What is the Immigrant Family Emergency Response (IFER) Fund?
The Immigrant Family Emergency Response (IFER) Fund, a pooled fund created collaboratively by local foundations and nonprofit organizations, was opened in 2020 to address the financial repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic and lack of funding available for immigrant families in the St. Louis region.
The Fund has since evolved to address the financial impact of increased immigration enforcement on families living in our community. The IFER Fund helps families meet basic needs during a time of fear and uncertainty.
Who is managing this fund?
A committee of ISPN and community volunteers in partnership with local funders. The lead partner organization is Ashrei Foundation. YouthBridge Foundation serves as the fund manager.
Why was this fund created?
In March 2020, the ISPN surveyed immigrant service providers and found that the biggest concern among clients was a lack of household income and inability to access financial resources. The ISPN found that no current regional structure exists to facilitate direct, unconditional financial support to immigrant families that are excluded from other relief, and no single organization can meet the expansive need alone.
Who can submit an application for funds?
The IFER Fund will accept ONE application per family. To apply, you must meet all criteria below:
Are an immigrant, asylee, refugee, or foreign-born individual
Have lost work hours, wages, or other income due to increased immigration enforcement.
Live in the Greater St. Louis Region:
IN ILLINOIS: • Calhoun • Clinton • Greene • Jersey • Macoupin • Madison • Monroe • Randolph • St. Clair
IN MISSOURI: • Franklin • Jefferson • Lincoln • St. Charles • St. Louis City • St. Louis • Warren •
Do I have to be a current client of an ISPN agency to apply?
No, you do not have to be affiliated with an ISPN agency to qualify for this program. The application is open to all applicants who meet the four criteria.
Preference will NOT be given to any applicants with an affiliation or relationship with ISPN or Ashrei Foundation, nor will preference be given to ISPN agencies or their referrals.
How do I apply?
The IFER fund is not currently accepting new applications.
When will I hear back about my application?
All applicants will be notified about their application status via text or email within two weeks of submission. Please do not call to check on the status of your application.
We anticipate a high volume of applications and will continue to review applications as long as there are available funds. You are encouraged to apply again after 30 days if there are funds and if your need remains the same or has increased.
How will my information be used?
All information will be kept confidential at all times and will not be shared with anyone outside of the application committee.
Your information will only be used for evaluation purposes and reporting to our funders.
Your information will NOT be shared with any government agency, including but not limited to local, state, or federal agencies/departments.
Will receiving these funds affect my chances of adjusting my immigration status in the future?
No, receiving funds will NOT affect your chances of adjusting your immigration status in the future.
I received a text saying my application was approved. When will I finally receive the funds?
Our very small team of volunteers is working on calling all funded applicants in a timely manner, so we appreciate your patience during this time. If you prefer to receive a check, we will send you a text message when we have put it in the mail. If you prefer to receive cash, then you will discuss a plan to meet with two of our volunteers.
I received a voice message from a blocked number from a IFER Fund volunteer, but I was not able to answer the phone. How can I reach you?
Our volunteers may call you using a blocked number *67 if they are using their personal cell phones. Please make sure your cell phone is set up to accept voicemail or calls from blocked numbers. Our volunteers will try to reach you and your secondary contact three times. We will leave a voice message each time. If we do not hear from you after 48 hours of the third call, funds will no longer be available to you.
I need additional resources. What other services do you provide?
The ISPN is not a direct service organization and we do not offer services. Please visit our Resource Directory for a list of service providers in the St. Louis area.