The Cornell Award for Recognition and Engagement (CARE) Fund is a vital resource dedicated to providing emergency financial assistance to Cornell University staff and faculty. This employee-funded initiative offers grants to those facing unexpected financial hardships due to qualified, nonrecurring emergencies. Overseen by Human Resources and managed by dedicated faculty and staff volunteers, the CARE Fund embodies the Cornell community’s spirit of looking out for its own.
Since 2010, the CARE Fund has disbursed over $484,000 in assistance to 385 employees, demonstrating its significant impact within the university. This fund is a testament to the generosity of Cornell employees who contribute to support their colleagues during challenging times.
What is the CARE Fund?
The CARE Fund is designed to provide financial relief to benefits-eligible Cornell employees in full or part-time positions when they encounter unforeseen emergencies. These emergencies are defined as qualified, nonrecurring events that create sudden financial strain. Examples of such situations include:
- Natural Disasters: Events like floods, fires, hurricanes, or earthquakes that cause damage to personal property and necessitate unexpected expenses.
- Catastrophic Illnesses: Sudden and severe medical conditions affecting the employee or their immediate family, leading to significant medical bills and lost income.
- Domestic Violence Situations: Situations requiring immediate relocation and financial support to ensure safety and well-being.
It is important to note that the CARE Fund is intended to address nonrecurring emergencies, meaning it is designed to help with sudden, unexpected crises rather than ongoing financial difficulties. The maximum grant amount currently stands at $2,000, intended to provide immediate relief during critical times.
The Story of Impact: Tina’s Experience
To understand the real impact of the CARE Fund, consider the experience of Tina Henry, a Finance Manager in Chemistry and Chemical Biology and a former CARE Fund committee member. Tina’s story exemplifies how the fund can be a lifeline during unforeseen personal crises.
In 2019, as Tina was preparing for knee surgery, her husband was unexpectedly hospitalized with a blood clot and required a defibrillator. Adding to the stress, her daughter also underwent emergency surgery on the same day Tina was scheduled for her own procedure. This series of unforeseen medical emergencies created significant financial strain for Tina and her family.
Initially hesitant to apply, Tina questioned if her need was as great as others. However, upon receiving assistance from the CARE Fund, she realized the profound impact it could have. The grant helped her family manage the unexpected financial burden during a period of immense personal stress and uncertainty.
Tina’s experience underscores the CARE Fund’s crucial role in providing timely support to Cornell employees facing emergencies. Her story also highlights the fund’s unique nature – it is “for employees, by employees,” fueled by the collective generosity of the Cornell community.
How You Can Support Emergency Care at Cornell
The CARE Fund thrives on the contributions of Cornell employees. Your donations, no matter the size, directly contribute to the well-being of your colleagues during their moments of greatest need. The CARE Fund committee has set ambitious engagement goals for 2023 and 2024: to engage 30% of all employees and 100% of faculty in contributing to the fund. Even small contributions, such as $1 per paycheck, can collectively ensure the fund’s stability and expand its reach.
There are numerous ways to contribute to the CARE Fund and support Emergency Care for your Cornell colleagues:
- Payroll Deduction: An easy and consistent way to donate directly from your paycheck.
- Venmo & PayPal: Convenient online platforms for one-time or recurring donations.
- Check: Traditional method for those who prefer to donate via mail.
- Cornell Appreciation Portal Points: Donate your recognition points, with each point equaling $1.
- Bottle and Can Drive: Participate in or contribute to bottle and can drives at designated locations.
Beyond financial donations, you can also get involved by:
- Spreading the Word: Inform your colleagues and managers about the CARE Fund and its mission.
- Requesting a Presentation: Invite CARE Fund representatives to present to your department or team.
- Becoming a CARE Fund Ambassador: Volunteer to actively promote the fund within the Cornell community.
By contributing to the CARE Fund, you become a vital part of a safety net that provides emergency care and support to your fellow Cornell employees. Your generosity helps ensure that the CARE Fund can continue to offer crucial assistance during times of unexpected hardship, strengthening the Cornell community as a whole.
For more information about the CARE Fund, including application details and further stories of impact, please visit the CARE Fund website or email [email protected].
