Methodist College has received a $30,000 grant from the PNC Foundation, delivered through Carle Health Center for Philanthropy, to launch the Methodist College Basic Needs Grant.
The funding will help students cover essential living expenses such as housing, utilities, food, transportation, healthcare, technology, childcare and other basic necessities that can affect their academic progress. The grant will be available to students pursuing degrees in healthcare.
“Financial strain can significantly impact a student’s ability to focus on academic progress, particularly for the working adult students we primarily serve,” said Kayla Banks, RN, Ph.D., chancellor of Methodist College. “We appreciate the support from the PNC Foundation, which will help more students access the resources they need to stay enrolled and prepare for careers in healthcare.”
Nationally, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, approximately 76% of nursing students face financial challenges that can delay or disrupt their studies, contributing to the ongoing shortage of healthcare workers.
The Basic Needs Grant is expected to fund more than 40 students over the next several years, with awards of up to $1,000 per student, per semester.
“PNC is committed to helping students move toward high-demand careers by easing the financial pressures that can disrupt their education,” said Brian Ray, PNC regional president for central Illinois. “When students have the assistance needed to stay on track, they are better positioned to succeed, and that success strengthens the healthcare workforce our communities rely on.”
For more than 40 years, PNC and the PNC Foundation have supported initiatives that expand access to economic mobility and create generational impact in communities across the region.
PNC’s investment, combined with nearly a century of donor support through Carle Health Center for Philanthropy, reflects a shared focus on supporting the economic vitality of the community, as well as strengthening educational pathways and improving student retention for the next generation of healthcare professionals.
“PNC’s continued support exemplifies our shared dedication to drive meaningful, lasting change for students and their families,” said Nicole Hayse, Carle Health Center for Philanthropy director of Corporate and Foundation Development. “This grant is a shining example of that commitment—providing Methodist College students with resources they need during an especially demanding time in their academic journey.”
Eligible students may apply for the Basic Needs Grant beginning in Spring 2026. Priority will be given to applicants with the greatest financial need, as verified through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Awards will be determined by the Methodist College Scholarship Award Committee, which includes faculty, staff, and representatives from the Carle Health Center for Philanthropy and the Methodist College Board of Directors.