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
The Jeremy Willson Charitable Trust · Rolling / Open Foundation

The Musician Health & Services Program Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: The Jeremy Willson Charitable Trust Last Updated: February 01, 2026 Summary The Musician Health & Services Program, funded by The…

URBAN LEAGUE OF METROPOLITAN SEATTLE · Rolling / Open · One-time Foundation

The Plate Fund - Restaurant Worker Help Overview: Emergency financial assistance program providing one-time $500 grants to restaurant and food service workers impacted by COVID-19 in King County,…

RALLY FOUNDATION INC · Rolling / Open Foundation

The Rally Family Emergency Fund Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Rally Foundation Inc Amount: Up to US $750 Last Updated: November 13, 2025 Summary The Rally Family Emergency Fund, initiated by the Rally…

$12,000 ($3,000 annually over 4 years)
THE SEED FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

The SEED Foundation Scholarship Award Amount: $12,000 total, distributed equally over four continuous years ($3,000 annually) Purpose: Bridge the gap between financial aid and the full cost of…

SENIOR SERVICES FOR NORTHERN CALIFORNIA · Rolling / Open Foundation

The Tomorrow Fund Purpose: Provides confidential assistance to residents in Sequoia Living's continuing care retirement communities who have outlived their financial resources. Geographic Scope:…

RYAN CALLAHAN FOUNDATION INC · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

The Two Four Club Overview: A program to provide financial assistance and respite to families battling pediatric cancer who inspire the foundation with their resilience, hope, and determination.…

CB State of Mind · Rolling / Open Foundation

Therapy Scholarship Program Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: CB State of Mind Last Updated: October 22, 2025 Summary The Therapy Scholarship Program, offered by CB State of Mind, aims to provide…

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF NCW · Rolling / Open Foundation

Thomas J Nelson Sr Scholarship Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Community Foundation of North Central Washington Last Updated: January 14, 2026 Summary The Thomas J Nelson Sr Scholarship, offered by the…

PALMETTO GOODWILL · Rolling / Open Foundation

THRIVE Fund Overview: Palmetto Goodwill created the THRIVE Fund to provide financial assistance and paid time off to team members experiencing unforeseen hardships, unplanned difficulties, natural…

DULUTH-SUPERIOR AREA COMMUNITY · Rolling / Open Foundation

THRIVE Scholarship Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Boreal Waters Community Foundation Amount: Up to US $500 Last Updated: January 09, 2026 Summary The THRIVE Scholarship is an unrestricted fund…

Varies (examples: $75, $145, $225)
UNITED WAY OF THE CROSSROADS · Rolling / Open · One-time Foundation

Thrive Victoria Fund Overview: The Thrive Victoria Fund makes small grants to individuals and families to cover short-term cash crunches so they don't snowball into larger problems. Geographic Scope:…

Thurgood Marshall College Fund · Rolling / Open Foundation

TMCF | JPMorgan Chase Hardship Scholarship Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Thurgood Marshall College Fund Amount: Up to US $2,500 Last Updated: October 15, 2025 Summary The TMCF | JPMorgan Chase…

TO CELEBRATE LIFE · December 15, 2026 · Annual Foundation

To Celebrate Life Breast Cancer Grants Program Overview: To Celebrate Life Breast Cancer Foundation awards annual grants to nonprofit organizations that provide direct and emergency services to…

ST LOUIS OVARIAN CANCER AWARENESS · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

Together in Teal Patient Need Fund Overview: A financial assistance program designed to help ovarian cancer patients and survivors manage the financial burden of their diagnosis and treatment.…

NEW CANAAN COMMUNITY FOUNDATION INC · Rolling / Open · Rolling (Quarterly) Foundation

Touch A Life Fund Organization: New Canaan Community Foundation Inc (CT, US) Overview: The Touch A Life Fund provides year-round assistance to families in New Canaan that need community support with…

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

Tracy Family Fund Geographic Scope: Northwest Connecticut Focus Areas: - Basic needs/social services - Arts and culture Recent Grant Examples: - Riverton Theatre: support for critical needs (2025)…

FUEL FUND OF MARYLAND INC · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

Traditional Utility Assistance Grant Program Type: Utility Assistance Grant for BGE Residential Customers Funder: Fuel Fund of Maryland Inc Geographic Scope: BGE service territory (Maryland) Focus…

Varies based on need; up to one week of camp per child
THE ALASKA CENTER EDUCATION FUND · December 15, 2026 · Annual Foundation

Trailside Discovery Scholarship Program Organization: The Alaska Center Education Fund Mission: Provides outdoor environmental education experiences for students from families facing economic…

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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