Hardship Grants

Last updated August 24, 2026

There are currently 1,166 active hardship grants in Grantable's free grants database, drawn from state and foundation sources and updated daily.

1,166 grants

State/ Foundation

Updated daily

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Type	Grant	Funder	Deadline ▲	Amount
Foundation	Greater Rochester Health Foundation: Rapid Response Fund Grant	Greater Rochester Health Foundation	Rolling	Up to $75K
Foundation	The Adolph and Esther Gottlieb Emergency Grant	Adolph and Esther Gottlieb Foundation	Rolling	Up to $15K
Foundation	Special Circumstances Scholarship - Students in Student Loan Default Status	Kennebec Valley Community College	Rolling	$100 – $1K
Foundation	Emergency Relief & Hardship Assistance	Alterra Mountain Company	Rolling	Varies
Foundation	Artist Relief Fund (COVID-19 Emergency)	Regional Cultural and Performing Arts	Rolling	$500 – $1K
Foundation	CCMA Scholarships Grant	Cooperative Development Foundation	Rolling	Varies
Foundation	Employee Assistance Fund	The Foundation for The Thomas Memorial and Saint Francis Hospitals Inc	Rolling	Up to $1K
State	MD Cancer Fund	Maryland Department of Health	Rolling	Varies
Foundation	COVID-19 Community Response and Recovery Fund	United Way of the Bay Area	Rolling	Varies
Foundation	WNC Greatest Needs Fund	Wnc Bridge Foundation	Rolling	Varies
Foundation	The General Fund	The Principle Foundation	Rolling	Varies
Foundation	Readiness and Resilience Fund	Philanthrofund Foundation Inc	Rolling	$3K – $10K
Foundation	Path to Relief Fund	Head for the Cure Foundation	Rolling	$100 – $1K
Foundation	HSLDA Curriculum Grant	Home School Legal Defense Association	Rolling	Varies
Foundation	Shooting Star Scholarship - Other Approved Therapy Providers	The Shooting Star Foundation Inc	Rolling	Varies
Foundation	Professional Speakers Benefit Fund (PSBF) Grant	National Speakers Association Foundation	Rolling	Varies
Foundation	Bluegrass Bartenders Fund	Lee Initiative Inc	Rolling	Varies
Foundation	Parachute Project	The Parachute Foundation	Rolling	Varies
Foundation	Loan Relief and Financial Counseling for Federal Employees (Federal Layoffs/Funding Cuts Program)	Hawaii Community Lending	Rolling	Varies
Foundation	Lions Individual Grant Application	San Diego Lions Welfare Foundation	Rolling	Varies
Foundation	Roberta Lee August Fund	Northwest Ct Community Foundation Trust	Rolling	Varies
Foundation	Local Community Development Initiative (LCDI) Program	The Amalfi Jets Charitable Foundation	Rolling	Varies
Foundation	Finish Line Grant	College Foundation, Inc.	Rolling	Up to $1K
Foundation	Appalshop Creators Fund	Appalshop Inc	Rolling	$3K

Showing 73–96 of 1,166

About 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.

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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