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
SIGMA DELTA TAU FOUNDATION INC · Rolling / Open · Rolling (Quarterly) Foundation

One Hope Fund Motto: Patriae Multae Spes Una - One Hope of Many People Overview: The One Hope Fund is an impact program developed by the Sigma Delta Tau Foundation to serve all sisters during every…

SIGMA DELTA TAU - GAMMA LAMBDA CHAPTER · Rolling / Open Foundation

One Hope Fund Motto: Patriae Multae Spes Una (One Hope of Many People) Overview: The One Hope Fund is an impact program developed by the Sigma Delta Tau Foundation to serve all sisters during every…

Up to 50% of course fee
CONTEMPLATIVE OUTREACH LTD · Rolling / Open · Rolling (Quarterly) Foundation

Online Course Scholarship Funder: Contemplative Outreach, Ltd. Geographic Scope: International Overview: Due to the generosity of donors, Contemplative Outreach offers partial scholarships toward…

COTTON ELECTRIC CHARITABLE · June 5, 2026 · Quarterly Foundation

Operation Round Up - Individual Grants Funder: Cotton Electric Charitable Foundation (CECF) Program Description: Operation Round Up provides financial assistance to individuals in need within the…

BERKELEY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE TRUST · Rolling / Open Foundation

Operation Round Up (ORU) - Individual Grants Funder: Berkeley Electric Cooperative Trust Geographic Scope: Berkeley Electric Cooperative service territory (Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester…

Columbine Community Foundation · Rolling / Open Foundation

Opportunity for Youth Fund Overview: This fund helps provide financial assistance to young people whose families' financial means do not allow them to pay for activities for which the young person…

Up to US $1,000
Community Foundation of Central Illinois · Rolling / Open Foundation

Opportunity Grants Status: ACTIVE Funder: Community Foundation of Central Illinois Amount: Up to US $1,000 Last Updated: October 30, 2025 Summary The Community Foundation of Central Illinois offers…

OSHKOSH AREA UNITED WAY INC · Rolling / Open · One-time Foundation

Oshkosh COVID-19 Relief Fund Status: Established in 2020; appears to be closed or inactive as of current date Funder: Collaborative effort of Oshkosh Area United Way and Oshkosh Area Community…

THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF FREDERICK · Rolling / Open Foundation

Other Grants- Sgt. David J. Smith Veterans Relief Fund Status: ACTIVE Funder: Community Foundation Of Frederick County Maryland Incorporated Amount: US $500 - US $2,000 Last Updated: July 27, 2025…

Approximately US $5,000
BERDACH OTTO P TUW · Rolling / Open Foundation

Otto P. Berdach Trust Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Otto P. Berdach Trust Amount: Approximately US $5,000 Last Updated: February 20, 2026 Summary The Berdach Trust Grant, established by Otto P.…

PARKERSBURG AREA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

PACF: Special and Urgent Needs (SUN) Grants Status: ACTIVE Funder: Parkersburg Area Community Foundation Amount: Up to US $4,000 Last Updated: February 14, 2026 Summary The PACF: Special and Urgent…

THE PARACHUTE FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Parachute Project Status: Active funding initiative Geographic Scope: University of Minnesota Masonic Children's Hospital Focus Areas: Supporting families in financial hardship Purpose: The Parachute…

BLACK EMOTIONAL AND MENTAL HEALTH COLLEC · Rolling / Open · Quarterly Foundation

Parent Support Fund Overview: The Parent Support Fund provides direct monetary support to Black and marginalized parents who are living with mental health conditions or supporting children living…

MAINE EDUCATION ASSOCIATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Partnership For Caring Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Maine Education Association Amount: Up to US $1,500 Last Updated: February 17, 2026 Summary The Maine Education Association's Partnership for…

LUTHERAN SOCIAL SERVICES FOUNDATION OF · Rolling / Open Foundation

Pastors Assistance Fund Overview: A private fund administered by the Lutheran Social Services of Southern California Foundation designed to provide financial assistance to Lutheran pastors and their…

NORTH CAROLINA HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

Pat Gainey Student Award Overview: The Pat Gainey Student Award is given annually by the NCHSAA through a private donation from Pat Gainey's daughter, Berry Jo Gainey Shoen. The scholarship…

$100 - $1,000
HEAD FOR THE CURE FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open · One-time Foundation

Path to Relief Fund Status: Pilot program (application period was December 1-10, 2025; applications may close early if demand surges) Purpose: Provides relief for families navigating the challenges…

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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