Serving families and individuals
in Greater Boston since 1892
Financial emergencies strike more of our neighbors each day. Lend A Hand is a resource of last resort, providing emergency financial assistance to low-income families and individuals for over 125 years. Working with social service agencies in the Greater Boston area, we make grants to help pay for:
- Rent to prevent eviction
- Heat and electric bills to prevent utility shut-offs
- Critical medicines and medical equipment
- Eyeglasses and dental care
Two valuable legacy programs also offer grants for:
- Camp for inner-city children
- Books to lend to adults and children
How You Can Help
We received over 1,050 requests for emergency assistance last year, and with your support, we can help many more people in need.
Donate By Mail
Send a Check to lend a hand by mail.
Donate Online
Donate to Lend A Hand and help someone in need today.
DAF Donation
Donate from your Donor Advised Fund
Amazon
Donate to Lend A Hand with your Amazon order at no extra cost to you.
-
Brookline Grant
A hard-working couple with three children were in danger of losing their apartment. On top of both parents seeing their work hours cut, their youngest son was born with a serious disability. Working with Greater Boston Legal Services, they received a grant from LAH that helped with medical bills and rent. -
East Boston Grant
A mother of four saw her income reduced drastically when the pandemic hit. She’s unable to keep up with her rising electricity bill and worries about losing power because of what she owes. HomeStart helped her get a grant from LAH that helped reduce her debt, bringing a bit of relief during these difficult times. -
Lynn Grant
A young mother of two fell behind in her rent after her work hours were severely cut. A LAH grant through the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless helped bring her payments up to date on the single room she rents, giving her peace of mind as she looks for a second job. -
Boston Grant
A Boston couple was forced to move to a smaller apartment after both lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Working with the St. Francis House, they received a grant from LAH that helped them pay the required security deposit to secure a less expensive place to live. -
Roxbury Grant
A working couple with 2 children struggled to pay their utility bill and lost power in their apartment. Working through the HomeStart, the couple received a LAH grant that restored their electricity so the kids were able to do homework and the family could cook their meals. -
Jamaica Plain Grant
A mother of 3 children referred by Boston Area Rape Crisis Center received a grant to pay tuition for her nurses-aid training program so she can become certified and begin working. -
Somerville Grant
An elderly woman on a fixed income worked with Mystic Valley Elder Services to get a LAH grant to pay her oil bill and keep heat on in her home. -
Dorchester Grant
A family of 4 in Dorchester referred by Dimock Community Health Center, received a grant to pay their rent and avoid eviction. The children could stay in school and their mother was able to continue working.
Looking For Help
If you or your family need financial assistance, please contact one of our partner agencies to apply for you. Lend A Hand works in partnership with over 100 nonprofit agencies serving the Greater Boston area.
Agency Partners
If you represent a hospital, legal aid program, community agency, educational group, camping agency, or another nonprofit social service organization, you can apply for a grant to help your client in need.
To donate by mail, please make checks payable to Lend A Hand Society:
Lend A Hand Society
Boston, MA 02111
A donor advised fund (DAF) is a charitable giving program that allows you to combine the most favorable tax benefits with the flexibility to support your favorite causes.
If you have a donor advised fund, DAF Direct enables you to recommend grants to this nonprofit directly from your DAF (as long as your DAF’s sponsoring organization is participating).