FAST Fund at MATC FAQ

1. How do I know if I am eligible to apply?
To be eligible for the FAST Fund, you must meet the following basic requirements:

• Be a currently enrolled MATC student.
   

• Be facing an unexpected financial hardship.
   

• If assistance is needed immediately, apply first and then reach out via phone, email, or stop by our office.
   

  • Complete the application to the best of your ability. Missing or incomplete information could delay assistance.
     

• If you are not currently enrolled at MATC, the FAST Fund can only assist with MATC tuition assistance to return to school.
   

  • You must have a concrete plan to address any past due balance with the MATC Student Accounts Office before requesting assistance from the FAST Fund.
     

2. Could my application be denied?
While we aim to support as many students as possible, there are some circumstances that may prevent us from approving a request. These may include:

• You’ve recently received assistance and may need to wait before applying again.
   

• The amount requested exceeds what we’re able to provide through emergency funds.
   

• You’ve received multiple rounds of support and may have reached the limit for FAST Fund assistance.
   

• You're not currently enrolled as a student at MATC.
   

• There was a concern during communication or interaction that impacted our ability to provide support.
   

We understand that each situation is unique and are always open to reviewing questions or concerns about application outcomes. Please feel free to contact our team for clarification or next steps if your application is not approved.
 

3. Is the FAST Fund the same as the MATC Emergency Assistance Grant?
No, the FAST Fund is separate from the MATC Emergency Assistance Grant. The Emergency             Assistance Grant is located in the Student Resource Center, S Building, second floor. The FAST Fund specifically helps MATC students with unexpected financial hardship situations.
 

4. What types of financial challenges does the FAST Fund assist with?
The FAST Fund helps students cover urgent and unexpected financial hardships that may impact their ability to stay in school. Eligible needs may include, but are not limited to:

• Tuition or fees that prevent continued enrollment
   

• Childcare expenses
   

• Food insecurity or groceries
   

• Textbooks and school supplies
   

• Transportation needs, such as bus passes or car repairs
   

• Emergency housing or utility shut-off notices
   

• Medical or mental health-related expenses
   

• Technology access, such as laptops or Wi-Fi
   

• Family or personal emergencies
   

Please note: While we aim to be flexible, the FAST Fund does not cover routine, ongoing, or planned expenses.

 

5. How much money can I request from the FAST Fund?
The amount you may receive is determined based on your specific financial need and available funding. The FAST Fund typically provides small emergency grants; larger requests need to be finalized by our Executive Director.
 

6. How long does it take to get approved for assistance?
After submitting your application, we may take 1-3 business days to assign your application to a reviewer and for them to reach out to you. Once the application review process starts, you may be asked to complete gaps in your application or provide further details on how your situation qualifies as an emergency and/or provide information to distribute funds after application approval. 
 

If your application is urgent, we recommend applying first and to the best of your ability, explaining your emergency. Then contact us directly via phone or email to check on the progress.
 

7. Can I apply for the FAST Fund if I have already received assistance from other MATC programs?
Yes, you can apply for the FAST Fund if you've received assistance from other MATC programs. We only consider our own records of assistance to determine if we can assist the applicant again. 
 

8. Can the FAST Fund help with tuition payments?
Yes, in some cases, the FAST Fund can help with past due tuition balances. However, you must have a concrete plan for addressing the balance with the MATC Student Accounts Office before applying. A tuition payment plan will also be implemented after assistance. 
 

9. Can I apply for the FAST Fund if I am not currently enrolled but plan to return to MATC?
Yes, the FAST Fund can assist students who are planning to return to MATC. However, your request must specifically be for tuition assistance to re-enroll, and you must have a concrete plan in place with the MATC Student Accounts Office.
 

10. How can I apply for the FAST Fund?
Applications are submitted online via the FAST Fund application portal. If you need assistance with the application, please reach out to our office via phone or email, or stop by in person.
 

11. What if I need emergency help but my application isn't processed yet?
If you need emergency help before your application is processed, please contact us directly via phone or email, or visit our office. We may be able to assist you with urgent needs while your application is being reviewed.
 

12. Is there a limit to how many times I can receive assistance from the FAST Fund?
Yes, the FAST Fund has limits on how many times a student can receive assistance. The goal is to support students with temporary financial hardships, so repeated requests may be denied. Please reach out via phone, email or in-person if you have further questions. 
 

13. What happens if I do not qualify for the FAST Fund?
If you do not qualify for the FAST Fund, we can refer you to other available resources or assist you with alternative solutions.
 

14. Who do I contact if I have more questions or need assistance?
For any questions or additional help, please contact our office by phone, email, or visit us in person. We’re here to assist you through the application process and to help with any further questions you may have.
 

(414)522-4017

applications@fastfundmke.org

MATC Downtown Campus 

FH 801, 8th Floor 

 

Laptop Program FAQ

1. Who is eligible to receive a laptop from the FAST Fund?
Students must be currently enrolled at MATC and experiencing a technology gap that impacts their ability to complete coursework (e.g., no access to a personal computer or reliable device).
 

2. How do I request a laptop?

Students can request a laptop by completing our Laptop Request Form. After that, you’ll be directed to a short pre-approval form required by our partner, United Way. Once both steps are complete, we’ll review your eligibility and notify you when a device is available for pickup.
 

3. What kind of laptops are available?
The FAST Fund provides refurbished laptops (not chromebooks) through our partnership with United Way & Digital Bridge. Availability depends on distribution cycles.
 

4. Is there a cost or deposit required?
No. Laptops are provided free of charge to qualifying students, but we ask recipients to treat the devices responsibly.
 

5. Can I receive a replacement if my laptop is lost or broken?

Replacement requests are handled on a case-by-case basis. If your device is lost, stolen, or damaged, please contact us as soon as possible. Laptops with damage caused by misuse, neglect, or preventable situations will not be eligible for replacement.
 

6. How often can I receive a laptop?
Typically, students are eligible for one device for the lifetime of the program.