Personal Hardship Funds

Have you ever had a friend, family member, neighbor or community member struck by a sudden, unexpected tragedy such as a serious medical diagnosis, car accident or house fire, or layoff due to COVID-19 resulting in mounting bills and increased stress? Has it left you asking yourself and the other members of your community, how can we help?

These tragedies happen all too often, and In This Together is here to provide a way to help. To date, we have provided $39,700 to Mainers facing unexpected financial hardships. We are currently accepting applications for grants until Friday, April 14 with grants to be awarded by early May.

"I would like to thank you for your incredibly generous assistance with my medical bills. Please know that it made a huge difference!"

- A 2020 Grant Recipient

Personal Hardship Fund Grant Application Process

Grant Eligibility

Any person who lives in or attends college in Maine, and is experiencing an unexpected financial hardship, is eligible to apply for a Personal Hardship Fund grant from In This Together.

How to submit a Grant Application

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis during the year, via our paper application, which can be downloaded from this page. We are currently accepting applications for grants until Friday, April 14, 2023 with grants to be awarded by early May 2023.

Please mail your completed application and supporting documentation to:

In This Together

135 Maine Street Suite A 271

Brunswick, ME 04011

Get the application form

Information you will need to complete an application

Required Documentation for all Applications:

Two recent pay stubs if currently working
A letter from your bank indicating current account balances
Social Security Determination letter if retired or disabled

Additional Supporting Documentation:

We understand that each application and circumstance is unique, and may require different types of supporting information. Please submit the documentation you feel best demonstrates your hardship. If you have questions about whether your hardship qualifies, or what to submit, please contact us.

Examples of Additional Supporting Documentation:

Medical Condition
- Proof of diagnosis
- Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) letter from your employer
- Medical bills
House Fire or Flood
- Insurance claim
Caregiving for an immediate family member
- Flight or other travel receipts
- Funeral bills
Car Accident
- Medical Bills
- Insurance claim

If additional information is needed for an application to be considered complete, In This Together staff will contact you to let you know what documentation is missing.

Awarding Grants

Grants are awarded on a quarterly basis, as long as funding is available. Applications will be reviewed by the Board of Directors and every effort will be made to have a decision within a month of the application deadline date.

In This Together gives careful consideration to all applications through an unbiased, objective, and thoughtful process.

Applicants selected for a grant award will be notified by both phone call and letter. The grant funds will be delivered via paper check.

Your privacy matters to us

All information submitted to us will be stored securely. Your full application information will only be shared with In This Together staff. Your application information will remain anonymous when reviewed with our Board of Directors to make an informed decision about your application for a grant.