How can I find funding for seniors, veterans, or people with disabilities?
Candid does not give grants/donations, suggest specific funders, or approach them on your behalf. More about Candid’s mission. Please refer to the tips and websites in this article.
Most forms of assistance to individuals for housing, medical bills, or other personal expenses like debt relief will come from charitable organizations or government assistance programs, rather than grants from foundations. Foundation grants are generally awarded to nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status. Those that give grants to individuals typically do so to help pay for education, or to support artistic or research projects.
The following websites may offer information or assistance. If you need funds urgently, more immediate resources for funding may be available in your area, including government agencies, local organizations, and gifts or loans from generous individuals. You might also contact your elected officials to ask about government-sponsored or other programs for which you may be eligible.
See our related Knowledge Base articles:
- Where can I find funding for personal expenses?
- Where can I find help with emergency housing costs?
- How can we raise money for a single individual or family in need?
- Where can I find help with medical bills?
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Ask usExplore resources curated by our staff for this topic:
Staff-recommended websites
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Staff pick
2-1-1 Call Center Search
2-1-1 is an easy to remember telephone number that, where available, connects people with important community services and volunteer opportunities.
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USA Cares
Assisting Military Families in Crisis
USA Cares provides financial and advocacy assistance to post 9/11 active duty US military service personnel, veterans and their families.
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Connecting People and Programs
Aunt Bertha
Aunt Bertha picks up where Uncle Sam leaves off by making it easy to find food, health, housing and education programs.
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National Council on Aging
BenefitsCheckUp
This free, confidential web-based service helps seniors and their caregivers find financial assistance for healthcare (medical, dental, vision and medications), housing, food, utilities, in-home services and much more.
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University of Washington
College Funding Strategies for Students with Disabilities
Provides advice and information about federal student aid and state aid, and lists disability-related scholarship programs.
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U.S. Department of Labor
Disability Resources
Links to government agencies, info, and tools for major categories, like benefits, civil rights, education, employment, health, housing, and more.
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Tradesmenprices.co.uk
Financial Assistance
This site has helpful information for disabled homeowners and tenants in the U.S. Its resources include help for the elderly and veterans. It also provides related links.
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Veterans Families United Foundation
Financial Assistance for Veterans and their Families
This all-volunteer project does not give direct financial aid, but this page provides more than a dozen places where U.S. veterans and their families can turn for financial assistance. The website also provides many non-financial resources, including hotlines, state-by-state resources and descriptions of non-prescription wellness and healing options.
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Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
Financial Grants
Grants to help America's military families who have run into unexpected financial difficulties as a result of deployment or other military-related activity or injury. The program provides financial aid of up to $5,000 to assist with basic life needs in the form of a grant, not a loan, so no repayment is required.
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National Debt Relief
Financial Recovery Resources For People With Disabilities
Provides resources for veterans and people with disabilities to overcome financial hardships.
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National Arts Disability Center
Grants
Provides a selected listing of funding related publications, information clearinghouses, and funders.
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Staff pick
Fiscal Tiger
Medical Debt Resources
Lots of helpful links for people struggling with the high cost of medical care. Resources include a healthcare finance glossary, tips to find free and low-cost clinics and information on spotting and disputing billing errors. A special section provides medical debt information for veterans, active military and their families.
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Small Business and Self-Employment Service
People with Disabilities
Is a service of the Office of Disability Employment Policy of the U.S. Department of Labor which provides information, counseling, and referrals about self-employment and small business ownership opportunities for people with disabilities.
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Couponchief
Retail Savings Guide for People with Disabilities
Includes organizations that help get discounts and tips on how to get discounted or free services in major service areas, like assistive technology, health care, education, transportation, utilities, and legal/tax help.
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seniorliving.org
Seniorliving.org is a comprehensive resource for seniors and their caregivers with information on topics such as housing, transportation, personal finance and insurance. A state-by-state locator map provides senior housing and assisted living options by geographic area.
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Travis Roy Foundation
Travis Roy Foundation's individual grant funds have been used to modify vans and to purchase wheelchairs, computers, ramps, shower chairs, and other adaptive equipment to help paraplegics and quadriplegics live their lives.
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AARP Foundation
Your Guide to Public Benefits
Learn about federal and state financial assistance for seniors for housing, food, health care and income.