Student Mental Health Micro-grant Guidelines 2023-2024

UNCP understands the complexity of mental health challenges and that some students may benefit from off-campus services.  The UNC System has provided microgrants to support off-campus mental health care for students who may otherwise be unable to afford the recommended care. Parameters for applying and being approved for these funds is below:

Eligibility:

• Applicant must be enrolled as a student during the current semester for which support is being sought
• Providers of care must be licensed/certified in North Carolina or the state in which the services have been or are being rendered
• An itemized quote/estimate for services or itemized receipts must be provided with application or upon request during the review process
• Funding will only be approved for specialized and/or holistic mental health care
• Applicants under 18 years of age must have parental consent

Permissible use of funds:

• Insurance deductibles and copays for approved services
• Session/Appointment fees
• Approved Providers: Counselor, Psychologist, Clinical Social Worker, Medical Provider, Massage Therapist, Nutritionist, Holistic Life Coach, Subtle Yoga for Behavioral Health Instructor/Consultant
• Approved Services: Counseling, Psychiatric Care, Medication Management, Massage Therapy, Nutrition Consultation, Life Coaching, Subtle Yoga
• Funds will not cover missed appointment fees, late fees, fees for services not deemed as related to mental health needs, or for someone other than the student applying for funding
• Funding period is 7/1/23 – 6/ 30/24 or until funds are exhausted

Application Process:

• The application must be completed online by the student requesting funding
• The application will ask for the type of service, rationale for the request, and the provider or pharmacy name
• A student has a limit of $1000 per academic year that can be received through the microgrant
• Students may continue to apply for needs until the full amount is met
• The parental consent form should be completed if the student is under 18
• It is presumed a student applying for funds is doing so honestly. Anyone found to be making a fraudulent claim will be subject to the provisions and procedures of the Student Code of Conduct

Review process:

• Submission of an application does not guarantee funding, and applications without substantiating documentation will not be considered
• Award decisions will be made within 30 business days application, not including holidays/university closures
• Students will be notified by phone or email of award approval
• Final funding decisions will be made by the Director of the Counseling Center or designee
• If the applicant is approved, funding will be distributed directly to the student by direct deposit or a check to be held for pick-up at the university. The student’s name will be shared with Accounts Payable to distribute the award, therefore confidentiality is limited.