Due to challenges surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, Minot State University has restructured its Giving Day 2020 to focus on immediate student needs through the Student Emergency Fund.

Starting March 26, and ongoing throughout the remainder of the Spring 2020 semester, the Minot State Development Foundation will channel fundraising efforts online at Give.MinotStateU.edu/. Minot State students can access the application for the MSU Student Emergency Fund at MinotStateU.edu/finaid/pages/student-emergency-fund.shtml.

“Many of our students are struggling to make ends meet during this unprecedented time,” said Rick Hedberg, vice president for advancement and MSU Foundation executive director. “This student emergency fund is available for students needing immediate financial help. We encourage folks to support our students in this time of need. This may be the most important fund we have at Minot State.”

Thanks to a pool of matching funds from some of our most generous donors — Mary Quandt ’76, Robert ’60 and Jo Ann Skabo, the Minot State Staff Senate, and the MSU Development Foundation — gifts to the Student Emergency Fund will be matched dollar-for-dollar, doubling the impact on students. The Student Emergency Fund can change the lives of those affected by the unexpected financial crisis of COVID-19.

Minot State has moved to remote learning, which has presented challenges for some students who have limited resources, and for others who have lost income due to stores and restaurants limiting hours or closing entirely. Students are struggling with unexpected personal expenses including travel costs to return home, technology needs to participate in online courses, and other essential items.

The Minot State Student Emergency Fund was created in partnership with Quandt in 2017. These funds are intended to help students with unforeseen financial emergencies that might otherwise prevent them from continuing their education.