PSU Unions' Undergraduate Support Fund
PSU Unions' Undergraduate Support Fund provides students a one-time financial support gift of up to $325. As we grow the fund, we hope to provide more financial support. We streamlined the application process to provide assistance to rising Junior and Senior students who face a significant financial disruption in their education so they can continue to focus on college classes in their final years at Portland State University.
Labor salaries support this "last mile" fund
PSU Unions' Undergraduate Support Fund is financed with grant money from Believe in Students, along with additional funding donated by PSU-AAUP and SEIU local 89. It is distributed and supported by Together4PSU, which is made up of four PSU Campus Unions: Service Employees International Union (SEIU local 89), Graduate Employees Union of Portland State University (PDX GEU), Portland State University Faculty Association (PSUFA), and Portland State University chapter of American Association of University Professors (PSU-AAUP).
Only for undergraduate students:
What can PSU Unions' Undergraduate Support Fund help with?
PSU Unions' Undergraduate Support Fund is a micro-grant (up to $325) that provides financial assistance for an emergency so that you can continue to focus on your college classes.
Generally, the fund can assist with housing costs, utilities, food insecurities, and education expenses.
The Undergraduate Support Fund is not a cash award. Checks will be mailed out to awarded recipients.
Who is eligible?
Currently enrolled undergraduate students at Portland State University, Portland, Oregon.
Students must be rising Juniors and Seniors.
What's a rising junior or senior? Students entering their Junior and Senior year this Fall.
Are undocumented undergraduate students eligible to apply?
Yes. DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) and undocumented students are eligible to apply.
Are undergraduates not formally admitted to PSU eligible to apply?
No. The student must be formally admitted and enrolled when they apply for this fund.
Are post-baccalaureate students eligible to apply?
No. This fund focuses on first-time baccalaureate students.
Are graduate students eligible?
Unfortunately, graduate students are not eligible to apply. We are sorry.
If I receive scholarships from PSU or other organizations, does this union-specific gift decrease my scholarship funds from PSU?
No. This is a gift from union wages.
This gift is not part of scholarship packages you may receive from PSU or other sources.
This union fund does not answer questions regarding your Financial Aid.
If you have questions about your Financial Aid packet, go here: https://www.pdx.edu/student-finance/financial-aid
Is this gift of $X amount (up to $325) taxed by my state (e.g., “Oregon,” “Washington,”) and the federal government (i.e., IRS—Internal Revenue Services)?
Unfortunately, we do not answer tax-liability questions regarding gifts.
We encourage you to check in with your tax advisor and the IRS website.
What is the application and award process?
Complete the application form below.
The fund will provide no more than $325 per student, per academic year, to the extent that funds are available.
Deadline to apply is May 2, 2025.
Applicants will be notified mid-May and checks will be mailed out up to a few weeks after.
Please send any questions to studentsupportfund@psuaaup.net.
Please note: We are currently not accepting applications. Look for the application to reopen on Friday, April 11, 2025.
For faculty, professionals, and others:
How can I refer students?
If you know of a student that can benefit from PSU Unions' Support, please direct them here and have them fill out an application.
Please advise students that this fund allocates gifts each summer if and when donor funds become available. This website is the only source of updates regarding the fund.
They can also reach out to PSU Unions' Student Support team directly at studentsupportfund@psuaaup.net.
What must students do?
Students simply need to fill out our application.
Please note: We are currently not accepting applications. Look for the application to reopen on Friday, April 11, 2025.
How can you support PSU Unions' Undergraduate Support Fund?
Our support fund, started by a one-time by Believe in Students grant, relies on the contributions of the Portland State community and beyond. You can contribute directly to the support fund below:
Any questions? Please reach out to us at studentsupportfund@psuaaup.net. We are a volunteer group of on-campus unionized workers (e.g., we are educators, academic professionals, graduate students, technicians, food service staff, custodial staff, office specialists) supporting your academic success!