Emergency Grants for
College Students
When an unexpected crisis threatens your education, OMSE Fund is here to help — one grant at a time.
Helping serious students overcome unexpected financial obstacles on their path to graduation.
OMSE Fund’s mission is to help with unexpected and time-sensitive funding situations giving serious students an advantage toward completing their degree. Students can find themselves in situations owing for car repairs, utility bills, or unable to afford meals.
Student loans can help in these situations, but must be applied for long in advance of when these payments are due. These additional financial stressors can affect students’ academic performance, ability to continue with classes, and even influence a decision to drop out of school.
Our small one-time grants can help with these situations and, importantly, do not have to be paid back.
Georgia State University’s Panther Retention Grant program — begun in 2011 — demonstrates the powerful impact that small emergency grants have on student degree completion.
View the GSU program →Need help? Apply for a Grant
We provide one-time emergency grants of $100–$550 to undergraduate students in Georgia facing unexpected financial crises. If you’re a Pell Grant recipient with at least 60 credit hours and a 2.5 GPA, you may qualify.
- Transportation issues (car repairs)
- Job loss or reduction in hours
- Medical expenses
- Family crisis
- Natural disaster
Make a Difference Today
Your tax-deductible donation funds the grants that keep students in school. Overzat-McNealy Student Emergency Fund, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit — EIN 85-0809788.
Donate Now →Every dollar goes toward student grants.
Small, fast, impactful. When a student is one car repair away from dropping out, a timely grant can change the entire trajectory of their life.
Tax-deductible · 501(c)(3) · EIN 85-0809788
What Students Are Saying
After a rough year, I was in dire need of financial support. Thankfully I found the OMSE grant and they handed me a life raft when I needed it most. The interview was rigorous and had great questions so know yourself and be prepared to share your story. Doing so not only aided me financially but I was also recognized for my hard work which is a rare occurrence. Thank you so much!
I had a sudden financial crisis happen before the start of my study abroad program. I faced uncertainty in how I would move forward. However I found out about OMSE Fund through my school’s advisor. I applied and received a grant that I am beyond grateful for. Thanks to this grant I could worry less about my financial troubles and focus more on my academics.
Founded by people who care.
Dr. Tara Overzat and her husband, Sean McNealy, have a passion for helping others. Dr. Overzat is a long-time mental health counselor, teacher, and former student affairs professional. Mr. McNealy has long been involved with Scouts BSA focusing on their National Youth Leadership Training.
Dr. Valerie Robin sits on the Board of Directors and has a strong history teaching and student advocacy.
- Tara Overzat, PhD, LPC, NCC, ACS Chief Executive Officer
- Sean McNealy, PE, MS Treasurer
- Valerie Robin, PhD Secretary
Completing one’s education is so important but many times there are obstacles that get in the way. It is so gratifying to help a student pay some expense they were not expecting or otherwise assist them in reaching their goals and dreams.