The sudden, tragic death of a child is a devastating loss for any family. As part of its commitment to New York City’s public schools, The Fund takes seriously its mission of serving the schools’ 1.1 million students and their families. When a student dies unexpectedly, and their family cannot afford a funeral, The Fund offers relief to the student’s surviving family.

The Chancellor’s Bereavement Fund was initially established in March 1997, and has continued to fill an important niche in The Fund for Public School’s work. The Bereavement Fund makes grants of up to $5,000 to our neediest families, who face exceptional adversity in meeting their child’s final needs. Typically, the Bereavement Fund approves seven or eight requests each year.

Many of our public school parents have annual incomes at or near the poverty line – which for a family of four would be an annual income of $21,200 or less – making it nearly impossible to pay for final expenses alone. Principals who see a need for support reach out to The Fund for Public Schools in these crisis situations.

In extremely difficult times, no grieving family should be worried about money. In aiding the surviving relatives of public school students, The Fund for Public Schools seeks to ensure that families can mourn in dignity and begin the healing process.

Click here to make a contribution to the Chancellor's Bereavement Fund.