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
CATALYST MIAMI INC · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

Florida Power & Light (FPL) Energy Saving Assistance - Care to Share Program Overview: Emergency assistance program for low-income households at risk of utility disconnection. Award Details - Amount:…

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION FOR · Rolling / Open Foundation

Framingham Emergency Relief Fund Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Foundation for MetroWest Last Updated: August 23, 2025 Summary The Framingham Emergency Relief Fund Grant aims to provide vital financial…

Housing Pathways · Rolling / Open Foundation

Francis Courtney Educational Fund Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Housing Pathways Amount: £500 - £1,500 Last Updated: September 04, 2025 Summary The Francis Courtney Educational Fund Grant, managed by…

RIDE FOR LIFE INC · April 15, 2026 · Quarterly Foundation

Fred Bargetzi Caregiver Grant Organization: ALS Ride For Life, Inc. Location: Stony Brook, NY 11794-8231 Phone: (631) 444-1292 Email: marilyn@alsrideforlife.org Program Description The Caregiver…

Up to 12 months of rental assistance
FREERENT FOUNDATION INC · November 14, 2026 · Annual Foundation

FreeRent Atlanta Grant Overview: An annual grant providing up to 12 months of rental assistance plus wraparound support services for hardworking families in Atlanta experiencing unexpected hardship.…

NORTH VALLEY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Friends of Outdoor Adventures Grant Program Status: ACTIVE Funder: North Valley Community Foundation Amount: Up to US $1,000 Last Updated: December 28, 2025 Summary The Friends of Outdoor Adventures…

CITIZENS ENERGY CORPORATION · Rolling / Open · One-time Foundation

Fuel Assistance Grants (Native American Tribes) Overview: Direct grants to Native American tribes for fuel assistance programs serving low-income households. Geographic Scope: United States,…

Princeton Area Community Foundation Inc · Rolling / Open Foundation

Fund Critical Needs Response Initiative Status: Active grant program Geographic Scope: Central New Jersey (Mercer County area) Focus Areas: Addressing critical community needs and emergency support…

Funds for Women Graduates (FfWG) · Rolling / Open Foundation

Funds for Women Graduates: Emergency Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Funds for Women Graduates (FfWG) Amount: Up to £2,500 Last Updated: December 28, 2025 Summary The Funds for Women Graduates:…

Coral Gables Community Foundation · Rolling / Open Foundation

Garcia Perseverance Scholarship Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Coral Gables Community Foundation Amount: US $4,000 Last Updated: February 19, 2026 Summary The Garcia Perseverance Scholarship,…

GATEWAY WELLNESS FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open · One-time Foundation

Gateway Disaster Relief Grant Program Status: Currently PAUSED - Not accepting applications at this time Purpose: Gateway Wellness Foundation provides emergency relief to those affected by Hurricane…

GOLDEN CIVIC FOUNDATION INC · Rolling / Open Foundation

Overview _NOTE: Applications will be accepted throughout the year and are available based on remaining funding. We encourage applicants to submit a brief LOI that gives an overview of the…

Harry Alan Gregg Foundation · July 28, 2026 · Quarterly Foundation

General Grants Funder: Harry Alan Gregg Foundation (NH, US) Geographic Scope: New Hampshire, US Review Schedule: Applications are reviewed and awards made by the HGF Trustees three times a year in…

Various (over $89,000 dispersed in multiple rounds)
CHATTANOOGA CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY · Rolling / Open · One-time Foundation

GeneroCity COVID-19 Fund Grants Overview: Emergency relief fund established in response to COVID-19 pandemic. The Generosity Trust made multiple rounds of grants from this fund to support…

Up to six months of household expense assistance
METRO COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENTINC · Rolling / Open Foundation

Genesee County Household Expense Grant Funder: Genesee County (administered by Metro Community Development) Purpose: Financial assistance for rent, mortgage, and utility expenses in response to the…

Up to $3,000
KOREAN COMMUNITY SERVICES OF · Rolling / Open Foundation

Gerstner Fund Funder: Korean Community Services (KCS) in partnership with UNH (United Neighborhood Houses) Overview: Emergency aid program for applicants facing eviction or housing instability. Award…

JJs Legacy · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

Gift of Life Grant Program Funder: JJ's Legacy (Kern County, CA) Purpose: Financial support for organ transplant recipients to help cover medical costs during post-transplant recovery. Geographic…

THE GIVING BRANCH FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Giving Branch Donations Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Giving Branch Foundation Amount: Up to US $5,000 Last Updated: March 16, 2026 Summary The Giving Branch Foundation, fully funded by Flat Branch…

Up to $500 per year
McPherson County Community Foundation · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

Giving Hope Cancer Fund Geographic Scope: McPherson County, KS Eligibility: County residents with cancer Award Amount: Up to $500 per year Funding Purpose: Reimbursable expenses may include: - Rent…

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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