Like housing grants and other government grants, low-income grants are typically not awarded to individuals; they’re provided to organizations and agencies that then distribute funds in the form of community or needs-based services as well as financial assistance to individuals and households. Here are some grants and programs that benefit low-income families and individuals through funding assistance programs in your community or state:

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

The LIHEAP program has been around for 40 years, funding initiatives that help families manage energy costs, including home energy bills, weatherization efforts, making minor energy-related home repairs and preventing and responding to energy crises. You can call the National Energy Assistance Referral (NEAR) hotline at 1-866-674-6327 or contact local providers in your state or through your tribe.

Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP)

The LIHWAP grant program funds local, state and tribal initiatives to help low-income households with water and wastewater bills. You can contact your local government or tribal authority to check eligibility requirements and apply for this low-income grant.

Social Services Block Grant (SSBG) Program

The SSBG program provides flexible funding to states and territories in order to provide comprehensive and high-quality social services to residents. These social services include reducing government dependency, protecting children, adults and those with disabilities from neglect or abuse, promote self-sufficiency for all individuals and secure safe housing or institutional interventions.

Community Services Block Grant (CSBG)

The CSBG program is like the SSBG program in that it’s meant to fund state and local programs managed by organizations and government agencies. The CSBG program alleviates poverty, provides services and programs for the homeless, migrants and the elderly, establishing programs and activities that address issues in employment, education, housing, health and nutrition and emergency services.

Community Economic Development (CED) Grant Program

This federal grant program provides funding to Community Development Corporations (CDCs) that create and support business development and employment opportunities for low-income individuals and households.