Assistance 1st Program

A specialized grant program that partners with eligible organizations (beyond traditional employers) to make cash grants to individuals facing unexpected emergencies requiring financial assistance. This program differs from the standard Employees 1st program.

Target Organizations: Non-employee organizations including:

• Home health companies
• Healthcare and counseling organizations
• Other eligible non-profit and service organizations

Target Populations: Individuals served by partner organizations who face unexpected emergencies, such as:

• Patients of home health care companies
• Individuals unable to pay for basic household living expenses
• Those requiring emergency financial assistance

Eligible Uses: Direct financial assistance for:

• Basic household living expenses (utilities, etc.)
• Home modifications and repairs
• Other emergency needs as defined by partner organization

Tax Benefits:

• Contributions to the charitable fund are tax-deductible
• Grant recipients typically do not pay taxes on received grants
• Charitable contributions acknowledged via email or letter for tax purposes

Key Difference from Employees 1st: Assistance 1st serves non-employee populations and partner organizations, whereas Employees 1st is primarily employer-based

Contact Information:

• Address: 451 Florida Street, Suite LL 100, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70801
• Phone: 888.295.0192
• Contact: Devon DeShields, DDeShields@braf.org

Parent Organization: Employee Assistance Foundation (supporting organization of Baton Rouge Area Foundation)