New College of Florida has received a $28,000 grant from Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation and the Gulf Coast Community Foundation for emergency and critical needs relief for students during the COVID-19 pandemic. The two foundations have awarded 25 grants totaling nearly $600,000 to relieve strain on key nonprofit partners that are aiding residents hit hardest by the coronavirus pandemic.

New College was scheduled to recess for spring break beginning March 13; however, just days beforehand, the Florida state university system made the decision that all state universities were to plan for extended breaks due to the emerging threats posed by COVID-19. Although most residential students were able to return home or stay with relatives, 16 students were unable to leave due to various circumstances. The funds from the foundations' grant will be used for the needs of both on-campus and offsite students, including for food, medicine, and WiFi access to participate in online classes.