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
HOPE AND A FUTURE INC · Rolling / Open Foundation

Bobby Edd Penson Fund Focus: Emergency financial assistance for youth aging out of foster care Geographic Scope: Arizona Purpose: Designed as a safety net for youth who have aged out of foster care…

The Bollinger Foundation · Rolling / Open Foundation

Bollinger Foundation Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: The Bollinger Foundation Amount: Up to US $8,000 Last Updated: January 25, 2026 Summary The Bollinger Foundation Grant aims to empower children who…

BOSTON DANCE ALLIANCE INC · Rolling / Open · One-time Foundation

Boston Dance Alliance Dance Relief Fund Funder: Boston Dance Alliance Status: One-time emergency fund (launched April 1, 2020) Background: Launched during the COVID-19 pandemic to support dancers,…

SUFFOLK FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Bradshaw Benevolence Grant Funder: Suffolk Foundation Geographic Scope: Suffolk and Western Tidewater, Virginia Status: Active grant program Program Overview A benevolence-focused grant program…

Columbine Community Foundation · Rolling / Open Foundation

Brammer Family Fund Overview: The Brammer Family Fund was established to provide financial assistance to Grand County residents and their families who are affected by cancer. Geographic Scope: Grand…

AESTHETIC SURGERY EDUCATION AND RESEARCH · Rolling / Open Foundation

Breast Cancer Journey Assistance Fund Funder: The Aesthetic Surgery Education and Research Foundation (ASERF) in partnership with BRAVE Coalition Award Amount: $250 - $500 Geographic Scope: United…

Up to $2,500
SUPERIOR HEALTH FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open · Rolling (Quarterly) Foundation

Breast Health Fund Funder: Superior Health Foundation (in partnership with Marquette County Health Department; grant support from M.E. Davenport Foundation) Geographic Scope: Upper Peninsula of…

PUBLIC MEDIA COMPANY · Rolling / Open Foundation

Bridge Fund Emergency Grant Programs Status: Announced (referenced as recent announcement as of early 2026) Funder: Public Media Company / Bridge Fund Purpose: Emergency funding for public media…

The Forgotten International · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

Bridge Grant Program Status: Active (established 2020) Geographic Scope: United States Focus Areas: Emergency financial assistance for individuals experiencing unexpected financial hardship Overview:…

$500 - $5,000
The Veraison Project · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

Bridge Program Program Type: Financial assistance award initiative Purpose: Support individuals starting their careers in the wine industry who face financial challenges during the early stages of…

$100,000 (total annual pool); Average $50,000+ annually; Individual awards vary
TANAGER PLACE ENDOWMENT FOUNDATION · March 31, 2027 · Annual Foundation

Bridge to the Future Scholarship Overview: The Bridge to the Future Scholarship empowers students who have benefited from Tanager's services to pursue their educational dreams. Whether attending…

$96,000 total distributed
ASPEN COMMUNITY FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open · One-time Foundation

Bringing Back Businesses Basalt Fund Overview: COVID-19 relief fund providing restaurant and small business support in the Town of Basalt. Funded by local donors to help businesses mitigate economic…

CAMP TAMARACK · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

Brynne Smith Scholarship Fund Organization: Camp Tamarack Geographic Scope: Central Oregon Overview: Camp Tamarack offers need-based scholarships through the Brynne Smith Scholarship Fund to help…

Varies
Maine Equal Justice Partners · Rolling / Open Foundation

Build HOPE Overview: Build HOPE is a program launched in January 2022 by Maine Equal Justice to provide financial assistance to low-income parents pursuing higher education or training. Purpose: The…

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

Bulk Fuel Assistance Grant Program Type: Heating Fuel Assistance Grant (Non-BGE) Funder: Fuel Fund of Maryland Inc Geographic Scope: Can assist households outside the BGE service territory Focus…

HAMILTON COMMUNITY FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Butler County St. Vincent de Paul Council Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Hamilton Community Foundation (Ohio) Amount: Up to US $10,000 Last Updated: February 01, 2026 Summary The Butler County St.…

GIVESENDGO CHARITIES · Rolling / Open Foundation

C12 Scholarship Fund Funder: GiveSendGo Charities in partnership with C12 Geographic Scope: United States (C12 members) Focus Area: Membership scholarships for faith-driven business leaders Mission:…

Charlevoix County Community Foundation · Rolling / Open Foundation

C3F: Urgent Needs Fund Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Charlevoix County Community Foundation Last Updated: December 05, 2025 Summary The C3F Urgent Needs Fund, established by the Charlevoix County…

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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