Emergency Relief Fund Application

We thank you for applying for the EJP Emergency Fund.

We are happy to announce that, starting in fall 2024, the EJP Emergency Relief Fund will accept applications by alumni of any higher education in prison program (academic, not CTE programs) operating in IDOC. The form must be submitted within 6 (six) months of your release, except for EJP alumni.

Best regards,

The EJP Emergency Fund

Requirements:

Have been released from IDOC.
Have participated in a higher education in prison (academic, not vocational) program while incarcerated in the state of IL.
Take the Emergency EJP Relief Fund 10-question survey upon receiving funds.
Be willing to provide photo and/or written comment about how the funds provided support. This is to help us make the case that the funds make a difference, so we can continue to ask funders for support for this program.

FAQs

What sorts of things qualify as emergency needs? What sorts of things can I apply for funding for?
Medication, hospitalization, medical treatment, rent/mortgage, utilities (gas, light, phone), car repairs, groceries and the like.

Do I have to pay back the money?
No. However, our goal is to keep this fund available for future individuals in need. This fund would appreciate donations of any size from you if you are a beneficiary of this funding support.

Who is eligible to apply?
Currently, eligibility is restricted to individuals who attended college-in-prison programs within IDOC. EJP alumni can apply for funds at any time. Alumni of other programs must apply within 6 months of their release.

How will recipients be determined?
Applications will be evaluated by a committee comprised of EJP alumni based on four factors:

1. Extent to which the applicant needs relief. (Applications will be rated according to a four-point rubric).
2. Whether the applicant has received previous emergency relief funds.
3. The amount of money an applicant requests.
4. Fund availability

How do I apply?
Please complete the form below. The funds, if approved, will then be sent to the applicant via courier check or electronically.

Is there a deadline to apply?
No, for EJP alumni. For non-EJP alumni, you must apply within 6 months of your release.

How frequently will relief funds be given out?
Funds will be given out based on a “needs rubric” until they are depleted. It is highly encouraged that applicants who are beneficiaries of funding donate to the fund if/when possible to keep this available for other people in need who apply in the future.

Any additional inquiries can be made by emailing, calling or texting

Erick Nava: ericknll2013@gmail.com / 217 - 689 - 0428

Your Name (as it appears on your Illinois State ID):*

IDOC #*

Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code

Phone Number*

Please enter a valid phone number.

Email

example@example.com

Are you an alumnus of a college-in-prison program in Illinois?*

YesNo

Unfortunately, the fund is limited at this time to individuals who are alumni of Illinois' college-in-prison programs . This is due to shortage of funds. We are sorry for the inconvenience.

What program were you part of?

Education Justice ProjectA different program

What was the name of the program?

At what prison?

When did you participate?*

Are you currently employed?*

YesNo

If answered "Yes" for above, what kind of employment do you hold?*

How many months has it been since your release?*

Unfortunately, emergency relief funds are only available for up to six months following release, unless you are an EJP alumnus. This is because we have limited funds. We are sorry for the inconveience. If you are an EJP alumnus, you can continue with the application.

What kind of accommodation do you currently have?*

What is the amount you are currently applying for?*

Please note that the maximum amount is $500

Why are you requesting emergency funds? Select all that apply.*

Please provide a brief rationale (no more than 250 words) of why you are applying for funds.*

How quickly do you need the funds?*

Immediately2-3 WeeksA month or more

Please explain the urgency.*

If approved, do you intend to donate to the EJP Emergency Relief Fund in the future?*

YesNoPrefer not to say

Age: What is your age?

Gender: How do you identify your gender?

MaleFemaleNon binaryPrefer not to say

Race: How do you identify your race and ethnicity? Please select all that apply.

Disability: For the purposes of this survey, we define a disability as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more activities. Do you have a disability? Please select all that apply.

I have a visible disabilityI have a non-visible disabilityI don't have a disabilityPrefer to self-describe

Please describe

I understand that I am not obligated to pay back the relief funds I received, but I understand the importance of donating to the EJP Emergency Relief Fund so that others may benefit from this opportunity as I did. (Please write your name below to indicate that you have read this statement.)

Education Justice Project Emergency Relief Fund Application

Please complete the form below to apply for emergency funds.

Voluntary Self-Identification of Demographics