Your gift, in one student's life
She was about to leave FAMU. She's staying.
RaNiah was at risk of dropping out over a balance of nearly $8,000. Esther Funds Foundation paid it in full.
Meet RaNiah
She was doing everything right.
RaNiah is a Political Science major at Florida A&M University, on her way to law school to become a defense attorney. She loves FAMU, she's thriving in her classes, and she has no plans to be anywhere else.
Then life happened. This fall, both of her parents lost their jobs. RaNiah's balance grew to nearly $8,000, and FAMU wouldn't let her register for spring until it was under $500.
Her family did everything they were supposed to do. They called financial aid, student accounts, her academic counselor and her department. They filled out hardship paperwork, applied for scholarships, and reached out to alumni chapters and organizations. Every one of those takes time. RaNiah didn't have time.
"RaNiah is doing her part. She is an excellent student, loves FAMU, is thriving academically, and is actively working toward her future."RaNiah's mother
How we paid it
From one email to paid in full.
- 1
Her family reached out
Her mother wrote to EFF on 5 November 2026. RaNiah couldn't register for spring until her fall balance of nearly $8,000 was under $500.
- 2
We listened
Shayna, EFF's founder and a FAMU alumna herself, read every word, called her mom the same day, and looked at the balance and the award letter.
- 3
We paid it in full
EFF awarded RaNiah an $8,000 Emergency Scholarship, so the balance is cleared and her spring registration is open.
- 4
She stays
RaNiah is registering for spring classes. She's staying at FAMU, and she's still on her way to law school.
RaNiah at FAMU
Rattler strong.
Why this matters
No student should leave school over a bill.
Shayna started Esther Funds Foundation because she lived this herself at FAMU. A balance, a hold, a few hundred dollars short: that's how students quietly leave. Most of them never come back.
RaNiah won't be the last student who needs this. Every gift to EFF goes toward keeping the next student enrolled, through emergency help paid straight to the bill or the school, and free tools on REACH for every student who needs them right now.
Shared with RaNiah's family's permission.
Give the gift of education
Keep a student in school this semester.
Your gift becomes scholarships, emergency relief and resource navigation for students close to leaving. Since 2025, EFF has reported more than $22,950 distributed directly to college students in scholarships and emergency support.
Esther Funds Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity, EIN 93-4917509. Contributions are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.