Hardship Grants for Individuals

Hardship grants provide emergency financial assistance to individuals and families facing unexpected crises. These grants help cover essential expenses like rent, utilities, medical bills, and food during difficult times. Unlike loans, grants don't need to be repaid. Below are 1268 verified hardship grant programs from government agencies.

Types of Hardship Assistance Available

Housing & Utilities

Emergency rent assistance, utility bill relief, eviction prevention, and temporary housing support.

Medical Expenses

Help with hospital bills, prescription medications, medical equipment, and emergency healthcare costs.

Food & Basic Needs

Food assistance programs, SNAP benefits, emergency food banks, and nutrition support for families.

Financial Crisis Relief

Unemployment support, disaster relief, funeral expenses, and general emergency financial assistance.

Who Qualifies for Hardship Grants?

Most hardship grant programs prioritize individuals experiencing:

  • Sudden job loss or reduced income
  • Medical emergencies or chronic illness
  • Natural disaster or home damage
  • Family crisis or death of primary earner
  • Pending eviction or utility shutoff
  • Income below federal poverty guidelines

Eligibility varies by program. Many require proof of income, documentation of the hardship, and demonstration of immediate financial need.

Available Hardship Grant Programs

These grants and assistance programs are currently accepting applications. Each links to the official government agency page where you can review eligibility requirements and apply directly.

Made in California Program

Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development Disadvantaged Communities; Housing Fixed deadline

The purpose of this announcement is to solicit applications from eligible organizations to apply to provide marketing and engagement services to support the awareness and use of the Made in California...

Proposition 4 – Wildfire and Forest Resilience

San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy Disadvantaged Communities; Employment Fixed deadline

Wildfire and Forest Resilience [Section 91520(l)]:  may be awarded for projects that promote watershed improvement, wildfire resilience, chaparral and forest restoration, and workforce development tha...

2025 CDBG NOFA

Department of Housing and Community Development Housing Fixed deadline

Under the 2025 NOFA, approximately $27 million in federal funds for Community Development Block Grant will be made available to develop viable communities provisioning decent affordable housing, expan...

2025-2026 Sustainable California Libraries

CA State Library Education; Energy; Environment & Water; Food & Nutrition; Libraries and Arts Fixed deadline

The California State Library’s LSTA grant opportunities:  Support improvement, innovation, and experimentation in library services;  Build capacity among the California library community in grant-writ...

Desert Conservation Program

Wildlife Conservation Board Environment & Water Rolling deadline

As a result of efforts undertaken by individuals and entities with a strong interest in protecting the Mojave and Colorado Deserts, Assembly Bill 1183, now known as the California Desert Conservation ...

Climate Adaptation and Resiliency

Wildlife Conservation Board Environment & Water Fixed deadline

The Climate Adaptation and Resiliency Program was created by AB109, which amended the Budget Act of 2017 to provide local assistance through the Wildlife Conservation Board for conservation projects f...

Proposition 68 Technical Assistance

San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy Disadvantaged Communities; Environment & Water; Parks & Recreation Fixed deadline

Pursuant to Section 8008(b)(1) of Proposition 68, up to 10% of the funds available may be allocated for technical assistance to disadvantaged communities. RMC’s Technical Assistance Program (TAP) supp...

Wildfire Prevention Grant Program

San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy Disadvantaged Communities; Disaster Prevention & Relief; Environment & Water; Parks & Recreation Fixed deadline

Priorities for RMC Wildfire Prevention Grant Program: 1. Protect and expand native forests/wildlands; 2. Support communities in increasing their resilience to wildfire and improving fire safety; 3....

2024 LHTF NOFA Round 5

Department of Housing and Community Development Housing Fixed deadline

The principal goal of this program is to provide grants to Local Housing Trust Funds established by cities and counties, Native American Tribes, and incorporated 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations to i...

2023 Homekey Tribal NOFA

Department of Housing and Community Development Housing Fixed deadline

The Department announces the availability of $75 million of Homekey Program grant funding through this Round 3 Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for Tribal Entities. This NOFA aims to sustain and ...

Proposition 68 – Water Recycling

State Water Resources Control Board Environment & Water Fixed deadline

The purpose of the funding is to provide technical and financial assistance to local agencies for the construction of water recycling projects that promote the beneficial use of treated municipal wast...

Proposition 1 – Water Recycling

State Water Resources Control Board Environment & Water Fixed deadline

The purpose of the funding is to provide technical and financial assistance to local agencies for the construction of water recycling projects that promote the beneficial use of treated municipal wast...

Native American Preparedness Tribal Grant

Department of Fish and Wildlife Disaster Prevention & Relief; Environment & Water Fixed deadline

The Tribal Preparedness Grant is part of the Office of Spill Prevention and Response Program and supports California Native American tribes in preparing for and enhancing emergency preparedness, respo...

Hazard Mitigation Grant Program

Governor's Office of Emergency Services Disadvantaged Communities; Disaster Prevention & Relief Fixed deadline

Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds plans and projects that reduce the effects of future natural disasters. In California, these funds are administered by the Cal OES HMGP Unit. Eligible suba...

Small and Rural Hospital Relief Program

Department of Health Care Access and Information Health & Human Services Fixed deadline

With funding from the California Electronic Cigarette Excise Tax (Senate Bill 395, Chapter 489, Statutes of 2021), the Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) is launching the Small an...

Oil Spill Response Equipment Grant

Department of Fish and Wildlife Disaster Prevention & Relief; Environment & Water Fixed deadline

The objective of the Local Oil Spill Response Equipment Grant Program is to award grants to Native American tribal governments, counties, cities, and special districts in order to pre-position (pre-st...

California Forest Improvement Program

Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Agriculture; Environment & Water Fixed deadline

The purpose of the California Forest Improvement Program (CFIP) is to encourage private and public investment in, and improved management of, California forest lands and resources, to ensure adequate ...

Local Airport Loan Program

Department of Transportation Transportation Fixed deadline

This program provides discretionary State loans to eligible public-use airports for projects that enhance an airport’s ability to provide general aviation services. Types of projects funded by these l...

Coastal Conservancy Grants

Coastal Conservancy Agriculture; Disadvantaged Communities; Disaster Prevention & Relief; Environment & Water; Housing Rolling deadline

Each year, the Coastal Conservancy issues millions of dollars in grants for projects that restore and protect the California coast, expand public access to it, and enhance its resilience to climate ch...

Explore the Coast Overnight

Coastal Conservancy Disadvantaged Communities; Environment & Water; Parks & Recreation Fixed deadline

The Explore the Coast Overnight Program aims to create more opportunities for all Californians to stay overnight at the coast through the expansion or construction of hotels, motels, hostels, campgrou...

Orphan Site Cleanup Fund

State Water Resources Control Board Environment & Water Fixed deadline

The Orphan Site Cleanup Fund (OSCF) is a grant program providing financial assistance to eligible applicants for the cleanup of sites contaminated by leaking petroleum underground storage tanks where ...

Sales Tax Exclusion (STE) Program

State Treasurer's Office Disadvantaged Communities; Disaster Prevention & Relief; Employment Fixed deadline

CAEATFA supports California's mission to provide financial incentives to cutting-edge companies by offering a sales and use tax exclusion to manufacturers purchasing equipment to promote alternative e...

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How to Apply for Hardship Grants

  1. Document Your Hardship - Gather proof of income loss, medical bills, eviction notices, or other crisis documentation.
  2. Determine Eligibility - Review each program's requirements. Most prioritize low-income individuals and families in crisis.
  3. Apply Quickly - Many hardship programs operate on first-come, first-served basis or have limited funding.
  4. Provide Complete Information - Include all requested documentation to avoid delays in processing your application.
  5. Follow Up - Contact the agency if you don't hear back within the stated timeframe. Many programs prioritize urgent needs.

Additional Resources for Financial Hardship

Local Emergency Assistance

Contact 211 (dial 2-1-1 or visit 211.org) to find local charities, food banks, and emergency assistance programs in your area. Many communities have rapid-response programs for rent and utility emergencies.

Nonprofit Organizations

The Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, United Way, and local churches often provide emergency financial assistance, food, and housing help to individuals in crisis.

Government Benefits

Apply for SNAP (food stamps), TANF (temporary cash assistance), Medicaid, and housing assistance through your state's benefits portal. Many benefits can be accessed quickly online.

Utility Company Programs

Most utility companies have hardship programs that prevent shutoffs and offer payment plans. Contact your provider before bills become overdue.

Common Questions

Do hardship grants need to be repaid?

No. Grants are free financial assistance that doesn't require repayment. This is different from hardship loans or emergency loans that must be paid back with interest.

How quickly can I receive emergency assistance?

Timeline varies by program. Some emergency assistance programs can provide help within 24-72 hours for urgent needs like eviction prevention. Others may take 1-4 weeks to process applications.

Can I apply if I'm employed but struggling financially?

Yes. Many hardship programs help individuals who are working but experiencing financial crisis due to medical bills, unexpected expenses, or insufficient income. Income limits vary by program.

What documentation do I need to apply?

Common requirements include: proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns), photo ID, bills or eviction notices showing the hardship, bank statements, and proof of residence. Requirements vary by program.

Can I apply to multiple hardship programs?

Yes. You can apply to multiple programs as long as you meet each program's eligibility requirements. Different programs serve different needs (housing vs. medical vs. food assistance).

Are these grants legitimate?

Yes. All grants listed here link directly to official federal, state, or local government agency websites. Never pay money to apply for a government grant - all legitimate grants are free to apply.

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