UNC – Chapel Hill Chancellor Carol Folt announced at the campus Board of Trustees meeting on Thursday morning that the university was launching a $2 million support fund for students impacted by Hurricane Florence.

The massive storm made landfall earlier this month and devastated many communities, particularly in southeastern North Carolina.

“Today we are sending a clear message to our students who were affected by the devastation of Hurricane Florence and their families: We are here for you,” Folt said in a release. “Recovering from a storm like Hurricane Florence takes time and resources. Carolina is a generous, caring community and many who were spared the fury of Florence have asked how they can help students whose families are still suffering in its aftermath. We’re grateful to be able to create this fund to support our fellow Tar Heels in their time of need.”

Folt sent a message to the campus community in the immediate aftermath of the storm, encouraging them to stay safe and asking faculty to work with students who were forced to miss class due to the storm.

“During times like this, we really see Tar Heels come together and do what they can to support each other,” Enrollment and Undergraduate Admissions vice provost Steve Farmer said in a statement issued by the university. “We’ve heard from so many people in the community who want to contribute, and this fund is just one way to connect people who want to help those who need it most.”

Students who are experiencing financial hardship due to the hurricane can access resources from the new fund by contacting the Student Success Hub in Room 2416 at the Carolina Union or by emailing florence@unc.edu,

UNC opened a mega shelter at the Friday Center to take in evacuees from portions of North Carolina significantly impacted by the storm.

Donations can be made to the Florence support fund here.

Related Stories
‹
UNC Assisting Hurricane Florence Relief Effort
As Hurricane Florence’s effects are finally beginning to be felt in Orange County, the slow-moving storm has been ravaging the Carolina coast for days. Starting Tuesday, September 18, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill will be accepting donations of specific relief items at the Williamson Center parking lot. Donations will be accepted through […]
UNC Classes Canceled Through Monday Due to Hurricane Florence
UNC – Chapel Hill classes for Monday have been canceled following Hurricane Florence. UNC is remaining in Condition 2 until 5 p.m. Sunday before transitioning to Condition 1. The university canceled classes last Wednesday as the massive storm was approaching the North Carolina coast. The storm has caused catastrophic conditions in portions of eastern North […]
Orange County Hurricane Florence Emergency Shelters to Close
The emergency shelter at CW Stanford Middle School closed on Saturday as the evacuees had returned to their homes. The shelter at Smith Middle School remains open and will close at noon Sunday. Anyone who needs to enter a shelter for Saturday night will have to go to the Smith Middle facility.**** Orange County […]
UNC to Operate 'Mega Shelter' During Hurricane Florence
UNC – Chapel Hill has agreed to operate a “mega shelter” on university ground as Hurricane Florence is devastating portions of North Carolina. Governor Roy Cooper announced the new shelter at a briefing on Friday evening. Shelters have been opened across North Carolina, both for local individuals escaping flood-prone areas and for evacuees from North […]
Michael Jordan, Charlotte Hornets and NBA to Help With Hurricane Florence Relief Efforts
With Hurricane Florence making landfall in North Carolina, Charlotte Hornets Chairman Michael Jordan and the Hornets organization have announced that they are working with the NBA and community organizations to provide relief efforts following the effects of the storm. Residents in Orange County are already feeling the effects of the hurricane. As of Friday morning, […]
UNC Health Care Waiving Virtual Care Fees During Hurricane Florence
UNC Health Care has extended the time period where this fee will be waived until 11:59 p.m. Sunday, September 23.**** UNC Health Care is waiving fees associated with the system’s virtual care service while much of North Carolina is being impacted by Hurricane Florence. The service “provides patients with real-time access to physicians via […]
UNC Canceling Classes Ahead of Hurricane Florence
UNC is canceling classes and suspending some university operations ahead of the expected impact from Hurricane Florence. The hurricane has been tracking toward the East Coast and moved from a Category 2 to Category 4 storm on Monday. UNC will move to Condition 1 (Reduced Operations) of the university’s adverse weather plan beginning at 5 […]
UNC Men's Lacrosse Beats No. 3 Syracuse in ACC Opener
No. 2 UNC earned another ranked win Saturday in a heavyweight clash vs. No. 3 Syracuse, beating the Orange 14-9 at Dorrance Field. 🗣️ HEELS WIN#GoHeels x @WellsFargo pic.twitter.com/KVdR277PVR — UNC Men's Lacrosse (@UNCMensLacrosse) April 4, 2026 UNC took a 1-0 lead inside a minute off an opening goal from Dominic Pietramala, but fell behind […]
Saturday Comeback Helps UNC Baseball Take Weekend Series vs. No. 22 Boston College
The Diamond Heels rebounded from a series-opening loss Thursday night and a 7-3 deficit in the rubber match Saturday to take two of three games from No. 22 Boston College at Boshamer Stadium during the weekend. Thursday’s opener saw Carolina go in front with a run in the second inning against Eagles ace A.J. Colarusso, […]
UNC Women's Lacrosse Crushes No. 25 Virginia to Stay Unbeaten in ACC
UNC used a lopsided first half and seven goals from a red-hot Chloe Humphrey to roll past No. 25 Virginia 19-4 in Charlottesville Friday afternoon. Road Dub 👐 The Heels stay perfect in ACC play with a dominant win at UVA!#GoHeels x @WellsFargo pic.twitter.com/5h0LTwIy7v — UNC Women's Lacrosse (@uncwlax) April 3, 2026 Humphrey’s productive day […]
›