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
SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA COMMUNITY COLLEGE · Rolling / Open · One-time Foundation

HEERF Funding for Students - CRRSAA Overview: Federal funding provided through the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSAA) from the US Department of Education…

Help at Home Community Foundation · Rolling / Open Foundation

Help at Home Community Foundation: Support Fund Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Help at Home Community Foundation Amount: US $100 - US $500 Last Updated: March 30, 2026 Summary Overview Help at Home…

Up to $2,500 (varies by category)
UNITED CHARITABLE · Rolling / Open · Rolling (Quarterly) Foundation

HELP Fund (Hardship and Emergency Lifeline Program) Mission: The HELP Fund provides grants for short-term, temporary financial assistance to eligible staff members who work in all US and Puerto Rico…

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF ANNE ARUNDEL CO · Rolling / Open Foundation

Help Our Neighbors Grant Program Status: ACTIVE Funder: Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County Amount: US $500 - US $1,000 Last Updated: March 24, 2026 Summary The Help Our Neighbors Grant…

Community Foundation of Harfor · Rolling / Open · Rolling (Quarterly) Foundation

Help Your Neighbor Fund Geographic Scope: Harford County, Maryland Purpose: Provides emergency financial assistance to senior citizens, families, and individuals in need in Harford County.…

ANAHEIM COMMUNITY FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open · Rolling (Quarterly) Foundation

Helping Hands Emergency Grants Overview: Emergency Helping Hands Grants are available year-round to support organizations facing a one-time challenge, such as a loss due to theft or fire. Geographic…

GATEWAY COMMUNITY COLLEGE · Rolling / Open Foundation

Helping Hands Fund Overview: Emergency assistance fund for Gateway Community College students experiencing financial hardship. Purpose: Support students facing unexpected financial emergencies or…

Friends of NCVMA Foundation Inc · Rolling / Open · Rolling (Quarterly) Foundation

Helping Hands Grant Funder: Friends of NCVMA Foundation Inc Geographic Scope: North Carolina Overview: The Helping Hands Fund allows NCVMA-member veterinarians to offer financial assistance to…

CELL PHONES FOR SOLDIERS INC · Rolling / Open · Rolling (Quarterly) Foundation

Helping Heroes Home Overview: One-time emergency financial assistance program for veterans facing urgent, unexpected expenses. Status: Active program (established 2012) Geographic Scope: United…

ELEVATE CHARITIES · Rolling / Open · Rolling (Quarterly) Foundation

Helping our HeritAge Program Mission: To assist seniors in need by providing financial support for essential items and services that bridge the gap between what the healthcare system provides and…

COMMUNITIES OF COASTAL GEORGIA · Rolling / Open Foundation

Helping People In Need Fund (HPIN) Description: Grant fund focused on helping people in need within the coastal Georgia region. Status: Now open for applications Geographic Scope: Coastal Georgia…

Up to $1,000 per academic year
STUDENT FREEDOM INITIATIVE INC · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

HELPS Program Microgrant Overview: The Handling Everyday Life Problems for Students (HELPS) Program provides emergency financial assistance to students facing unexpected hardships that threaten their…

THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF EASTERN · Rolling / Open Foundation

Hendel Family Association Scholarship Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut Last Updated: February 11, 2026 Summary The Hendel Family Association Scholarship,…

GRAND RAPIDS AREA COMMUNITY · Rolling / Open · Rolling (Quarterly) Foundation

Herreid Deer River Fund Availability: Applications accepted year-round Purpose Provide crisis funding to help individuals or families in the Deer River (56636) area experiencing a crisis of some…

24 days of professional Adult Day Center care
HILARITY FOR CHARITY INC · Rolling / Open · Quarterly Foundation

HFC Caregiver Respite Program - Adult Day Center Respite Grant Purpose: Cover the cost of professional Adult Day Center care so caregivers can take time for themselves while ensuring quality care for…

100 hours of professional in-home care
HILARITY FOR CHARITY INC · Rolling / Open · Quarterly Foundation

HFC Caregiver Respite Program - In-Home Respite Grant Purpose: Cover the cost of professional, in-home care so caregivers can take time for themselves while ensuring quality care for their loved one…

HARTFORD FOUNDATION FOR PUBLIC GIVING · Rolling / Open Foundation

HFPG: Basic Human Needs Emergency Assistance Grants Status: ACTIVE Funder: Greater Hartford Gives Foundation Amount: US $1,000 - US $20,000 Last Updated: March 12, 2026 Summary The Hartford…

Up to $500
FRONT RANGE COMMUNITY COLLEGE FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open · Rolling (Quarterly) Foundation

High Needs Fund Funder: Front Range Community College Foundation Geographic Scope: Front Range Community College campuses (Boulder County, Westminster, Larimer County - Colorado) Focus Areas:…

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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