Resource Directory /

Financial Assistance and Grant Programs Resources

  • Rare Caregiver Respite Program

    The National Organization for Rare Disorders’ (NORD) Respite Program is for caregivers (parents, spouses, family members, or significant others) of a child or adult diagnosed with a rare disorder. The program provides financial assistance to allow caregivers a break to attend a conference, an event, or have an afternoon or evening away from caregiving.

    The Respite Program awards are granted to eligible individuals on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no fee to apply.

    For more information about this program, contact NORD at (203) 616-4328 or email CaregiverRespite@rarediseases.org.

  • RentAssistance Search

    RentAssistance provides a directory of rental assistance agencies and organizations that will help you pay your rent. Some listings are government organizations other are non-profits and charities that offer rental assistance programs.

    Each organization has its own eligibility rules and conditions and you are encouraged to call directly to find out what you need to do.

  • Renter and Homeowner Resources from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

    The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPD) offers a variety of resources for homeowners and renters. Resources include information about tenant rights, assistance for landlords, mortgage assistance, rent assistance, utility assistance and more.

  • Resource Directory for Illinois Families With Young Children Experiencing Homelessness and Housing Insecurity

    This resource directory from the Illinois Early Learning Project provides contact information, descriptions of programs, state agencies, and non-profit organizations in Illinois that provide support for families of young children experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity.

    The directory includes food resources, housing resources, clothing and diaper resources and more.

  • Sacred Heart Food Pantry Rock Island

    The Sacred Heart Food Pantry and Distribution Center is managed and run by volunteers. The pantry is open daily from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Rock Island Township Hall, 2827 7th Avenue, in Rock Island. Area residents can pick up food once a month (Scott County residents can come to the pantry once and will be given a list of agencies and food pantries in Iowa). Food is provided based on the number of people in the household.

    For more information, please call (309) 794-0660.

  • Salvation Army of Southern Illinois in Marion

    The Salvation Army of Southern Illinois in Marion provides financial assistance with food, rent, utilities, and clothing for families and individuals across southern Illinois.

    For questions or food pantry hours, please contact Darla Harms at (618) 993-5854 or darla.harms@usc.salvationarmy.org.

  • SAM’s Sweet Heart Memorial Foundation

    SAM’s Sweet Heart Memorial Foundation is dedicated to helping Illinois families with children with complex medical diagnoses.

    SAM’s Sweet Heart provides financial assistance to Boone and Winnebago county families with children under the age of 18 who have a medical condition requiring lifelong treatment. Local families may apply for a grant during open application periods.

  • Sangamon County Resource Guide

    The Sangamon County Department of Community Resources strives to improve the quality of life for people in-need in Sangamon County through department programs, services and referrals that promote economic stability and/or self-motivation.

    The department provides several resource guides that cover financial assistance, food pantries, health care, housing and more for the residents of Sangamon County.

  • Sarah D. Culbertson Memorial Hospital Health Profession Scholarship Program

    Sarah D. Culbertson Memorial Hospital (CMH) Foundation provides a variety of annual scholarship programs. Scholarships are available for high school seniors, college students, Connect Care participants and CMH employees entering a healthcare-related field that is in high demand at CMH. The award amount may change from year to year. Information, applications and scholarship deadlines are available online.

    Foundation scholarship opportunities include:

    • The Elmer Hugh Taylor Health Profession Scholarship for high school seniors in Schuyler, Cass and South Fulton counties entering a healthcare-related field at CMH
    • The Regina Ehrhardt Scholarship for Rushville-Industry High School or Brown County High School senior who is entering a nursing-related field of study that is currently available at CMH
    • The Career Connect Scholarship for any Rushville-Industry High School senior participating in Career Connect at CMH
    • The Future of Culbertson Scholarship for potential future employees obtaining a secondary education in a healthcare-related field of study that is currently available at CMH
    • The CMH Foundation Scholarship for full or part-time employees who are taking healthcare courses for a position that is considered a critical need at CMH

  • Sertoma Organization for People Affected by Hearing Loss

    Sertoma provides information and support to people at risk of or affected by hearing loss. National and local chapters across the United States support hearing health through a variety of programs and activities. Sertoma services include annual scholarships, access to amplified hearing devices, teen and college-level service programs, the “Adopt-an-Agency” program and more.

    Sertoma offers two scholarship programs:

    • The Scholarship for the Hard of Hearing or Deaf is open to students with clinically significant bilateral hearing loss. Graduating high school students or undergraduate students pursuing four-year college degrees in any discipline are eligible for the scholarship.
    • The Communicative Disorders Scholarship is for graduate students pursuing advanced degrees in audiology or speech-language pathology from institutions in the United States. The program awards these scholarships in the spring to help offset the cost of tuition, books and fees incurred during the following school year.

    See Sertoma’s website for eligibility requirements. The program accepts applications between Nov. 1 and March 31 each year.