STATUS: Open

SERVICE AREA: Michigan

CLIENTS SERVED: Michigan residents experiencing major, life-altering hardships: serious medical conditions, traumatic injuries, unexpected loss of housing, or the death of a loved one.

DESCRIPTION: Fund a Life is a nonprofit that provides one-time financial grants to individuals and families facing significant personal or financial crises. Assistance is tailored to each applicant’s circumstances. Grants are awarded through an individual review process based on demonstrated need, available funding, and the organization’s mission.

PROGRAMS/SERVICES:

• Grant of Hope: Provides one-time financial assistance, typically ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, with an average award of approximately $5,000. Eligible expenses are considered individually and may include:
  • Medical Expenses: Financial assistance for expenses resulting from serious illnesses, life-threatening diagnoses, traumatic injuries, and other major health crises.
  • Medical Equipment: Assistance purchasing specialized medical devices and equipment needed for treatment, recovery, mobility, or independence.
  • Home Accessibility Modifications: Financial assistance for modifications to a residence that improve accessibility and safety for an individual with medical or mobility needs.
  • Accessible Vehicle Modifications: Assistance modifying vehicles to accommodate disabilities or mobility limitations, including wheelchair accessibility.
  • Housing Assistance: Financial support for households experiencing unexpected housing loss or displacement.
  • Travel & Respite Expenses: Assistance with travel or respite costs associated with medical treatment, emotional recovery, or physical rehabilitation.
  • Family Crisis & Bereavement Assistance: Financial relief for families experiencing the death of a loved one or another major personal tragedy.
• Hope in Motion: A community fundraising initiative that raises financial support for specific individuals or families facing urgent, life-altering circumstances. Campaigns are organized around individual needs, with donations directed to the designated recipient.
• Spark of Hope: Provides $1,000 grants through a special medal distributed by designated ambassadors or sponsors to individuals experiencing hardship. Recipients can redeem the medal without completing a traditional grant application.

HOW TO APPLY: Applicants must be permanent U.S. residents and age 18 or older. Applications for minors require an adult co-signer.

• Grant of Hope: Complete the online grant application, including a short recorded or uploaded video and documentation supporting the financial need. Applications are reviewed quarterly, with decisions generally issued by email within 30–90 days. Emergency grants may be considered sooner. Approved households generally cannot receive another grant for the same circumstances within one year.
• Hope in Motion: Contact Fund a Life at 844-386-3543 or info@fundalife.org to inquire about individualized fundraising campaigns. Learn more at the Hope in Motion program page.
• Spark of Hope: Grants are distributed through designated ambassadors or sponsors rather than a public application process. Recipients who receive a Spark of Hope medal can email skramer@fundalife.org for redemption assistance. Information on the program and how to nominate someone can be found on the Spark of Hope program page.