Hardship Grants

Hardship and emergency grants provide immediate financial relief during crises — job loss, medical emergencies, natural disasters, and other unexpected setbacks. Government programs, community foundations, and organizations like the Salvation Army and Modest Needs offer grants to help individuals and families stabilize during difficult times.

1,168 grants
Foundation
Updated daily
Up to $4,000 per year, renewable for up to 4 years
PROJECT LEMONADE INC · March 1, 2027 · Annual Foundation

Fill the Gap Scholarship Overview: The Fill the Gap Scholarship provides flexible funding to help youth with foster care experience cover basic needs expenses for continuing education after high…

SWISS BENEVOLENT SOCIETY OF PHILA · Rolling / Open · Rolling (Quarterly) Foundation

Financial and Social Assistance Purpose: Direct assistance to individuals and families in need Geographic scope: Philadelphia area and beyond Types of support: - Social support: visits to the elderly…

KOSAIR CHARITIES COMMITTEE INC · Rolling / Open · Rolling (Quarterly) Foundation

Financial Assistance Program Organization: Kosair for Kids Overview: The Financial Assistance Program provides direct financial assistance to families in Kentucky and Southern Indiana. The program…

DENVER FIRE FIGHTERS BURN FOUNDATION INC · Rolling / Open · Rolling (Quarterly) Foundation

Financial Assistance Program Organization: Denver Fire Fighters Charitable Foundation Geographic Scope: Denver, Colorado (primarily Denver Fire Fighters and families, citizens affected by fire)…

MONTECITO FIREFIGHTERS · Rolling / Open Foundation

Financial Assistance Program Program Type: Financial assistance for individuals in need Geographic Scope: Montecito/Santa Barbara area, CA Status: Program exists but limited details available on…

JESSICA JUNE CHILDREN'S CANCER · Rolling / Open · One-time Foundation

Financial Assistance Program Overview: JJCCF's main program committed to providing emergency financial relief to help families fighting childhood cancer pay for everyday basic necessities such as…

National Law Enforcement and · Rolling / Open Foundation

Financial Hardship Grants Status: Active ongoing program Geographic Scope: National (United States) Focus Areas: Financial assistance for first responder families enduring significant financial…

LIMB PRESERVATION FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Financial Support Program Overview: Part of the Limb Preservation Foundation's Patient Assistance Program offerings. Note: Limited details available in provided documentation. The program is…

JB'S KEYS TO DMD INC · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

Find Your David Holiday Gift Program Overview: A holiday gift program providing financial support to individuals and families living with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) in New England. Key…

Up to US $1,000
College Foundation, Inc. · Rolling / Open Foundation

Finish Line Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: College Foundation, Inc. Amount: Up to US $1,000 Last Updated: November 12, 2025 Summary The Finish Line Grant program, administered by College Foundation,…

FINN'S FIGHTERS INC · Rolling / Open Foundation

Finn's Funds Grant Program Funder: Finn's Fighters Inc Mission: To assist families in the Tampa Bay area faced with medical crisis, particularly those with children facing pediatric cancer diagnosis…

VARIETY - THE CHILDRENS CHARITY OF · Rolling / Open · One-time Foundation

Fire Relief Compassion Grant Purpose: Building Brighter Futures: Helping Los Angeles' Children & Families Recover, Rebuild, and Dream Big Focus: Emergency relief and recovery assistance for children…

FISHIN FOR A CURE · Rolling / Open Foundation

Fishin' for a Cure Hope Fund Overview: In 2014, Fishin' for a Cure established a hope fund to provide financial assistance to individuals battling cancer during their cancer journey. Geographic…

Southern Illinois Community Foundation (SICF) · Rolling / Open Foundation

FKSI Scholarship Fund Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Southern Illinois Community Foundation (SICF) Amount: US $2,500 Last Updated: January 21, 2026 Summary The FKSI Scholarship Fund, managed by the…

Up to $1,000
Fight Against Domestic Violence · Rolling / Open · Rolling (Quarterly) Foundation

Flex Fund Overview: FADV's Flex Fund Program provides survivors with flexible, survivor-centered financial help based on their individual needs to help stabilize their finances. Geographic Scope:…

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF BLOOMINGTON · Rolling / Open Foundation

Flick Emergency Medical Grants Status: ACTIVE Funder: Community Foundation of Bloomington & Monroe County Amount: US $100 - US $500 Last Updated: September 07, 2025 Summary The Flick Emergency…

FLORIDA KIWANIS FOUNDATION INC · Rolling / Open Foundation

Florida Kiwanis Foundation: Emergency Grants Status: ACTIVE Funder: FLORIDA KIWANIS FOUNDATION INC Amount: Up to US $2,000 Last Updated: March 27, 2026 Summary Overview Note: Emergency Grants…

Education and Leadership Foundation · Rolling / Open · One-time Foundation

Food & Farm Worker Relief Grant Program (FFWR) Overview: A USDA-funded program providing one-time payments to eligible workers in agriculture and meatpacking who incurred costs during the COVID-19…

Frequently Asked Questions

How quickly can I get emergency grant funding?
Emergency assistance timelines vary. Government programs like TANF and LIHEAP may take 1-4 weeks. Organizations like the Salvation Army and Catholic Charities can sometimes provide same-week help. Modest Needs processes applications within 2-4 weeks. Employer emergency funds and GoFundMe-style platforms can be faster. Always apply to multiple sources simultaneously.
What types of emergencies qualify for hardship grants?
Common qualifying situations include job loss, medical emergencies, domestic violence, natural disasters, house fires, sudden disability, and death of a family breadwinner. Each program defines eligibility differently. FEMA covers declared disasters, while organizations like Modest Needs help with temporary financial crises that could become permanent without intervention.
Where should I start looking for emergency assistance?
Contact 211 (call or text) for your local area's emergency assistance programs. Your state's Department of Social Services handles TANF and emergency aid. Local community action agencies coordinate multiple assistance programs. Churches, Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, and St. Vincent de Paul societies offer direct emergency help.

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