If You're an Individual or Family
Start with services designed to point you to the right local resource quickly:
- Dial 211 or visit 211.org — a free, confidential service connecting you to help with rent, utilities, food, healthcare, and more.
- Search findhelp.org — enter your ZIP code to find free and reduced-cost programs near you.
- Contact local nonprofits directly — food pantries, faith communities, and community-service organizations often have emergency funds and can refer you onward.
See our individuals in need page for more on what kinds of hardship assistance can cover.
If You Represent an Organization
Nonprofits and community groups seeking support usually go through a short application so decisions are fair and well-documented. A strong request typically includes:
- Who you serve and the specific need you're addressing
- How the support will be used, and the difference it will make
- Roughly how many people will benefit
- Basic contact and organizational details
Review the areas of focus before applying, so your request lands with funders whose priorities match your work. Many local grantmakers prefer an online application and keep all information confidential.
A Note on What Community Funds Can and Can't Do
Community outreach funds are generous but finite. They're best suited to clear, time-bound needs and to organizations that keep good records and report back on results. If one program can't help, ask for a referral — coordinated communities pass requests along rather than letting them fall through.
What to Have Ready
Whether you're calling 211 or approaching a local organization, a little preparation speeds things up. It helps to be able to describe your situation briefly, note the specific kind of help you need (food, rent, utilities, transportation, childcare), and have any relevant dates or deadlines handy. If you're applying on behalf of an organization, gather a short description of your mission, the number of people you serve, and how a grant would be used. None of this needs to be formal — clear and honest is what matters.
Questions?
If you're not sure where to begin, our contact page has a simple form you can use to reach out. We're an independent resource and don't administer funds ourselves, but we can point you toward established organizations and national tools that can.