On April 9, the U.S. Department of Education (ED) released information and guidance related to the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF), the approximately US$14 billion fund created under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Stability (CARES) Act to provide funds to colleges and universities and their students. The material is posted on ED's website. This memorandum briefly describes pertinent provisions of the CARES Act and key aspects of the ED's April 9 release.