A new program to help families hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic can deliver a $500 microgrant to Chicago students and their families.

The Chicago Public Schools and Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot have teamed up to create the Chicago Families Forward Fund. Families with an eligible student can receive the microgrant. The aim of the fund is to distribute more than $9 million in assistance before the end of the fall 2021 semester. The program is funded by the City of Chicago through federal stimulus money from the Coronavirus Relief Fund.​ 

Right now, the grants will go to families with students in temporary living situations, especially if the change in living was caused by pandemic difficulties. Other rounds of eligibility may follow later. The checks will be per student, so having multiple students in a family who meet the eligibility requirements could mean checks for each student’s needs.

The grants can be used for educational supplies, food, transit cards, and housing costs. Families can apply for the grants by using this form, and applications are due by Friday, Oct. 1.

Full details about the fund, including more information about eligibility and how to fill out an application, are available at the website explaining the fund. The website also explains what other services might be available for students in these situations.