Eligibility:
To apply, you must meet ALL of the requirements below:
Volunteer
Florida Member Assistance Fund
The Volunteer Florida Member Assistance Fund is a collaborative program with America's Service Commissions (ASC). This program provides direct cash assistance of up to $1,000 for eligible AmeriCorps members living and serving in Florida.
The Fund is designed to assist with emergency financial needs occurring within the 2024-25 program year that threaten a member’s ability to continue their service term.
Application Opens
Application will be open on August 1, 2024, and will remain open until funds are depleted.
Application Review
Applications will be reviewed weekly.
Decisions and Payments
Decisions and payments will be sent weekly beginning the week of August 5th, 2024.
Apply now
Learn how to apply
- Be at least 17 years old at the time of application
AND - Reside within Florida
AND - Be an active AmeriCorps member serving full or part-time in a Volunteer Florida program.
AND - Have a financial emergency that occurred on or after August 1, 2024.
Eligible Emergency Expenses
The emergency expense that threatens a member’s ability to continue their service must fall within the following categories:
- Medical (personal, family, or pet)
- Housing
- Transportation
- Expense related to a family loss
- Other*
Please note: Selecting the “Other” emergency category may require additional review. Please be prepared to provide supporting documentation.
For further information on eligible expenses, please visit ameraidflorida.org/#FAQ .
How to Apply
Before you apply, you should:
- Gather the required documents providing proof of identity and residence in Florida, myAmeriCorps screenshot, verifying your AmeriCorps member status, and proof of need if your funding request is $500 or more. You can review the list of approved materials at ameraidflorida.org/#required-documents
To apply, you should:
- Click the "Apply Now" button on this website, this will take you to the application page.
- Create a Scholar Fund account. You will only need to provide your email address and set up a password.
- Complete all of the application questions. Your application will automatically save so you are able to come back at any time.
- Once you are finished with your application, you will receive a confirmation text message and email with your Submission ID. Save this to check the status of your application or if you need help from our support team.
After you apply, you should: Check your email inbox or your junk email folder for your confirmation. You will also get a text message confirmation the day you submit your application. You may log back into your Volunteer Florida Member Assistance Fund account and check to see if your application is being reviewed and if you are awarded funds. Please only submit your application one time.
If you need help filling out the application, or need to correct an error after you have submitted, please contact us as (206) 558-6144 or support@ameraid.org.
If you need to update your contact or payment information after receiving the notification that you have been approved, please contact us as (206) 558-6144 or support@ameraid.org.
Required Documents
You will need to upload documents to confirm your identity and your connection to Florida, myAmeriCorps screenshot verifying your AmeriCorps member status, and proof of need if your funding request is $500 or more. The table below provides a list of documents you can use for identity and residency.
Please select one item from List A (Identity and Residency) OR one item from both List B (Identity) and List C (Residency) to upload.
- [List A] Florida Residency & Identity Documents
- [List B] Identity Documents
- [List C] Residency Documents
Make sure the copy is clear and readable. Remember, there is no cost to apply. If someone asks you to pay something, it is a scam! Report it to support@ameraid.org.
** Plaid Verification: If you have a Florida State Driver’s License or State ID card, you are able to use our **express verification** to verify your identity and residency. Express verification is a quicker, safer, and more secure verification process.
Our expedited verification process happens in a few easy steps:
- You’ll be texted a unique code to your phone
- You’ll be asked to verify your identity and address
- If we can’t automatically verify you’ll be asked to upload a picture of your ID
Finish in as quick as 30 seconds!
AmeriCorps Member Verification: You will need to upload your My.AmeriCorps Portal screenshot to confirm that you are an active AmeriCorps member. For an example, please visit bit.ly/3TWyZAi.
Proof of Need: If your funding request is $500 or more, documentation is required. For example, a letter from a landlord about your rent increase; a hospital bill; a repair bill/invoice, or a letter from your Program Lead.
Remember, there is no cost to apply. If someone asks you to pay something, it is a scam! Report it to support@ameraid.org
Apply Now
Ready to apply? Submit your application today!
Application Assistance?
Our team is available Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM (PT) to answer your questions.
Text Us
For the fastest response, send us a text, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible! (Messaging & data rates may apply)
Text us
(206) 558-6144
(206) 558-6144
Email Us
Email the team with your questions or a brief description of your issue, and we’ll get back to you as quickly as possible!
Email us
support@ameraid.org
support@ameraid.org
Call Us
Call our team if you have questions, need to know where you can get application assistance or need to report a problem with the application form.
Call us
(206) 558-6144
(206) 558-6144
Available Monday - Friday, 9 am -5 pm
Support across multiple languages
72hr response time
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about the Volunteer Florida Member Assistance Fund?
What is the Volunteer Florida Member Assistance Fund?
The Volunteer Florida Member Assistance Fund is a collaborative program with America's Service Commissions (ASC). This program provides direct cash assistance of up to $1,000 for eligible AmeriCorps members living and serving in Florida. The Fund is designed to assist with emergency financial needs occurring within the 2024-25 program year that threaten a member’s ability to continue their service term.
How do I know if I am eligible to apply for the Volunteer Florida Member Assistance Fund?
To apply, you must meet ALL of the requirements below:
- Be at least 17 years old at time of application
AND - Reside within Florida
AND - Be an active AmeriCorps member serving a minimum of 300 hours in an eligible Volunteer Florida program
AND - Have a financial emergency that occurred on or after August 1, 2024.
Which Volunteer Florida programs are eligible?
To be eligible to apply you must serve a minimum of 300 hours in one of the following Volunteer Florida programs:
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of St. Lucie County (BBBS Reads)
- Boys and Girls Club of Martin County, Inc. (AmeriCorps of Martin County)
- Boys And Girls Club Of North Central Florida Inc
- Boys and Girls Club of Palm Beach County (GFAP: Great Futures AmeriCorps Program)
- Branches, Inc
- Breakthrough Miami
- Broward College (Peer Mentoring)
- Broward College (Broward UP)
- Centro Campesino Farmworker Center Inc. (Youth Pride)
- City of Orlando (Operation AmeriCorps)
- City of Tampa (Green Team - AmeriCorps Tampa: Urban Environmental Stewardship)
- City Year Jacksonville
- City Year Miami
- City Year Orlando
- Collier Health Services, Inc. (Healthcare Network)
- Communities In Schools of Jacksonville
- Community Training Works Inc
- Firewall Centers, Inc.
- University of Florida (Florida 4-H Environmental Education)
- Florida Department of Environmental Protection (Florida Conservation Corps)
- Florida Introduces Physical Activity and Nutrition to Youth (FLIPANY)
- Greater Miami Service Corps
- Gulf Specimen Marine Laboratories Inc
- Hispanic Unity of Florida
- Literacy Alliance of Northeast Florida, Inc.
- Metropolitan Ministries, Inc.
- Overtown Youth Center, Inc.
- Palm Beach County Literacy Coalition (Literacy AmeriCorps)
- Polk Education Foundation
- READ USA Inc
- ReDefiners World Languages Inc.
- Seniors In Service of Tampa Bay, Inc. (Operation: Veteran Connect)
- Teach For America
- The Arc Jacksonville
- The Arc of Palm Beach County, Inc.
- The Sundari Foundation, Inc. (Lotus House)
- University of Florida (GatorCorps)
- University of North Florida (Jacksonville Teacher Residency)
- Urban Paradise Guild
What is considered an emergency expense?
An emergency expense is defined by an unforeseen, urgent event or circumstance that necessitates immediate financial assistance and threatens a member’s ability to continue their service.
The emergency expense must fall within the following categories:
- Medical (personal, family, or pet)
- Housing
- Transportation
- Expense related to a family loss
- Other*
Please note: Selecting the “Other” emergency category may require additional review. Please be prepared to provide supporting documentation.
What is not considered an emergency expense?
The following costs are not considered emergency expenses:
- Regular transportation costs
- Routine vehicle maintenance
- Expected healthcare costs
- Expected costs for education or professional development
- Typical rent, utility, and other housing costs
- Entertainment
My emergency expense occurred prior to the launch, am I able to apply?
To apply, you must have had a financial emergency that occurred on or after August 1, 2024.
Will I be required to provide documentation to prove financial need?
If your funding request is $500 or more, you will be required to submit documentation at the time of application. Eligible documentation includes a dated bill or invoice; or a signed and dated letter from an authorized entity such as a landlord, doctor or social worker.
I currently do not have permanent housing. Can I still apply, and how can I receive financial aid without a mailing address?
Yes. Applicants without permanent housing should still apply. You have two options:
- If you are eligible and prefer to receive a physical check, you may send your payment to someone’s address you trust, within Florida.
- If you are eligible and prefer to receive direct deposit, please select this option.
I currently do not have permanent housing. What residency documents can I use?
If you have a current document from List A that provides proof of your identity and residency in Florida prior to not having housing, you can provide it on the application.
If you do not have a document from List A, you can provide a document from List B proving your identity AND a signed and dated letter from one of the people listed in List C proving that you reside in Florida.
I currently do not have permanent housing. What address can I use on my application?
If you have a current List A document verifying your identity and residency in Florida State, please enter the Florida State address you had prior to becoming houseless.
If you do not have a current List A document, and are providing a List B (identity) and List C (residency) document, please enter the address listed in your List C document.
I live outside of the Florida state boundaries. Can I still apply?
No. If you live outside of Florida State boundaries, you may not be eligible.
Are there any other options if I am not able to receive financial aid from the Volunteer Florida Member Assistance Fund?
At this moment there are no other funding programs available.
Will every AmeriCorps member who applies receive financial assistance?
Due to limited funds, we are unable to serve every AmeriCorps member. Some eligible members may not receive financial support.
How are eligible applicants selected?
Due to limited funds, we are unable to serve everyone. We are selecting applicants on a first come first serve basis.
When will the application open?
The application will open on August 1, 2024.
When are applications due?
There is no due date, however the application will remain open until funds are depleted.
What kind of documents will I need to submit?
You will need to upload documents to confirm your identity and residency, and a screenshot of your myAmeriCorps or eGrants homepage verifying your AmeriCorps member status.
Gather the required documents providing proof of identity and residency, a screenshot of your my.AmeriCorps or eGrants homepage verifying your AmeriCorps member status, and proof of need if your funding request is $500 or more.
The table below provides a list of documents you can use for identity and residency. Please ensure you have a clear copy of one item from List A OR one item from both List B and List C.
[List A] Florida State Residency & Identity Documents
- Florida Identification Card showing your full name and Florida address
- Florida Driver License showing your full name and Florida address
- Utility bill showing your full name and Florida address
- Cell phone bill or internet bill showing your full name and Florida address
- Insurance statement showing your full name and Florida address
- Bank statement showing your full name and Florida address
- 2021 or 2022 tax return showing your full name and Florida address
- Paystub from employer showing your full name and your Florida address
- None. I am going to select one option each from List B and List C
[List B] Identity Documents
- Any State or Country Identification Card showing your full name
- Any State Driver's License showing full name
- Any government issued card showing your full name
- Passport showing your full name
- Birth certificate showing your full name
- None. I am going to select one option from List A
[List C] Residency Documents
Signed and dated letter* stating the full name and phone number of the person writing the letter from the following entities:
- Landlord acknowledging your Florida residency
- Employer acknowledging your Florida residency
- A representative from your place of worship acknowledging your Florida residency
- None. I am going to select one option from List A
*You may use this letter template for this application.
AmeriCorps Member Verification: You will need to upload your My.AmeriCorps Portal screenshot to confirm that you are an active AmeriCorps member. For an example of the My.AmeriCorps Portal, please visit bit.ly/3TWyZAi.
Proof of Need: If your funding request is $500 or more, documentation is required. For example, a letter from a landlord about your rent increase; a hospital bill; a repair bill/invoice, a letter from your Program Lead.
There are multiple AmeriCorps members living at my address. How should we apply?
Each AmeriCorps member should submit their own application that includes their own funding request for their own emergency expense.
If I help someone complete an application, what information do I need to share with them?
Please give all applicants their Submission ID and tell them to write it down and/or take a photo and save it somewhere. This number is very important to track the status of their application.
How do I update my information or correct an error after I submit my application?
If you need to update or correct an error on your application after it has been submitted, please contact us as (206) 558-6144 or support@ameraid.org.
Is there an appeal process if after I apply I do not receive financial aid from the Volunteer Florida Member Assistance Fund?
Due to the anticipated high number of applications, there will not be an appeal process. However, if a new financial emergency occurs during the 2024-25 service year, we encourage you to please review the eligibility requirements listed, and submit a new application for review if you meet the criteria.
Please note that eligible applicants are only able to receive a one-time payment, for now.
What happens if I submit a duplicate application by mistake? Are we then disqualified as a result?
If you submit multiple applications by mistake, Scholar Fund will be able to identify that multiple applications were submitted and will review the application that conveys the higher need. Applicants may also be contacted via phone call or text if application issues are detected.
I submitted my application, but haven’t heard back yet. When will I find out if I’ve been approved?
Applications will begin to be reviewed on a weekly basis. Starting the week of August 5th, 2024, decisions will go out weekly via email and text message to the contact information indicated on your application. You may look up the status of your application at any time by logging back into the application portal. Please be patient as we are reviewing applications.
How much are payments?
Payments are up to $1,000, and can be processed as a check or ACH, which is a direct deposit into your bank account.
Is this a one-time payment?
Eligible applicants are only able to receive a one-time payment, for now.
When will I get my payment?
Payments will be released to the community in weekly intervals starting the week of August 5th, 2024. Mailed checks may take longer to receive and we expect everyone will receive payment within 14 days after you have been given your award notice.
How can I receive my payment?
There are two options for receiving payments:
Check
- When: 7-14 days after you have been notified of an award.
- How: Mailed via postal service to the mailing address you provided.
- *Physical checks are void after 90 days.
Direct deposit
- When: 2-5 days after you have been notified of an award.
- How: Transferred to the direct deposit info you provided.
Can I have my payment sent to a different address from my residential address?
Yes, the mailing address could be a P.O. box or any address where you feel more comfortable receiving payment, as long as the address is within Florida.
If approved, can I change my form of payment?
Yes, you can change your form of payment after you have been approved. Please contact Scholar Fund at (206) 558-6144 or at support@ameraid.org with your name, submission ID, and the form of payment you would prefer.
If I am approved, can I change my award amount?
No, once you are approved changes cannot be made to your award amount.
If I am awarded $599 or less, do I have to pay this money back? Will this impact my taxes?
No, if you receive a payment of $599 or less, you do not have to pay this money back or report it on your taxes because the payment is under $600.
If I am awarded $600 or more, how will I receive my 1099 Form for my 2024 taxes?
Yes, if you receive a payment of $600 or more from a third-party, like Scholar Fund, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requires you to report this on your taxes. If approved, Scholar Fund will be providing you with a 1099 Form for your 2024 taxes.
Regardless of your payment type, applicants who were awarded $600 or more will receive a digital 1099 Form to the email address provided in the application by the end of January 2025 if the payment is issued in 2023 OR by the end of January 2026 if the payment is issued in 2024.
If I am awarded $600 or more, how will I receive a 1099 Form for my taxes?
Regardless of your payment type, applicants who are awarded $600 or more will receive a digital 1099 Form to the email address provided in the application.
Please note, if your payment was issued in 2023, you will receive your 1099 Form by the end of January 2025. If your payment was issued in 2024, you will receive your 1099 Form by the end of January 2026.
Is the information I provide in the application confidential?
The nonprofit organization Scholar Fund does not voluntarily share your data with government entities, including Florida State. Scholar Fund is responsible for collecting the personal information you voluntarily submit on the online application for the Volunteer Florida Member Assistance Fund. To help prevent unauthorized access, maintain data accuracy, and ensure the correct use of information, Scholar Fund has instituted appropriate physical, electronic, and managerial procedures to safeguard and secure the information they collect.
You can learn more about the Scholar Fund’s comprehensive Privacy Policy here (English only).
The myAmeriCorps or eGrants portal screenshots have sensitive information such as my Social Security Number. How can I share my information privately?
The information you provide in the application is stored securely in an encrypted format so it cannot be accessed. If you feel more comfortable, please block out your Social Security Number. However, please make sure your name, birth date, and National Service Participant ID (NSPID) are clearly visible.
Also make sure to never share your eGrants portal screenshots in an unsecure way such as text or an un-encrypted email.
Why am I being asked demographic questions? Will my answers affect my eligibility?
Demographic questions are asked to better understand who we are serving with the Volunteer Florida Member Assistance Fund. Your answers will have no effect on your eligibility, and you can choose not to disclose any demographic information. The information you provide will never be shared with Florida or any other government agency with your name attached to it.
How will the Volunteer Florida Member Assistance Fund application process prevent fraud?
In order to identify fraud, avoid duplicates, and maintain disbursement limits, Scholar Fund has developed several mechanisms to screen and check applicants to spot discrepancies, which includes a thorough application review process, spam filters, and address verification. They may also contact applicants via phone or text if they detect application issues.
What do I do if I discover that an applicant has been approved for more than one application?
If you discover that an applicant has been approved and/or funded multiple times, please notify Scholar Fund at (206) 558-6115 or support@ameraid.org. If applicants apply using different names or slightly different information, it makes deduplication difficult. However, we can stop payment if it has not been cashed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about the Volunteer Florida Member Assistance Fund?
What is the Volunteer Florida Member Assistance Fund?
The Volunteer Florida Member Assistance Fund is a program in collaboration with America's Service Commissions (ASC) to support AmeriCorps Florida members with emergency financial stressors during the 2023-24 program year that affect their ability to continue their service term. Applicants can request up to $1,500 in financial assistance.
If your financial emergency occurred between August and December, 2023 and currently impacts your ability to serve, your application must be received by February 15th. New financial stressors will be considered for the Volunteer Florida Member Assistance Fund after February 15, 2024.
How do I know if I am eligible to apply for the Volunteer Florida Member Assistance Relief Fund?
The eligibility for this program will be determined by your history of residing in Florida State and being an AmeriCorps member.
To apply, you must meet ALL of the requirements below:
- Be at least 17 years old at time of application
- AND Reside within Florida
- AND Be an active AmeriCorps member serving full or part-time in a Volunteer Florida program.
- You’ll be asked to verify your identity and address
- If we can’t automatically verify you’ll be asked to upload a picture of your ID
What is considered an emergency expense?
An emergency expense that affects your ability to continue your service term can include:
- A hospital bill related to an accident or sudden illness
- A sudden repair bill for plumbing, windows, etc.
- An expense related to the death of an immediate family or household member
- An unforeseen childcare cost
- An emergency transportation expense
- A hospital bill related to an accident or sudden illness
- A sudden repair bill for plumbing, windows, etc.
- An expense related to the death of an immediate family or household member
- An unforeseen childcare cost
- An emergency transportation expense
An emergency expense that affects your ability to continue your service term can include:
What is not an emergency expense?
The following costs are not considered emergency expenses:
- Regular transportation costs
- Routine vehicle maintenance
- Expected healthcare costs
- Expected costs for education or professional development
- Typical rent, utility, and other housing costs
- Food and entertainment
Will I be required to provide documentation to prove financial need?
If your funding request is over $1,000 you will be required to provide proof of need. Eligible documentation includes letter from a landlord about your rent increase; a hospital bill; a repair bill/invoice, etc.
If your funding request is less than $1,000 you will not be required to submit documentation at the time of application. However, please request funding for the amount you have or will have documentation for as you may be asked to provide it in the future.
I currently do not have permanent housing. Can I still apply, and how can I receive financial aid without a mailing address?
Yes. Applicants without permanent housing should still apply. You have two options:
- If you are eligible and prefer to receive a physical check, you may send your payment to someone’s address you trust, within Florida State.
- If you are eligible and prefer to receive direct deposit, please select this option.
I currently do not have permanent housing. What residency documents can I use?
If you have a current document from List A that provides proof of your identity and residency in Florida prior to not having housing, you can provide it on the application.
If you do not have a document from List A, you can provide a document from List B proving your identity AND a signed and dated letter from one of the people listed in List C proving that you reside in Florida.
[List A]
Florida State Residency & Identity Documents
[List B]
Identity Documents
[List C]
Residency Documents
- Florida Identification Card showing your full name and Florida address
- Florida Driver License showing your full name and Florida address
- Utility bill showing your full name and Florida address
- Cell phone bill or internet bill showing your full name and Florida address
- Insurance statement showing your full name and Florida address
- Bank statement showing your full name and Florida address
- 2021 or 2022 tax return showing your full name and Florida address
- Paystub from employer showing your full name and your Florida address
- None. I am going to select one option each from List B and List C
- Any State or Country Identification Card showing your full name
- Any State Driver's License showing full name
- Any government issued card showing your full name
- Passport showing your full name
- Birth certificate showing your full name
- None. I am going to select one option from List A
Signed and dated letter* stating the full name and phone number of the person writing the letter from the following entities:
- Landlord acknowledging your Florida residency
- Employer acknowledging your Florida residency
- A representative from your place of worship acknowledging your Florida residency
- None. I am going to select one option from List A
[List B]
Documents for Confirming Your Identity
[List C]
Documents Confirming Your Seattle Residency
I currently do not have permanent housing. What address can I use on my application?
If you have a current List A document verifying your identity and residency in Florida State, please enter the Florida State address you had prior to becoming houseless.
If you do not have a current List A document, and are providing a List B (identity) and List C (residency) document, please enter the address listed in your List C document.
I live outside of the Florida state boundaries. Can I still apply?
No. If you live outside of Florida State boundaries, you may not be eligible.
Are there any other options if I am not able to receive financial aid from the Volunteer Florida Member Assistance Fund?
At this moment there are no other funding programs available.
Will every AmeriCorps member who applies receive financial assistance?
Due to limited funds, we are unable to serve every AmeriCorps member. Some eligible members may not receive financial support.
How are eligible applicants selected?
Due to limited funds, we are unable to serve everyone. To support those with the most need, we are prioritizing applicants based on need.
When will the application open?
The Volunteer Florida Member Assistance Fund will open on [DATE].
When are applications due?
The Volunteer Florida Member Assistance Fund will remain open until funds are depleted.
What kind of documents will I need to submit?
You will need to upload documents to confirm your identity and your connection to Florida, E-grant verifying your AmeriCorps member status, and proof of need if your funding request is over $1,000.
AmeriCorps Member Verification: You will need to upload your E-Grants to confirm that you are an active AmeriCorps member.
Proof of Need: If your funding request is over $1,000 documentation is required. For example, a letter from a landlord about your rent increase; a hospital bill; a repair bill/invoice, etc
The table below provides a list of documents you can use for identity and residency. Please ensure you have a clear copy of one item from List A OR one item from both List B and List C.
[List A]
Florida State Residency & Identity Documents
[List B]
Identity Documents
[List C]
Residency Documents
- Florida Identification Card showing your full name and Florida address
- Florida Driver License showing your full name and Florida address
- Utility bill showing your full name and Florida address
- Cell phone bill or internet bill showing your full name and Florida address
- Insurance statement showing your full name and Florida address
- Bank statement showing your full name and Florida address
- 2021 or 2022 tax return showing your full name and Florida address
- Paystub from employer showing your full name and your Florida address
- None. I am going to select one option each from List B and List C
- Any State or Country Identification Card showing your full name
- Any State Driver's License showing full name
- Any government issued card showing your full name
- Passport showing your full name
- Birth certificate showing your full name
- None. I am going to select one option from List A
Signed and dated letter* stating the full name and phone number of the person writing the letter from the following entities:
- Landlord acknowledging your Florida residency
- Employer acknowledging your Florida residency
- A representative from your place of worship acknowledging your Florida residency
- None. I am going to select one option from List A
There are multiple AmeriCorps members living at my address. How should we apply?
Each AmeriCorps member should submit their own application that includes their own funding request for their own emergency expense.
If I help someone complete an application, what information do I need to share with them?
Please give all applicants their Submission ID and tell them to write it down and/or take a photo and save it somewhere. This number is very important to track the status of their application.
How do I update my information or correct an error after I submit my application?
If you need to update or correct an error on your application after it has been submitted, please submit a new application with your updated information.
Is there an appeal process if after I apply I do not receive financial aid from the Volunteer Florida Member Assistance Fund?
Due to the anticipated high number of applications, there will not be an appeal process.
What happens if I submit a duplicate application by mistake? Are we then disqualified as a result?
If you submit multiple applications by mistake, Scholar Fund will be able to identify that multiple applications were submitted and will review the application that conveys the higher need. They may also contact applicants via phone or text if they detect application issues.
I submitted my application, but haven’t heard back yet. When will I find out if I’ve been approved?
Applications will begin to be reviewed on a weekly basis starting early January 2024. Decisions will go out weekly starting January 22, 2024 to the email address linked to your account and via text message. You may look up the status of your application at any time by logging back into the application portal. Please be patient as we are reviewing applications.
How much are payments?
Payments are up to $1,500. If your funding request is over $1,000 proof of need is required. For example, a letter from a landlord about your rent increase; a hospital bill; a repair bill/invoice, etc.
You can receive the money as a check or ACH, which is a direct deposit into your bank account.
Is this a one-time payment?
Eligible applicants are only able to receive a one-time payment.
When will I get my payment?
Payments will be released to the community in weekly intervals starting the week of January 22, 2024. Checks mailed may take longer to receive and we expect everyone will receive payment within 14 days after you have been given your award notice.
How can I receive payments?
There are two options for receiving payments:
Check*
- 7-14 days after you have been notified of an award.
- Mail via postal service to the mailing address you provided.
- *Physical checks are void after 90 days.
Direct deposit
- 2-5 days after you have been notified of an award.
- Transfer to the direct deposit info you provided.
Can I have my payment sent to a different address from my residential address?
Yes. Residence address is used to show residency in Florida State. A mailing address could be a P.O. box or any address where you receive mail and/or feel more comfortable receiving payment, as long as the address is within Florida State.
If approved, can I change my form of payment?
Yes, you can change your form of payment after you have been approved. Please contact Scholar Fund at (206) 558-6115 or at payments@------.org with your name, submission ID, and what form of payment you would prefer.
Do I have to pay this money back? Will this impact my taxes?
When you receive payments for over $600 from a third-party, like Scholar Fund, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requires you to report this on your taxes. If approved, Scholar Fund will be providing you with a 1099 Form for your 2024 taxes.
If I am awarded over $600, how will I receive my 1099 Form for my 2024 taxes?
Regardless of your payment type, applicants who were awarded over $600 will receive a digital 1099 Form to the email address provided in the application by the end of January 2025.
Is the information I provide in the application confidential?
The nonprofit organization Scholar Fund does not voluntarily share your data with government entities, including Florida State. Scholar Fund is responsible for collecting the personal information you voluntarily submit on the online application for the Volunteer Florida Member Assistance Fund. To help prevent unauthorized access, maintain data accuracy, and ensure the correct use of information, Scholar Fund has instituted appropriate physical, electronic, and managerial procedures to safeguard and secure the information they collect.
You can learn more about the Scholar Fund comprehensive Privacy Policy here (English only).
Is my information safe?
Personal information will never be voluntarily shared with your landlord, your employer, or any government agency including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, ICE, other law enforcement, or any other agency. All information is stored securely in an encrypted format so it cannot be accessed.
According to our contract with America's Service Commissions (ASC), the only people with access to an applicant’s personal information are Scholar Fund, the community organization that manages the fund). We will not share your information with anyone else. But if there is a legal subpoena, we may be legally required to release personal information. It’s unlikely that this would happen, but not impossible.
Why am I being asked demographic questions? Will my answers affect my eligibility?
Demographic questions are asked to better understand who we are serving with the Volunteer Florida Member Assistance Fund. Your answers will have no effect on your eligibility, and you can choose not to disclose any demographic information. The information you provide will never be shared with Florida or any other government agency with your name attached to it.
How will the Volunteer Florida Member Assistance Fund application process prevent fraud?
In order to identify fraud, avoid duplicates, and maintain disbursement limits, Scholar Fund has developed several mechanisms to screen and check applicants to spot discrepancies, which includes a thorough application review process, spam filters, and address verification. They may also contact applicants via phone or text if they detect application issues.
What do I do if I discover that an applicant has been approved for more than one application?
If you discover that an applicant has been approved and/or funded multiple times, please notify Scholar Fund at (206) 558-6115 or support@------.org. If applicants apply using different names or slightly different information, it makes deduplication difficult. However, we can stop payment if it has not been cashed.
[List A]
Florida State Residency & Identity Documents
[List B]
Identity Documents
[List C]
Residency Documents
[List B]
Documents for Confirming Your Identity
[List C]
Documents Confirming Your Seattle Residency
*You may use this letter template for this application.