What Are Modest Needs Grants?

Last Updated on January 23, 2024 by Lori Pace

Modest Financial Needs Grants has provided short-term financial aid to people since 2002. This organization is focused on those who are in a temporary financial crisis. This organization is similar to GoFundMe. They help people in need and match donors who are willing to help.

ModestNeeds, however, is a different organization. ModestNeeds supports people who are not eligible for assistance from other agencies. They never give cash directly to the person seeking help. All payments are made to an organization or vendor such as a landlord, utility company or other service providers.

Who Modest Needs Grants For?

Modest Needs provides assistance to people who work and are not in need of any other financial aid. To be eligible for assistance, you must meet these requirements:

  • The application must include proof that at least one adult in the household is employed at the time. Employment documentation is required.
  • Each applicant must have a primary source of income, whether it is from work, child support payments, or Veteran’s Benefits.

Their website states that they pay special attention to the following:

  • Single people with no dependent children
  • Transitioning veterans from the military to civilian lives
  • Teachers
  • First Responders

These grants require documentation. Documents that can prove your identity, income, and expenses will be required.

What Can These Modest Needs Grants Help With?

modest needs grants

Modest Needs can help you for many reasons. They can help with rent payments, unexpected medical/dental bills, vehicle repairs, and other financial emergencies. Modest Needs cannot assist you with the following expenses:

  • Taxes, even property taxes.
  • Past-due child support payments.
  • Any fines or legal fees.
  • Bankruptcies.
  • Credit card payments.
  • Luxury goods and services (Vacation or a video game console)

They cannot also assist with gift cards or money transfers. They cannot help with groceries, gas, overdraft fees, or payday loans. Your utility deposits cannot be assisted because those funds are returned at the end of your tenancy. And they cannot pay rent if you rent from a relative.

It is better to ask for assistance with rent or other large bills if you are in need of groceries. You can get help with rent or other large bills, and you will be able to pay for groceries yourself.

How It Works

Modest Needs receives funds from donors which they use to make grants. Many donors prefer Modest Needs over a website without restrictions like GoFundMe. This is because they document and prove the needs of the person needing help.

Documentation Requirements

As part of the application process, you will need to answer many questions and provide documentation. According to the organization, the application should take 30-45 minutes to complete. For each adult in your household, you will need to provide the most recent tax return or bank statement.

Lori Pace
Lori Pace

Lori Pace is a single mother of three daughters ages 7 and under. As a working mom from home, she balances kids, work and two crazy dogs with humor and love. Follow Lori as she honestly gives tips and advice based on her own experiences as a single mom!