The Helping Hand fund assists individuals or families past a circumstance or instance in their life.

The fund is meant to provide immediate assistance that isn’t provided through usual public county, city, or federal Agencies.

The grant is not meant to be a “hand out” but a “helping hand” that gives the individuals the means to help themselves.

Helping Hand Fund Requests:

• Cannot be a self-referral, made by the individual needing funds.
• Applications must come from an agency or professional sponsor helping an individual or Family.
• Cannot be used for rent, utilities or car repairs.
• Applications must not include the family or individual’s name for privacy.
• Encourage beneficiaries to give back or pay this assistance forward. A form will be provided as a follow up, for clients.
• Is a ONE TIME benefit and MCF will keep track of the benefits received by individuals and families.
• Checks can not be made out to an individual or family who is benefitting from the request. Service providers will be paid directly.
• Clients must be current residents of Montrose County.

When filling out the application:

1. All requests should include the current situation of the individual’s or family’s background.
2. A Committee reviewing the request wants to make sure the grant recipient is taking advantage of public assistance programs for food, health, housing, etc.
3. Please make sure that the request includes details about how the request will make a difference in the individual’s or family’s life. In other words, how will this grant help the person overcome an incident, circumstance, etc. in their life?
   4. Please make sure your client knows that all communication stays between you the applicant and the client, concerning the progress or denial of the request. MCF will not communicate directly with clients and any breech of this by a client, will result in an immediate denial of a request.