Resource Directory /

Financial Assistance and Grant Programs Resources

  • Tri-State Food Bank

    The Tri-State Foodbank partners with southern Illinois agencies to provide food assistance in Alexander, Edwards, Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin, Johnson, Lawrence, Massac, Pope, Pulaski, Richland, Saline, Union, Wabash, Wayne and White counties.

    Please use the “Find A Pantry” tool to locate local pantries, shelters, and soup kitchens offering free food to those in need.

  • United Leukodystrophy Foundation

    The United Leukodystrophy Foundation (ULF) is a nonprofit organization that provides support and resources to patients with leukodystrophy and their families. ULF can help families find medical care, access genetic counseling, networking opportunities, and obtain financial assistance. It also provides funding for medical research each year.

    ULF is based in DeKalb, Ill. Its Services and supports also include:

    For questions, please contact ULF at (815) 748-3211 or office@ulf.org.

  • United Spinal Association

    The United Spinal Association empowers and advocates for wheelchair users and people with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D) nationwide. The organization provides local chapters, disability resources, peer support, a manual wheelchair guide and app, a health equity checklist and toolkit and more. Its resources include:

    For questions, please contact the United Spinal Association, Monday thru Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at (800) 962-9629.

  • United Way of St. Clair County

    The United Way of St. Clair County (UWSCC) supports a variety of local health and human services programs to empower residents to raise their quality of life.

    Programs supported through United Way of St. Clair County include:

    • United Way 211
    • Emergency Food and Shelter (EFSP)
    • The Community Information Exchange (CIE) and more

  • Universal Telephone Assistance Program

    Linkup and Lifeline are two federally funded programs that assist families with paying for telephone and internet (broadband) monthly service. Eligibility requirements apply.

  • Variety – The Children’s Charity of Illinois

    Variety of Illinois helps children with disabilities and their families feel supported and included in their community. Variety provides inclusive and accessible activities, equipment and experiences to help children with disabilities have fun, learn and grow. Its programs include:

    • Accessible activities for the whole family
    • Providing adaptive and mobility equipment not covered by insurance for children with disabilities
    • Encouraging participation in adaptive sports
    • The Build-a-Bike program

    Visit Variety of Illinois’s website to apply for a grant or sign up for its newsletter.

    For questions, please contact Variety of Illinois at (312) 822-0660 or info@varietyofillinois.org.

  • Variety – The Children’s Charity of St. Louis

    Variety’s St. Louis location serves children and teens with special needs under the age of 21 and their families living in 30 counties in Missouri and Illinois surrounding St. Louis.

    The charity aims to help children with disabilities fulfill their potential by providing access to vital medical equipment, therapy and innovative programs. The Illinois counties in Variety’s service area are: Bond, Calhoun, Clay, Clinton, Fayette, Greene, Jersey, Macoupin, Madison, Marion, Monroe, Montgomery, Randolph, St. Clair, Washington.

    Opportunities include:

    • Variety family social groups
    • Venturing Crew inclusive program for youth ages 14-20
    • Adventure Camp
    • Performing arts

    For questions, please visit the Variety St. Louis website or call (314) 720-7700.

  • Wabash Area Development, Inc. (WADI) in Enfield

    Wabash Area Development, Inc. (WADI) is a Community Action Agency serving Edwards, Gallatin, Hamilton, Wabash, Wayne, White and Saline counties. WADI provides emergency help for homeless and low-income families and individuals. It also offers education, housing, homeless prevention and job training programs to empower people to become more self-sufficient. WADI services and programs include:

    • Energy assistance
    • Emergency transitional housing
    • Head Start/Early Head Start
    • Rental housing support
    • Work experience,  on-the-job training and employment assistance
    • Education scholarship opportunities

    For questions, please contact WADI at (618) 963-2387 or generalmail@wadi-inc.com. The office is open Monday through Thursday from ​7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

  • Warm Neighbors, Cool Friends Energy Assistance Foundation Program

    Warm Neighbors Cool Friends (WNCF) Energy Assistance Foundation provides year-round help with energy bills and making homes more energy efficient for income-qualified families.  The program helps low-to-moderate-income individuals and families who don’t qualify for federal assistance.  Visit the WNCF website to learn about:

    • Income and eligibility guidelines
    • Program coverage areas
    • Help for weatherizing your home
    • Energy bill payment programs

  • We Care of Grundy County

    We Care of Grundy County is a nonprofit that provides a range of services to help individuals and families achieve stability and improve their quality of life. Services include a food pantry, clothing, financial assistance during times of crisis, educational programs, support groups and more.

    We Care of Grundy County Food Pantry is open by appointment Monday through Friday from 1 to 3 p.m. Please call (815) 942-6389 to schedule a time to come.