Children’s Emergency Fund

Children’s Emergency Fund (CEF) is a 501(c)3 public charity association offering emergency financial help (medical and dental expenses, clothes, and hygiene supplies) for families of students who attend the Puyallup School District.

Program and Eligibility Information

• Student must attend the Puyallup School District
• Income-based and last time CEF assistance was received*
• Families may receive assistance once every two years

*Free or reduced-price school lunch approval and other criteria will also be reviewed from the student's school information.

How to Apply

Families start the application process through their child’s school. A school counselor will guide you through each step and help submit the application on your behalf.

Step 1: Contact Your School Counselor

Reach out to the school counselor at the school your child attends and explain your situation. The counselor will review next steps and help determine eligibility.

Step 2: Eligibility Review

School staff will check eligibility based on:

• Household income guidelines

• Whether your family has received help from the Children’s Emergency Fund in the past two years

Step 3: Referral and Brief Interview

If eligible, school staff will complete a referral form and conduct a brief interview with the parent or guardian to understand the student’s needs.

Step 4: Provide Documentation

The parent or guardian will be asked to provide documentation related to the expense, such as a bill, estimate, or invoice.

Step 5: Application Submission

School staff will submit the completed application and supporting documents to the Children’s Emergency Fund.

Step 6: Family Confirmation

A representative from the Children’s Emergency Fund may contact the parent or guardian to confirm details and arrange payment.

Step 7: Payment or Resource Connection

The Children’s Emergency Fund will:

• Make a direct payment for approved expenses whenever possible, and/or

• Connect the family with additional community or school-based resources for ongoing support

Helpful Things to Know

• The application process is confidential

• Most applications are reviewed within a few days

• Families can receive assistance once every two years

• You do not need to navigate the process alone. Your school counselor will help