The Fund accepts requests for a wide range of needs for children and their households.
The Fund’s Trustees evaluate and respond within three weeks of receipt.
Before initiating a Request, applicants must first explore all traditional resources.
The categories into which a Request must fall (effective June 17, 2024):
Family and Household Needs
Children’s beds & bedding, mattresses, cribs, strollers, car seats, and safety gates. Also, dinette tables with 4 chairs (additional chairs available), dressers, couches, refrigerators, vacuum cleaners, transportation costs, and some child care.
Clothing
Pants, shirts, sweaters, shoes, coats, and underwear.
Health Needs
Insect extermination, air conditioners for asthmatic children, hygiene requests (e.g., toothbrush, soap), nursing or respite care for parents of disabled children.
Enrichment
Enrollment fees for arts, sports, academics, school trips, or other enrichment opportunities.
Education
Preschool, alternative schools, vocational-technical schools, remedial and summer school classes.
Camp / Scholarships
Overnight camp, day camp, or specialized summer programs.
Every week The Fund meets needs like this:
Request #: PB-430
Amount Requested: $190.00
Category: Family Needs
Appeal: The single mother of a 3-month and 2-year-old recently graduated from high school. But then she became homeless, gave birth, and was diagnosed with bone cancer. She’s been able to get her own apartment, but can’t afford furniture or car seats for her young children. The family receives food stamps.
Status: The Fund approved $605 for a toddler bed, crib, dresser, and car seat.