FIRST Fund

We always hope that each student will be able to attend Tufts without facing unexpected hardship. However, we know that in the span of their undergraduate years, some students may find the associated cost of an opportunity to be prohibitive. To that end, we have created a fund to assist students who may need this support.

The FIRST Fund was designed for eligible undergraduate students to request funding for academic and co-curricular opportunities and certain unexpected costs.

• Students with emergency situations should contact the Dean of Students Office.
• To request a health reimbursement, please see the Health Fund on our Financial Resources page.
• For information on food support, please visit Tufts' Food Resources page.

Undergraduate students with a family contribution of $10,000 and below are eligible to apply for funding. Students may not request funds for someone else.

Grant awards typically will not exceed $500.00, which is the maximum total amount that a student may receive over their undergraduate years at Tufts. Funds are generally awarded on a reimbursement basis with receipts.

Costs must be incurred during the current academic year (i.e. the first day of classes in September to the last day of final exams in May) while enrolled in on-campus classes. Additionally, receipts for reimbursement must be submitted during the current academic year.

Each application will be reviewed by the FIRST Center and Financial Aid. Students are encouraged to apply for funding as needed, and based on funding limitations, we will do our best to support all requests. If approved, you will receive instructions for the allocation process.

Examples of funding requests

• Essential technology support including repairs, replacement, or new purchases of computers/tablets (Mobile phones and earbuds are excluded)
• Fees or equipment for a course not covered by financial aid such as Music, Art, Photography, and EMT
• Athletic equipment for team sports
• Conference fees/expenses
  • Students presenting at a conference must first apply to the Undergraduate Research Fund. You may then apply to this fund if you have additional costs above the award provided by the Undergraduate Research Fund.
• Business professional attire and Winter clothing (maximum of $200.00 total for clothing)
• Graduate school expenses including application fees and essential study materials such as MCAT, LSAT, GRE prep materials

Examples of items that do not qualify

• Tuition
• Physical textbooks
• Mobile phones
• Earbuds
• Living expenses such as rent, utilities, and groceries
• Storage costs
• Local transportation between home and Tufts
• Parking costs and auto rentals
• Travel home for holidays/breaks
• Travel for family members
• Expenses related to Commencement and Senior Week such as caps and gowns and tickets to events

To request funding, please complete our FIRST Fund Request Form.

Please apply as early as possible since processing may take at least a week or two, and may take longer during busier times of the year.