About the Microgrant program

The RSG Basic Needs Micro Grant provides free, short-term assistance to graduate students looking to improve their wellness. RSG designed the Basic Needs Micro-Grant program to provide short-term financial assistance to students for essential items. A portion of the admission fee you pay for Grad Gala, as well as money we set aside from our internal budget, goes directly to support graduate and professional students across campus. We need your help to meet the extremely high need that exists among graduate and professional students—your current and future teachers, researchers, doctors, and others who are off to be the Leaders and Best when they finish their degree.

We've received an overwhelming response. In the fall 2021 semester iteration, there were over $100,000 in applications, the vast majority of which met the criteria of the evaluation committee’s definition of ‘highest priority’. Unfortunately, fundraising efforts by the Rackham Student Government yielded ~$40,000, not nearly enough to fund applicants in need.

Students are awarded the grant if they are looking to purchase essential items including, but are not limited to:

• Fitness equipment (Yoga mats, dumbbells/weights, fitness app memberships, etc.)

• Technology for remote work (Computer equipment (mice, keyboards, video cameras), office equipment, printers/ink, routers, hot spots, etc.)

• Personal hygiene Products (Feminine products, soap/shampoo, hand sanitizer, etc.)

• Childcare products (Diapers, formula, medication, maternity/postpartum products, etc.)

• Health needs (First aid supplies, prescription drugs, co-pays for health services, etc.)

• Automotive needs (Windshield wipers, subsidy towards replacement parts, oil changes, etc.)

• Housing needs (Replacement keys, late fees for housing payments, groceries, etc.)

• Parking & transportation (Parking passes, bus/train tickets, etc.)

• Academic needs (Safety glasses, learning equipment, notebooks, textbooks, laptops, etc.)

• Tax needs