatening their enrollment. Established in memory of the parents of Dr. Marc Fellenz, this fully endowed fund provides eligible students up to $500 per year to address urgent needs such as homelessness, loss of utilities, food insecurity, or transportation challenges. Applications must include a 250‑word narrative and supporting documentation.
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The Bobby Hommel Memorial Student Hardship Fund
The Bobby Hommel Memorial Student Hardship Fund helps Suffolk County Community College student veterans who served in combat for the United States Armed Services and face unexpected financial challenges that threaten their enrollment. The fund awards up to $500 per student annually for hardships such as homelessness, eviction, utility shut-offs, food insecurity, transportation issues, and more. Established by Shannon O’Neill, Director of Veterans Affairs, in honor of Robert Lloyd “Bobby” Hommel—an Army sniper who served three tours with the 101st Airborne Division and passed away in October 2015—the fund stands as a tribute to his service and resilience.
Student ApplicationThe Randolph H. Manning, PhD '69 Memorial Student Success Fund
The Randolph H. Manning, PhD ’69 Memorial Student Success Fund, created in memory of Dr. Manning through a generous gift from his colleagues, provides vital financial support to students at Suffolk County Community College’s Eastern (Riverhead) Campus who are facing financial hardships threatening their ability to continue their studies. Eligible students—full‑time or part‑time continuing undergraduates—may receive up to $500 per year. Applicants must submit a 250‑word narrative along with documentation of their urgent need and commitment to staying enrolled.
Student Application
The Elizabeth Gonzalez Memorial Beacon Student Hardship Fund
The Elizabeth Gonzalez Memorial Beacon Student Hardship Fundwas established with a generous gift from a member of the Board of Directors of the Suffolk Community College Foundation. The fund memorializes the late Elizabeth Gonzalez, a third-year law student at the Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center of Touro College who tragically lost her life when a drunk driver struck her vehicle as she was returning home from studying. The fund supports Suffolk County high school students who enroll for pre-college credits in the Beacon Program of Suffolk County Community College.
Student Application