CUPE 2626 offers different sources of funding to help members with expenses related to tuition fees, cost of dependent care, presenting at academic conferences, organizing projects, and coping with unforeseen circumstances. If you have a contract as a TA, RA, Proctor, Marker, Tutor or Lab Demonstrator, or if you’ve had one in the last 12 months, you have access to this funding. Please see below for more information on the different types of funding we provide.

EMERGENCY FUND FOR RESIDENCE LIFE WORKERS

The CUPE 2626 Emergency Fund aims to provide support to members who require financial assistance as a result of unforeseen circumstances. The Fund seeks to strike a balance between providing substantive relief for the circumstances that led a member to apply, and helping as many members as possible with the funds available.

How to Apply

To apply, please complete the Emergency Fund Application Form.

SOLIDARITY FUND

The Solidarity Fund is intended for groups and individuals working on events, projects, and campaigns which directly or indirectly benefit members of CUPE 2626. This includes initiatives organized by both members of CUPE 2626 as well as non-members (i.e. academic conference or workshop).

How to Apply

To apply, please complete the Solidarity Fund Application Form. This form includes:

  • A description of your event, project or campaign
  • An explanation of how CUPE 2626 members may benefit from it
  • A detailed budget for your event, project or campaign

Please note that CUPE 2626 will not support any initiative that serves to undermine students/workers rights, equality, social justice, or human rights.

GROCERY FUND

The CUPE 2626 Grocery Fund is a one-year pilot project designed to support members facing food insecurity. Every member is eligible once per academic term to receive:

          -A $50 grocery gift card

          -Two free Odd Bunch produce boxes

          -Access to additional Odd Bunch boxes on a pay-what-you-can basis

This initiative is made possible through a partnership with OPIRG and aims to reduce financial barriers to accessing healthy food.

How to Apply
To apply, complete the Grocery Fund Application Form. You will need to upload:

  1. Proof of CUPE 2626 membership – for example, a pay stub issued in the past 12 months that shows CUPE 2626 deductions

  2. A copy of your uOttawa statement of account for the current term – to confirm your student status

              -If you are on an approved leave of absence, please include documentation confirming your leave.

              -Note: This requirement does not apply to lifeguards.

No demonstration of financial need is required. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis while supplies last.

ESSENTIALS FUND

The CUPE 2626 Essentials Fund is a first-year pilot project created to support members with the cost of essential, everyday purchases. It is designed to supplement our Emergency Fund and assist members with items that are necessary but not typically covered elsewhere.

Members may be reimbursed up to $200 per academic year for eligible expenses, which may include (but are not limited to):

          -Household supplies

          -Non-prescription medications

          -Other essential personal or wellness items

How to Apply
To apply, fill out the Essentials Fund Application Form. To be considered, you will need to:

  1. Provide a budget showing the financial impact of the purchase

  2. Explain why the item(s) are essential to your well-being or daily life

  3. Submit proof of purchase (e.g. a dated receipt or invoice from the current academic year)

As this fund is in its first year of operation, disbursement amounts and the approval process may evolve based on application volume and fund availability.