Finish Line Grant

Who is eligible to receive the Finish Line Grant?

To qualify for the Finish Line Grant, students must:

• Be enrolled in a North Carolina community college in a curriculum program or an eligible workforce continuing education course leading to an industry-recognized credential.
• Be in good academic standing as defined by the community college with a minimum 2.0 grade point average in their current program.
• Have experienced an unforeseen emergency event in the last 30-45 days that has caused financial hardship.

What is the Finish Line Grant definition of a qualifying emergency?

A Finish Line Grants emergency is defined as: Any unforeseen circumstance that occurs resulting in the potential disruption of a student’s ability to complete a degree/certification.

How do I apply for the Finish Line Grant?

Students should complete the Finish Line Grant application and provide documentation of the unforeseen hardship and the expenses they are requesting.

Complete the application

Examples of allowed expenses (and documentation) for the Finish Line Grant

• Childcare: Upcoming invoice or a letter from the provider showing the amount due.
• Housing: Rent only. A copy of the lease or a note from the landlord must include address, name, dates, and amount due.
• Medical: Bills for the student or immediate family.
• Dependent care: Same requirements as childcare.
• Utilities: Upcoming bills for gas, electric, water, or internet.
• Transportation: Unpaid invoice or repair estimate directly related to the emergency.

Past due amounts may be eligible but must be approved by the system office.

Examples of ineligible expenses for the Finish Line Grant

• Housing deposits, mortgage payments, or property taxes
• Car payments, vehicle purchases, or title and deeded items
• Fines or late fees
• Food costs
• Regular vehicle maintenance
• Mobile phone bills
• Any expense already covered by another source