Case Study: BRC Assists Barnard College in Recovering Funding from FEMA for COVID-Related Expenses

Barnard College, a prestigious women’s liberal arts college in New York City, faced financial challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many educational institutions, Barnard incurred significant expenses related to health and safety measures, remote learning infrastructure, and other pandemic-related costs. To mitigate these financial burdens, Barnard College engaged the services of Berquist Recovery Consulting (BRC) for their expertise in navigating the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funding process, providing much needed COVID help for the college. This case study examines how BRC helped Barnard College recover thousands in funding from FEMA for COVID-19 expenses, enabling the institution to maintain its financial stability and continue providing quality education to its students.

The Story of Barnard College

Barnard College, founded in 1889, is a private women’s liberal arts college affiliated with Columbia University. Located in the heart of Manhattan, Barnard offers a wide range of undergraduate programs across various disciplines. With a strong commitment to academic excellence and gender equality, the college attracts students from around the world. However, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the college’s operations and imposed substantial financial burdens.

Two students attending Barnard College, after BRC helped secure COVID help for the college.

Barnard College emblem inset into red tile flooring. — Credit: Barnard College

Female student with a mask on sitting on a cement wall.

Exterior of Barnard College. — Credit: Barnard College

The COVID-19 pandemic had far-reaching consequences for educational institutions, and Barnard College was no exception. The college faced unforeseen expenses resulting from the transition to remote learning, implementation of health and safety protocols, increased testing, contact tracing, and the establishment of quarantine facilities. These costs strained the college’s financial resources, creating a pressing need to recover funds to maintain the quality of education and support the college’s mission.

To address the financial challenges posed by the pandemic, Barnard College sought the assistance of a consulting firm specializing in FEMA funding. BRC possesses extensive experience in navigating FEMA’s complex funding processes and has a proven track record of securing reimbursements for a variety of eligible public sector and not-for-profiit entities. By engaging BRC, Barnard College aimed to recover a significant portion of its COVID-19-related expenses through FEMA reimbursements.

Our Approach

BRC began by conducting an in-depth assessment of Barnard College’s COVID-19 expenses and related documentation. This comprehensive review allowed BRC to identify eligible expenses incurred by the College that could potentially be reimbursed by FEMA. The BRC team then developed a detailed strategy tailored to FEMA’s requirements and guidelines, ensuring that all necessary documentation and evidence were prepared and organized effectively.

Navigating the Complexities

The FEMA funding process can be intricate, involving several stages and stringent documentation requirements. BRC worked closely with Barnard College’s financial and administrative teams to gather the necessary data, such as expenditure records, invoices, and supporting documentation. They meticulously compiled all relevant information to substantiate the eligibility of the incurred expenses for FEMA reimbursement.

Collaboration & Expertise

The success of this consulting engagement was largely due to the close collaboration between BRC and Barnard College. BRC’s expertise in FEMA funding combined with the College’s deep knowledge of its own operations and expenses created a strong partnership. Regular meetings and constant communication ensured that all stakeholders were aligned and informed throughout the process. The COVID help for the college was crucial to providing the high-quality education to students it has become known for.

Submission & Review of Reimbursement Request

Once all documentation and supporting evidence were collected, BRC prepared and submitted the FEMA reimbursement request for COVID help for the college. The request included a comprehensive breakdown of eligible expenses and a comprehensive narrative demonstrating their direct relation to the COVID-19 pandemic. BRC emphasized the importance of clarity and accuracy in the submission to expedite the review and reimbursement process.

FEMA Review & Response

Following the submission, BRC closely monitored the progress of the FEMA review process. They maintained regular contact with FEMA representatives, providing additional documentation and clarifications as needed, although these additional requests were minimal due to the quality of the initial submission. BRC’s experience in dealing with FEMA ensured that the reimbursement request complied with FEMA’s guidelines, maximizing the chances of a positive response and full eligible reimbursement.

Outcome: Successful Recovery of COVID Help for College FEMA Funds

After several rounds of review and necessary communication with FEMA, Barnard College received confirmation of its approved reimbursement from FEMA. BRC’s expertise and meticulous approach played a pivotal role in facilitating this successful outcome. The thousands of dollars in recovered funds significantly alleviated the financial strain on the College, enabling it to keep its faculty and students safe while continuing its educational mission without compromising the quality of its programs and services.

The COVID-19 pandemic presented significant financial challenges for educational institutions worldwide, including Barnard College. Through the engagement of Berquist Recovery Consulting, which specializes in helping clients obtain and maximize FEMA funding, Barnard College successfully navigated the complex FEMA reimbursement process. The close collaboration between BRC and the college’s internal teams, coupled with meticulous documentation and adherence to FEMA’s guidelines, resulted in the recovery of funds that were crucial for maintaining the College’s financial stability. This case study serves as a testament to the effectiveness of engaging BRC’s specialized consulting expertise to recover COVID funds from FEMA and mitigate the financial impact of the pandemic on Barnard College.