Jan. 8, 2008 — Beginning in 2008, University of Virginia and state employees experiencing a hardship have a new place to turn. The Virginia State Employee Assistance Fund provides grants to state employees who are in financial need as a result of a qualifying emergency, recent crisis or death of a loved one.

Employees submit an application and other applicable paperwork by fax or mail to the VSEAF office. A review committee, comprised of state employees from across the Commonwealth, confidentially reviews applications and a determination is usually made within seven business days. Funds are awarded for the amount requested but cannot exceed $500. These grants are not a loan and employees are not obligated to repay awarded funds. All University and state employees are eligible to apply.

The VSEAF is financed by employee donations through the Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign, a workplace-giving campaign for University and state employees. In 2007, employees from across the Commonwealth contributed more than $4 million in support of causes through the CVC. At U.Va., 3,713 employees donated more than $735,000 through the campaign.

To learn more about the Virginia State Employment Assistance Fund, visit www.cvc.vipnet.org or contact U.Va.’s Community Relations Office at 924-1321.