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.
Atlanta FY 2021 – FY 2023 EDA Planning and Local Technical Assistance
Denver FY 2021 – FY 2023 EDA Planning and Local Technical Assistance
Austin FY 2021 – FY 2023 EDA Planning and Local Technical Assistance
Chicago FY 2021 – FY 2023 EDA Planning and Local Technical Assistance
Philadelphia FY 2021 – FY 2023 EDA Planning and Local Technical Assistance
Seattle FY 2021 – FY 2023 EDA Planning and Local Technical Assistance
NARMS Cooperative Agreement Program to Strengthen Antibiotic Resistance Surveillance in Retail Food Specimens
Public Health Crisis Response Cooperative Agreement
FY 2025 EDA Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance Programs
CONTAMINATED ALASKA NATIVE CLAIMS SETTLEMENT ACT LANDS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
FY 2026 Continuation of Solicitation for the Office of Science Financial Assistance Program
Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS): Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA): Braille Training Program, Assistance Listing Number 84.235E
OVC FY25 Housing Assistance for Victims of Human Trafficking
OVC FY25 Specialized Human Trafficking Assistance: Supporting Survivor Engagement in Anti-Trafficking Programming
OVW Fiscal Year 2026 Formula Programs Training and Technical Assistance Initiative
FY2026 Cooperative Agreement for 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Administrator
BJA FY25 The Kevin and Avonte Program: Reducing Injury and Death of Missing Individuals with Dementia and Developmental Disabilities
International Religious Freedom Fund (I-REFF) Emergency Assistance
Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 National Technical Assistance Programs (NTAP) Cooperative Agreements
SOI - Rural Transportation Match and Gap Funding Assistance Program
Nesting Bird Habitat Incentive Program Public Lands Funding 2026-27
The Nesting Bird Habitat Incentive Program’s (NBHIP) Public Land Program is designed to provide assistance to state Wildlife Areas and National Wildlife Refuges to improve the quantity and quality of ...
Made in California Program
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...
FY 2025-26 Earthquake Early Warning Implementation (EA) Program for Airports Program Supplemental
This work is intended to equip airports across seismically active regions throughout California with EEW technology. The purpose of the EA Program for Airports is to create a safer California by imple...
Paid Family Leave Small Business Grant 4 (PFL SB 4 Grant)
The PFL SB Grant will provide to California small businesses (within the grant) equal to or between 100–51 employees a payment of $1,000 and a payment of $2,000 to small businesses less than or equal ...
Social Entrepreneurs for Economic Development 3 (SEED 3)
SEED supports the entrepreneurship of immigrants and limited English proficient (LEP) individuals who face significant employment barriers. The SEED Initiative will provide micro-grants, entrepreneuri...
Senate Bill 1 Sea Level Rise Adaptation Grant Program – Track 2
OPC’s SB 1 Sea Level Rise Adaptation Grant Program (SB 1 Grant Program) provides funding for coastal communities to develop sea level rise adaptation plans (Track 1) and implement nature-based adaptat...
FFY 2024 State & Local Cybersecurity Grant – Local & Tribal (SL) RFP
The purpose of the SL Program is to assist local governments, including school districts and special districts, and federally recognized tribes address cybersecurity risks and threats to information s...
FFY 2024 State & Local Cybersecurity Grant – State Agency (SG) RFP
The purpose of the SG Program is to assist agencies of the State of California address cybersecurity risks and threats to information systems, and improve security of critical infrastructure and resil...
2026-27 School Breakfast Program (SBP) and Summer Meal Program (SMP) Start-Up and Expansion Grant
The intent of the grant is for the California Department of Education (CDE) to award competitive grants of up to $15,000 per school site for nonrecurring expenses incurred when initiating or expanding...
Helping Justice-Involved Reenter Employment 2.0
The California Workforce Development Board (CWDB) is pleased to announce the availability of approximately $9.5 million in funding for the Helping Justice-Involved Reenter Employment 2.0 (HIRE 2.0) gr...
Grants and Cooperative Agreements Program (GCA) – G26
The Grants and Cooperative Agreements (GCA) Program provides for well managed Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Recreation by providing financial assistance to eligible agencies and organizations that develop...
FY 2025-26 Listos California Tribal Grant (LI) Program
To support federally-recognized tribes located in California and nonprofits that serve federally-recognized tribal governments to increase disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation cap...
FY 2025-26 Listos California Statewide Grant (LS) Program
Support organizations throughout California that serve multiple counties and/or larger populations with key social vulnerability factors located in areas at moderate to high risk from natural hazard. ...
FY 2025-26 Listos California Regional Grant (LL) – Southern
The purpose of the LL Program is to support organizations within California’s Southern Region that serve multiple counties with equity priority factors located in areas at moderate to high risk of dis...
FY 2025-26 Listos California Regional Grant (LN) – Inland
To support organizations located in areas at moderate to high risk of disaster. Nonprofits throughout the Inland Region can work independently or subgrant with local nonprofits to provide disaster tra...
FY 2025-26 Listos California Regional Grant (LM) – Coastal
Nonprofits throughout the Coastal Region can work independently or subgrant with local nonprofits to provide disaster training and resources to diverse populations disproportionately impacted by emerg...
FY 2025-26 Listos California CERT Support Grant (LC) Program
The purpose of the LC Program is to provide funding to a fiscal administrator which will in coordination with Cal OES, support new and existing CERT programs to build their capacity to prepare vulnera...
2025-26 Digital Divide Grant Program Round 3
The Digital Divide Grant Program will award one grant of $100,000 for rural and urban public schools and two grants of up to $50,000 each for non-profit Community Based Organizations (CBO). The grants...
Proposition 4 – Wildfire and Forest Resilience
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
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 Multifamily Finance Super NOFA – Los Angeles
The 2025 Multifamily Finance Super NOFA - Los Angeles Disaster makes funds more accessible to developers enables the funding to further serve the lowest income Californians and increases the range of ...
Senate Bill 1 Sea Level Rise Tribal Cultural Resources Funding Program
The purpose of the Sea Level Rise (SLR) Tribal Cultural Resources Funding Program is to provide funding for tribes to assess and plan for the impacts of SLR on their ancestral lands, cultural sites, l...
Sustainable Recreation, Tourism, and Equitable Outdoor Access Directed Grant Program (2025-2027)
This Grant Program aims to support innovative efforts to enhance, promote, and develop sustainable recreation and tourism opportunities and increase access for all to public lands in the Sierra-Cascad...
Division of Boating and Waterways Local Assistance Pumpout/Dump Station/Floating Restroom Operation and Maintenance Grant FY25
This grant provides resources for keeping boater sewage from California waterways. The Pumpout Facility Grant Program funds the operation and maintenance of pumpout and dump stations on California's w...
Division of Boating and Waterways Local Assistance Pumpout/Dump Station Installation Grant FY25
This grant provides resources for keeping boater sewage from California waterways. The Pumpout Facility Grant Program funds the construction of pumpout and dump stations on California's waterways....
Permanent Local Housing Allocation/ 2022 PLHA NOFA
The principal goal of this program is to make funding available to eligible Local Governments in California for housing-related projects and programs that assist in addressing the unmet housing needs ...
2025 Tribal Multifamily Finance Super Notice of Funding Availability
The Department announces the availability of approximately $50 million in funds available through this first round of the Tribal Multifamily Finance Super Notice of Funding Availability (Tribal MFSN)....
Grants and Cooperative Agreements Program (GCA)- G25
The Grants and Cooperative Agreements (GCA) Program provides for well managed Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Recreation by providing financial assistance to eligible agencies and organizations that develop...
2025-2026 Sustainable California Libraries
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
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 ...
Monarch Butterfly and Pollinator Rescue
The Monarch Butterfly and Pollinator Rescue Program was created by Assembly Bill 2421, and signed into law in 2018 becoming effective immediately. The Program was created for the purpose of recovering...
Climate Adaptation and Resiliency
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...
Habitat Enhancement and Restoration
The purpose of this program is to provide assistance for the restoration and enhancement of fish and wildlife resources. Consistent with Fish and Game Code section 1301, this program provides assistan...
Permanent Local Housing Allocation/ 2024 PLHA NOFA
The principal goal of this program is to make funding available to eligible Local Governments in California for housing-related projects and programs that assist in addressing the unmet housing needs ...
Proposition 68 Technical Assistance
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
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
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...
Senate Bill 1 Sea Level Rise Adaptation Grant Program – Track 1
The goal of the Senate Bill 1 Sea Level Rise Adaptation Planning Grant Program (SB 1 Grant Program) is to support the implementation of SB 1 (Atkins, 2021) for local, regional, and tribal governments....
Permanent Local Housing Allocation/ 2023 PLHA NOFA
The principal goal of this program is to make funding available to eligible Local Governments in California for housing-related projects and programs that assist in addressing the unmet housing needs ...
2023 Homekey Tribal NOFA
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 13 – Water Recycling – Planning Grant
The purpose of the funding is to provide technical and financial assistance to local agencies for the planning of water recycling projects that promote the beneficial use of treated municipal wastewat...
Proposition 68 – Water Recycling
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 ...
San Diego River Conservancy Direct Grant Program
Funding for this grant program was provided through the Budget Act of 2021-22 for local assistance projects. This funding furthers the purposes of the Conservancy’s mission, enabling legislation Publi...
Solicitation for the Electric Bicycle Incentives Project
The California Air Resources Board (CARB or the Board) is soliciting a Grantee to implement and administer the Electric Bicycle Incentives Project (EBIP) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2021-22 with an option to...
Local Airport Loan Program
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...
Community and Economic Enhancement Grant Program – Proposition 68
This non-competitive grant program focuses on increasing public access to the Delta through recreation and tourism opportunities, historic and cultural preservation, and environmental education in ord...
Cleanup Loans and Environmental Assistance to Neighborhoods (CLEAN) Program
Department of Toxic Substances Control's (DTSC) CLEAN Program helps developers, businesses, schools, and local governments accelerate the pace of assessment, cleanup, and redevelopment at abandoned an...
Infrastructure State Revolving Fund (ISRF) Program
IBank's ISRF Loan Fund program provides low-cost, direct loans to local governments and nonprofits sponsored by public agencies for a wide variety of public infrastructure and economic expansion proje...
Coastal Conservancy Grants
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...
Investigating Site Contamination Program (ISCP)
Department of Toxic Substances Control's (DTSC) ISCP offers loans to eligible applicants, including governmental entities, private businesses, individuals, and non-profit organizations, to help financ...
Explore the Coast Overnight
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...
Emergency Drinking Water / Cleanup & Abatement Account Programs
The Cleanup and Abatement Account (CAA) funds may be utilized to fund: (1) projects that clean up and/or abate the effects of a waste on waters of the State, or (2) projects that address urgent drinki...
Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) Construction
The Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWRSF) program assists public water systems in financing the cost of drinking water infrastructure projects needed to achieve or maintain compliance with Safe ...
Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) Planning
The Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWRSF) program assists public water systems in financing the cost of drinking water infrastructure projects needed to achieve or maintain compliance with Safe ...
Orphan Site Cleanup Fund
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 ...
Charter School Facility Grant Program – (SB740)
To provide financial assistance for charter school facilities. The Charter School Facility Grant Program provides annual grants to offset annual on-going facility costs for charter schools that servic...
Sales Tax Exclusion (STE) Program
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...
Underground Storage Tank Cleanup Fund
The Underground Storage Tank (UST) Cleanup Fund's mission is to (1) establish a mechanism to meet Financial Responsibility requirements for owners and operators of petroleum USTs, and (2) reimburse el...
CDBG Program - Executive Office Of Housing And Livable Communities
Formula grants to entitled cities and counties for community development activities benefiting low and moderate-income persons. Administered by Executive Office Of Housing And Livable Communities serv...
CDBG Program - City Of Austin Housing
Formula grants to entitled cities and counties for community development activities benefiting low and moderate-income persons. Administered by City Of Austin Housing serving City Of Austin Housing, T...
CDBG Program - Housing Authority Of The County Of Sacramento
Formula grants to entitled cities and counties for community development activities benefiting low and moderate-income persons. Administered by Housing Authority Of The County Of Sacramento serving Ho...
CDBG Program - Sacramento Housing And Redevelopment Agency
Formula grants to entitled cities and counties for community development activities benefiting low and moderate-income persons. Administered by Sacramento Housing And Redevelopment Agency serving Sacr...
CDBG Program - San Mateo County Department Of Housing
Formula grants to entitled cities and counties for community development activities benefiting low and moderate-income persons. Administered by San Mateo County Department Of Housing serving San Mateo...
CDBG Program - Alameda County Housing & Community Development
Formula grants to entitled cities and counties for community development activities benefiting low and moderate-income persons. Administered by Alameda County Housing & Community Development serving A...
CDBG Program - Summit County Housing Fund Community Development Fund
Formula grants to entitled cities and counties for community development activities benefiting low and moderate-income persons. Administered by Summit County Housing Fund Community Development Fund se...
CDBG Program - Greenville City Financial Service
Formula grants to entitled cities and counties for community development activities benefiting low and moderate-income persons. Administered by Greenville City Financial Service serving Greenville Cit...
CDBG State Program - Department Of Housing & Community Development
Grants to states which distribute funds to smaller cities and counties for community development. Administered by Department Of Housing & Community Development serving Department Of Housing & Communit...
CDBG State Program - Puerto Rico Department Of Housing
Grants to states which distribute funds to smaller cities and counties for community development. Administered by Puerto Rico Department Of Housing serving Puerto Rico Department Of Housing, Puerto Ri...
CDBG State Program - New Mexico Department Of Homeland Security And Emergency Management
Grants to states which distribute funds to smaller cities and counties for community development. Administered by New Mexico Department Of Homeland Security And Emergency Management serving New Mexico...
CDBG State Program - Housing Trust Fund Corp
Grants to states which distribute funds to smaller cities and counties for community development. Administered by Housing Trust Fund Corp serving Housing Trust Fund Corp, New York....
CDBG State Program - Housing & Community Development Virginia Department Of
Grants to states which distribute funds to smaller cities and counties for community development. Administered by Housing & Community Development Virginia Department Of serving Housing & Community Dev...
CDBG State Program - Executive Office Of Housing And Livable Communities
Grants to states which distribute funds to smaller cities and counties for community development. Administered by Executive Office Of Housing And Livable Communities serving Executive Office Of Housin...
CDBG State Program - Michigan State Housing Development Authority
Grants to states which distribute funds to smaller cities and counties for community development. Administered by Michigan State Housing Development Authority serving Michigan State Housing Developmen...
Showing 100 of 1268 grants
Browse All GrantsHow to Apply for Hardship Grants
- Document Your Hardship - Gather proof of income loss, medical bills, eviction notices, or other crisis documentation.
- Determine Eligibility - Review each program's requirements. Most prioritize low-income individuals and families in crisis.
- Apply Quickly - Many hardship programs operate on first-come, first-served basis or have limited funding.
- Provide Complete Information - Include all requested documentation to avoid delays in processing your application.
- 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.
Need More Grant Opportunities?
Explore our complete database of 4230 federal, state, and local grants for individuals, families, and organizations.
Browse All Grants