The Higher Educational Emergency Relief Fund, or HEERF, was created by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, & Economic Security (CARES) Act in spring 2020. Additional funds were allocated to HEERF as authorized by the Coronavirus Response & Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021, and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.
Much of this funding is intended for direct aid to students with exceptional financial need based on their FAFSA information.