Why Hardship Relief Funds Are Important

June 24, 2014

Many organizations create relief funds in the wake of a presidentially-declared natural disaster. These natural disasters are the types that make national news and impact hundreds in the affected area like hurricanes, floods, and wildfires. Unfortunately, less than half of relief funds include any kind of hardship grants for the personal emergencies of individuals. This is partly because most funds are created in the immediate aftermath of a disaster. As such, the focus is almost entirely on that disaster, largely in an attempt to get the fund up and running as quickly as possible.

Starting a personal hardship grant fund can be an excellent way to support team members during personal times of difficulty, not only during large-scale catastrophes, but on a regular basis. Personal hardships can arise at any time, and range from unexpected accidents or illnesses that cause financial hardship, to other personal or family issues that may seriously affect an individual’s financial situation. A personal hardship can be anything that meets the criteria established for the relief fund from a divorce to unexpectedly needing to house and care for an aging parent. Since these difficult events are unfortunately so commonplace, it stands to reason that there is a significant need for aid in those circumstances.

Often these hardships do not qualify for funds from insurance programs or government programs, yet the financial (and emotional) difficulties are very real. Helping individuals work through these hardships with some financial support from a relief fund can provide support where there otherwise would be none.

Natural disasters are larger in scale and more newsworthy, and as such, disaster relief grant funds are more popular. Nonetheless, personal hardship fund grants are very appreciated and often life-changing for their recipients.

Author: Doug Stockham, President

Emergency Assistance Foundation