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
Marthas Vineyard Community Foundation Inc · Rolling / Open Foundation

PEMV: Emergency Response Fund Grants Status: ACTIVE Funder: Marthas Vineyard Community Foundation Inc Last Updated: February 12, 2026 Summary The PEMV Emergency Response Fund Grants, established in…

OLYMPIC VIEW COMMUNITY FOUNDATION · May 31, 2026 · Annual Foundation

Peninsula Home Fund Grants Geographic Scope: Clallam and Jefferson counties, Washington Established: 1989 by the Peninsula Daily News Total Funds Raised: Over $4.93 million to date Purpose: "Hand up,…

Vision Benefits of America Inc · Rolling / Open · One-time Foundation

Pennsylvania Optometric Emergency Assistance Program (POEAP) Status: Program expanded as of May 6, 2020 Geographic Scope: New Jersey, Ohio, and Pennsylvania Focus Areas: Emergency business assistance…

BERKS COUNTY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION INC · Rolling / Open Foundation

Penny Jar Fund Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Berks County Community Foundation Last Updated: November 14, 2025 Summary The Penny Jar Fund, established by Dorothy Lehman Hoerr, provides essential…

PERPETUAL BENEVOLENT FUND · Rolling / Open Foundation

Perpetual Benevolent Fund Grants Status: ACTIVE Funder: Perpetual Benevolent Fund Last Updated: January 19, 2026 Summary The Perpetual Benevolent Fund Grants provide crucial financial assistance to…

Healthwell Foundation · Rolling / Open Foundation

Peyronie's Disease Fund Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Healthwell Foundation Amount: Up to US $5,600 Last Updated: February 07, 2026 Summary The Peyronie's Disease Fund, managed by the HealthWell…

PHYSICIANS AID ASSOCIATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Physicians Aid Association Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Physicians Aid Association Last Updated: March 22, 2026 Summary The Physicians Aid Association Grant provides essential financial support to…

Pike Place Market Foundation · June 1, 2026 Foundation

Pike Place Market Farm Fund Geographic Scope: Pike Place Market, Seattle, Washington Focus Areas: Support for Hmong farm families and flower businesses at Pike Place Market facing financial crises…

Pinetop Perkins Foundation · Rolling / Open Foundation

Pinetop Assistance League (PAL) Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Pinetop Perkins Foundation Amount: US $500 Last Updated: February 08, 2026 Summary The Pinetop Assistance League (PAL) Grant provides…

PIQUA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open · One-time Foundation

Piqua Emergency Response Fund Funder: Piqua Community Foundation Established: April 2020 Geographic Scope: Piqua, Ohio Contact: Michelle Perry, Executive Director,…

PKD FREE BABIES ALLIANCE LTD · Rolling / Open Foundation

PKD-Free Babies Funding Grant Amount: Up to $3,000 for PGT-M only; Up to $9,000 for combined PGT-M and IVF. Ranges from $3,000 - $9,000 on a case-by-case basis. Purpose: Cover uninsured costs of…

Up to $1,500
RIDE FOR LIFE INC · May 15, 2026 · Quarterly Foundation

Plan for Life Grant Organization: ALS Ride For Life, Inc. Location: Stony Brook, NY 11794-8231 Phone: (631) 444-1292 Email: marilyn@alsrideforlife.org Program Description Plan For Life provides a…

PLAN of Connecticut · Rolling / Open Foundation

PLAN of CT Charitable Trust Grants Status: ACTIVE Funder: PLAN of Connecticut Last Updated: November 14, 2025 Summary The PLAN of CT Charitable Trust Grants provide essential, one-time assistance for…

CITY OF OAKS FOUNDATION INC · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

Play It Forward Overview: Financial assistance program that helps local residents participate in Raleigh's exercise, recreation, and sports programs by removing financial barriers. Focus Areas: -…

Varies
NORTHWEST CT COMMUNITY FOUNDATION TRUST · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

PLK Fund Geographic Scope: Northwest Connecticut Focus Areas: - Basic needs/social services Recent Grant Examples: - Riverton Theatre and Riverton Congregational Church: support for critical needs…

Native Forward Scholars Fund · Rolling / Open Foundation

PNM Pueblo Relief Scholarship Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Native Forward Scholars Fund Last Updated: January 02, 2026 Summary Overview Native Forward awards are allocated based on the financial aid…

Up to US $4,000
Healthwell Foundation · Rolling / Open Foundation

Porphyrias Fund Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Healthwell Foundation Amount: Up to US $4,000 Last Updated: February 07, 2026 Summary The Porphyrias Fund, managed by the HealthWell Foundation, aims to…

DELAWARE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION INC · Rolling / Open Foundation

Potter Charitable Trust Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Delaware Community Foundation Last Updated: June 03, 2025 Summary The Potter Charitable Trust Grant supports nonprofit organizations aiding the…

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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