Details: The C2C Grant​

Grant Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for a C2C Grant, here are the requirements:

• Complete the short program registration to qualify for Mississippi’s C2C program.
• Be a Mississippi resident and US citizen.
• Be admitted, enrolled or degree eligible at a Mississippi public university or community college.
• Be working towards completing your first college degree (associate or bachelor’s).
  • The following are circumstances when a degreed student can be eligible to apply for the C2C Grant:
    1. University Studies Degree Program Exception – C2C returning students who earned an associate degree prior to enrollment, and meet the requirements for a University Studies Degree Program, can be eligible for C2C Grant assistance.
    2. Associate to Bachelor’s Exception – C2C students who return to a participating community college and complete an associate degree, can be eligible for continued C2C Grant assistance to pursue a bachelor’s degree at a participating university if they maintain continuous enrollment.
• Students must also agree to share information with C2C Grant funding partners (W.K. Kellogg Foundation, and Mississippi Department of Human Services) so the success of the program can be assessed, celebrated, and improved upon.

Grant Renewal

• To renew the C2C Grant, students need to reapply each term, stay enrolled (taking at least one course each semester, excluding the summer semester) and maintain good academic and financial standing.

Grant Qualification

To qualify for the grant factors that are considered can include:

• Age 21-59
• Household income
• Race and ethnicity
• Status as a parent of a dependent child(ren)

First-time Applicants:

• First-time applicants are required to submit the Mississippi Aid Application (MAAPP) and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
• This helps ensure all available state and federal assistance options are identified.

Refer to the section “Completing the Mississippi Aid Application” for complete details.

To be awarded a grant:

Grant money is awarded once an applicant is approved and enrollment is verified, or when degree eligibility is confirmed.

• Returning adults’ enrollment is verified by their C2C Coach approximately 15 days after the first day of class.
• Returning aduls that have enough earned credits for a degree will have a formal degree audit completed. A C2C Coach will coordinate initiating the audit and verify its successful completion, approximately 14 days after it is initiated.

Only returning adults registered in the C2C program are eligible to apply for the renewable $1,000 C2C Grant.

• To initiate a C2C Grant application, contact your assigned C2C Coach.
• Your C2C Coach will review your circumstances and specify how the award funds will be allocated (e.g., payment of past institutional debt, tuition, related fees and expenses, and/or graduation fees).
• After your C2C Coach initiates the C2C Grant application, you will receive an email with a secure link you’ll use to access the online application. The email will include instructions and a checklist of everything you will need.

  NOTE: All grant emails will be sent to the email address you used when registering for the C2C program, unless you updated this email with your C2C Coach.

• Grant applications must be submitted within 30 days from the date it is initiated. Failure to complete the application within 30 days can result in an automatic denial.
• It’s important that you have everything you need to complete the application on hand before beginning the application. Once started, the application cannot be stopped and saved. If you stop in the middle of completing the application, you’ll need to start the application again from the beginning.
• First-time applicants will also  complete the Mississippi Aid application* (MAAPP): msfinancialaid.org/c2c. and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): studentaid.gov.

  *This helps ensure you are considered for all available state and federal assistance to help you return to complete your degree. Refer to the “Completing the Mississippi Aid Application” section within “Grant Details and Instructions.”

Returning students who qualify for the C2C program are eligible for grant renewal if they fulfill the following requirements:

• Remain in good academic and financial standing.
• Maintain uninterrupted attendance, taking at least one course each semester, excluding summer.
• Submit a new online grant application.

Renewing grant applicants do not need to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and Mississippi Aid Application (MAAPP).

NOTE: If you are a C2C returning student who does not qualify for a grant renewal because you failed to maintain continuous enrollment, but you have extenuating circumstances, let your coach know. You may be eligible for a renewal policy exception. Your coach will explain the requirements and, if needed, assist you in completing a Renewal Exception Request.

• Fall – October 31
• Spring – March 31
• Summer – June 30

To ensure the C2C Grant serves those most in need and comply with funding source requirements, household income may be a factor determining an applicant’s eligibility for a grant.

When completing the online grant application, applicants will be asked to specify the number of adults residing in their household as well as the type and amount of income. 

Acceptable Documents for Each Income Source

The following is a listing of common sources of income followed by the acceptable income documents for each.

Wages & Tips: Last 4 check stubs or employer payroll statements (pay periods immediately prior to your application submission date).

Self-employment income: Prior year’s IRS 1040 form and any included schedules or forms.

Investment income: Prior year’s IRS 1040 form and any included schedules or forms.

Rental property income: Prior year’s IRS 1040 form and any included schedules or forms.

Unemployment: Current year Mississippi Department of Employment Security Notice of Monetary Benefit Determination.

Alimony: Court-ordered documentation that outlines the amount received and frequency.

Child Support: Court-ordered documentation that outlines the amount received and frequency.

Social Security income: Current year Social Security Administration Benefit Verification Letter.

Social Security Disability: Social Security Disability benefits statement.

Pension: Prior year’s Tax Return (IRS Form 1040) including IRS FORM 1099R.

IRA: Prior year’s IRS 1040 form and any included schedules or forms.

Worker’s Compensation: Copy of letter from insurance company or court that handled case.

Temporary Aid to Needy Families (TANF): TANF proof of benefits letter or statement from the current year.

Other Income: If you have an income source that is not listed, simply select “other” when prompted for income source on the online application. Then specify the income source and the documentation you are providing in the space provided. 

To ensure the C2C Grant serves those most in need and comply with funding source requirements, being the parent of a dependent child with support obligations can be a factor determining an applicant’s eligibility for a grant.

When completing the online grant application applicants will be asked to specify the number of minor children under the age of 18 residing in their household.

Custodial Parents

If one or more household members under 18 years of age are specified, the applicant will be asked:

“Are you the custodial parent of any of the children in the household?” (Yes/No)

Custodial Parents – Required Documents

Applicants indicating that they are a custodial parent will be asked to upload one of three verification documents:

1. Prior year’s federal income tax return.
2. Affidavit from school or doctor; or
3. Court documents establishing parentage and custody.

Non-custodial parents with a support obligation

Applicants who specify they have “0” household members under 18 years of age residing in their household will be asked:

“Do you have an obligation to provide financial support for a dependent child or children but do not have custody?”  (Yes/No)

Non-Custodial Parent – Required Documents

Applicants indicating that they are a non-custodial parents with a support obligation for a dependent child(ren) will be asked to upload the following verification documents:

1. Court documents establishing parentage and support obligations; and’
2. Receipts or other proof showing payment of support obligations as required.

First-time and Renewing applicants for the C2C Grant will be asked to provide documentation verifying each the following when they apply:

1. Income specified for adult household member(s)
2. Parental custody of a dependent child(ren)*
3. Status as a non-custodial parent with a support obligation*
4. Proof of fulfilling non-custodial financial support for a dependent child*

*  if applicable  

It is easy to provide verification documents when completing the online C2C Grant Application on a computer, tablet, or smartphone.

To upload verification documents, simply:

1. Click “Upload” when prompted to start.
2. Take a picture(s) of the specified document(s) using a smartphone or tablet or
3. Search your computer, tablet or smartphone and Select the image(s) or file(s) to upload, and
4. Click Save.

C2C encourages program participants to contact their coach to initiate an application for the C2C Grant thirty (30) to forty-five (45) days prior to the start of each semester.

The following is a summary of the C2C Grant application process. It includes the steps and timing associated with each phase of the process: 1. Applying for a C2C Grant; 2. Reviewing of your grant application; 3. Awarding of your grant funds once approved.

KEEPING YOU INFORMED

C2C Grant applicants receive email notifications at each step of the application process. This helps ensure you’re kept updated on the progress of your grant application.

All grant emails will be sent to the email address you used when you completed the survey application to qualify for the C2C program, unless you updated this email with your C2C Coach.

1. APPLYING FOR THE C2C GRANT

There are two steps to the C2C Grant application process: initiating the grant application and submitting the online application.

• Initiating the Application – The first step is completed by your assigned C2C Coach after you have met and reviewed your circumstances.
  • EMAIL Notification – Once initiated, you’ll receive a confirmation email. The email will provide a list of everything you will need, plus detailed directions, and a secure link for accessing the application online.
• Submitting the Online Application – This step is completed by your clicking the secure link provided in the Initiated Email, then completing the four-step application. Once you’ve submitted the C2C Grant application, it will be routed directly to the C2C State Office for grant award consideration.
  • EMAIL Confirmation – You’ll receive another email, this one, confirming that your application was received and advising first-time applicants of the need to submit state and federal aid applications.

Note: Grant applications not received within 30 days of date of the initiated email will be automatically denied.

2. REVIEWING YOUR C2C GRANT APPLICATION

The application review process will be completed within ten (10) to fourteen (14) days from submission.

Application Approvals — The following outlines the application review process for first-time and renewal applicants.

• First-time Applicants — If you are a first-time applicant your approval will be a two-step process:
  • Pre-Approval — this preliminary approval is issued once your application review is complete, and your eligibility has been confirmed.
  • Final Approval — this final approval will be issued once the submission of state (MAAPP) and federal (FAFSA) aid applications has been confirmed.
  • Email Confirmation — You’ll receive emails at both stages of the approval process keeping you informed of your progress.
• Renewal Applicants — When applying to renew your C2C Grant, you will not be required to submit FAFSA and MAAPP again. As a result your approval process consists of only one step.
  • Final Approval — this will occur once your application review is complete and all grant eligibility has been confirmed.
  • Email Confirmation — You’ll receive an email at this stage of the approval process keeping you informed of your progress.
• Application Exceptions — If an exception is noted in the review of your application, you will receive an Exception Notification email. The email will specify the cause of the exception and what is required from you to correct the exception. The email will also include a secure link you will use to re-access the application, upload new documentation and resubmit the application for reconsideration.
  
  Note: Exceptions must be corrected and resubmitted within seven (7) days of receipt. If not received within seven (7) days, the application will be automatically denied.

3. AWARDING YOUR C2C GRANT

Once an application is approved, the award funds will be available for disbursement the day after enrollment or degree eligibility has been verified by a C2C coach.

Steps to Awarding a C2C Grant — The following are the steps leading to the distribution of your grant award.

• Verification — Enrollment and degree eligibility will be verified approximately fifteen (15) days after the beginning of the term or submission of transcripts for degree audit.
• Crediting of Student’s Account — Your college will receive the award funds within two (2) weeks of verification. Your account will be credited based on your specific college’s timeline.

Grant Award Distribution Timeline Requirements — C2C Grants Awards must be distributed prior to the term completion.

• Distribution Timeline Exceptions — Exceptions to the award deadline may be considered for grant applications that were timely but encountered processing delays in resolving exceptions with the Mississippi State Aid office. Extensions will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis but will not be provided for delays related to resolving C2C Grant application exceptions.
• Requests for award deadline extension must be completed at least one week prior to term completion to accommodate award disbursement prior to term completion.

Tax Returns:
For more information on how you can obtain copies of your tax returns, call 800-908-9946 and follow the prompts in the recorded message, or you can request a transcript of your tax return online or by mail on the IRS site.

Alimony/Child Support:
To obtain a certified copy of a divorce decree, contact the clerk’s office in the county where the divorce and/or child support agreement was finalized for additional information.

The following are the definitions for terms used in the C2C application.

Gross Annual Income:
The amount of income you receive yearly before deductions and taxes are taken out.

Household Member:
Every person living in the same residence regardless of whether they are related or not; this includes, domestic partners, adults related by blood or marriage, persons who have a biological or legal parent-child relationship, including stepparents, stepchildren, grandparents, and grandchildren. This also includes dependent children who receive more than half of their support from you, regardless of whether they live with you.

Household Income:
Household income is the total amount of money earned by every contributing member of a single residence, regardless of whether they are related or not. All sources of income are counted — not just wages and salaries — including tips, payments from freelance work, interest income, dividend income, rental income, pension payments, social security payments, unemployment income, alimony, child support and any other payments contributing to your household income.

Dependent Child:
Dependent child is defined as any child who is under the age of 19 and receives more than half of their support from you. A full-time student under the age of 24 also qualifies. Dependent children may or may not live with you.

In addition to completing the C2C Grant application, first-time applicants must also complete the Mississippi Aid Application (MAAPP) and be identified as an eligible C2C student.

To assist you in completing the MAAPP we have provided you with the required responses to each of the questions.

MAAPP Questions and Responses Required for Eligibility

1. Date of Birth
   • Must be at least 21 years old
2. Are you a U.S. Citizen?
   • Must be a U.S. Citizen
3. High School Graduation Date
   • Must have graduated high school at least two years prior to the date you complete this application
4. Have you earned at least 12 college credits?
   • You must be able to answer “YES” to qualify for the C2C Grant.
5. Have you ever received state aid?
   • You may answer YES or NO to this question and be considered for the C2C Grant.
6. Prior College:
   • Select the last college you attended. This should be the college you attended more than 24 months ago.
7. Institutions to attend: “I plan to attend (name of school).”
   • If you answered YES to the prior question “Have you ever received state aid”, you will be required to select BOTH a Fall and Spring institution, even if you are only applying for the Spring term. In this case, please choose the school you are enrolling at for the Spring semester for the Fall institution as well.
   • If you answered NO to the question “Have you ever received state aid”, and you are applying in the Spring term for the C2C Grant, you will be allowed to submit only a Spring institution.
8. “My current classification is” AND “In August/September my classification will be”.
   • Classification can NOT be “Graduate”.
9. What degree or certificate will you be working on in [Current School Year] (depending on when you complete the application, answer this question regarding degree or certificate you will be working on in that [school year]. )?
   
   • Must be pursuing your first associate degree or bachelor’s degree
   • Cannot be pursuing a certificate, second postsecondary degree, or a graduate or professional degree
10. Have you completed any college degrees?
    • May answer YES or NO, and be eligible but if you select YES, you can only have a Certificate. To be eligible a student can NOT already have earned an associate or bachelor’s degree.
11. Are you planning to enroll full time or part time?
    • Student may be enrolled full-time or part-time and be eligible.

If you answer all the previous questions to match the requirements specified above, you will be provided the following C2C Screening questions:

1. Have you been enrolled in a college or university at any time during the last 24 months?
   • If YES, then you are not eligible for the C2C program and will not be flagged as a C2C student for consideration.
   • If NO, then:
2. Are you planning to re-enroll in a college or university through the Complete 2 Compete program?
   • Answer YES to be considered for C2C and click NEXT.
   • If NO, you will not be flagged as a C2C student and will not be considered for the grant.
3. You will see a new screen with the following statement: You may be eligible for financial assistance through the Complete 2 Compete Grant program if you also complete the Free Application for Federal Student Financial Aid (FAFSA).
   • Click NEXT to proceed to the Household Verification Worksheet.

NOTE: If you did not see the three C2C Screening questions above, please go back and review your answers using the above guidelines. To be identified as an eligible C2C student and C2C Grant applicant, you must be able to access the C2C Screening questions and answer them as specified.

Please be sure to check the status of BOTH your Mississippi Aid Application (MAAPP) and Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) weekly. If you are required to submit any additional information to complete the MAAPP, you will be notified within your application

To check the status of your MAAPP:

• Go to https://maapp.msfinancialaid.org/#/account/login.
• Enter requested personal information to login.

Refer to the “Overview” tab.

• If you see the statement: “There are no missing documents at this time”, then your MAAP is complete.
• If you have any missing documents, they will be listed as “Still Needed,” and these documents must be submitted in order for your MAAPP to be complete. Examples of missing documents may include “MS Current Year Tax Return” or “FAFSA.” Click “View All” for more information and for instructions for submission.
• If FAFSA is included on the list of missing documents, you must log in to the FAFSA website to complete this application.
• To be eligible for the C2C Grant, you must provide two forms of documentation to prove Mississippi residency. The preferred residency documents are the Mississippi driver’s license, which can be submitted electronically during the online application, and the FAFSA. Alternate residency documents that will be accepted include the State Tax Return (NOT Federal Tax Return) for the current tax filing year, homestead exemption, voter registration, and vehicle registration. These are the ONLY documents accepted.

If you have questions about your MAAPP (missing documents, etc.), please contact the Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid (SFA) at 601.432.6997 or 1.800.327.2980.

NOTE: Mississippi State Financial Aid Office cannot answer questions about your FAFSA (other than whether or not it has been received), the overall status of your C2C Grant Application, or the disbursement of C2C Grant funds.

C2C Coaches and the C2C Grant Information Line, manned by C2C call center representatives, are available to support applicants with their grant applications. Each has a specific area of focus.

C2C Coach Support – Any questions specific to grant award request amount, application exceptions or award decisioning should be directed to a C2C Coach. C2C Coaches initiate all C2C Grant applications after meeting with the C2C returning student. Coach support completing the grant application can be available by appointment.

Grant Application Information Line (800-365-2206) – This support line is manned by C2C call center representatives. These representatives do not have access to your application or admissions information. They are trained to address common and frequently asked questions related to completing the C2C online grant application. The Information Line is available Monday through Saturday 8 am – 9 pm and Sunday 9 am – 6 pm CST.