In the spirit of St. Vincent de Paul and St. Louise de Marillac, the Vincentian Assistance Fund (VAF) was established by the Congregation of the Mission (the Vincentian Priests and Brothers) to provide short-term, emergency financial support to DePaul students, faculty, and staff. This expression of Vincentian personalism honors the dignity of our DePaul community members who find themselves in times of crisis, and we hope it reminds them that they have a whole DePaul community around them that they can look to for support. Recipients of the VAF are not required to pay back what they receive, but they are asked to find a small way in which to “pay it forward” by doing something kind or charitable for others. Please contact
Alice Farrell with any questions.
To support others by donating to the Vincentian Assistance Fund,
please click here.
The Vincentian Assistance Fund has expended all available funding for the 2024-25 academic year.
We will not be able to take new assistance requests until September 2025.
Please note that the Vincentian Assistance Fund is a one-time emergency fund only. Once funds are awarded, they may not be accessed again. The Vincentian Assistance Fund may not be used for tuition, books, university fees, or technology. Students facing additional financial hardships are encouraged to reach out to the Dean of Students Office and inquire about the Student Emergency Assistance Fund (SEAF). The Dean of Students Office is best suited to connect students with both SEAF and other resources that may be able to alleviate some of their hardships.
Students who are facing an unexpected, documented financial emergency to the extent that current circumstances will impede or suspend progress towards degree completion should contact the Dean of Students Office for more information about the criteria of this emergency fund and application process. Emergency funding is limited and granted on a case-by-case basis. Students must be actively enrolled to apply for emergency funding. Funds are intended for basic living expenses and are not for tuition or tuition balances. If students have tuition concerns, they are encouraged to contact DePaul Central at 312-362-8610. Further details about emergency resources may be found at