These are a few testimonials from individuals who received a crisis grant:
“I’ve been in the hospitality industry for 20+ years. I was recently diagnosed with invasive lobular carcinoma. I’ve been out of work since my surgery. I’m currently going through chemo. The Louisiana Hospitality Foundation is an amazing organization and they give you hope when sometimes you think there is none. Thank you for helping with my medical bills so I can continue with my chemo treatments. Your support through my journey means so much. Thank you to everyone that makes this possible. It’s truly a blessing.”
– Danielle
“I have been a hospitality employee for over 15 years in Baton Rouge. I have been a recipient for a few grants from this wonderful organization. I want to express my gratitude and how much you have been able to rescue me through the past three years with all my surgeries and shortcomings. My life has completely changed. From hospital beds , to comfort of my own home, I found time to apply each year and pray to God something could help my financial situation. I was in the hole and I never thought I could get out. From mortgage payments to keeping on the lights, I want to personally thank you all for helping me get through some of the darkest times of my life. Without this company, I would’ve been lost and nearly homeless. We are small in this world of hospitality. Sometimes people forget about us, no matter how much we do or advocate for each other. I am truly honored to be a recipient of multiple grants in the past. Thank you for always being there.”
– Italy
“The crisis grant provided critical financial assistance during a very difficult time and helped me keep my home. As a single mother, I was facing serious financial hardship, and without this support, I would have lost my home and placed my child and myself in an extremely difficult situation. This assistance gave us the stability and breathing room we desperately needed to get through that crisis.”
– Tristan
“I am very thankful for the help I received from the Louisiana Hospitality Foundation during one of the hardest times in my life. I recently lost my daughter, and I had to take time away from work to grieve and be there with my family. Not being able to work during that time also created a financial hardship for me. The financial assistance I received helped take some of that burden off my shoulders and helped me with expenses while I was out of work. During a time when I was already dealing with so much emotionally, having that extra support meant more to me than I can explain. I truly appreciate the Louisiana Hospitality Foundation for being there for me and my family during such a difficult time. I will always be grateful for their kindness and support.”
– Sonia
The Louisiana Hospitality Foundation operates a crisis grant program that provides emergency financial assistance to individuals working in Louisiana’s hospitality industry – one of the state’s largest employment sectors.
The Foundation raises funds through donations, as well as our signature fundraising events, manages the application process for crisis assistance, and provides the administrative and financial services necessary to support the accounting and tracking of funds distributed. We are also grateful for a generous donation from the Fore!Kids Foundation that supports this program.
Applicants must be dealing with an emergency outside of their control. Examples of program-supported emergencies include, but are not limited to, unexpected illness, injury, death of an immediate family member, or house fire.
Crisis grant funding may include assistance for:
- Housing (mortgage or rent assistance)
- Medical-related bills
- Basic utility bills (gas, electric, water only)
- Funeral assistance
Program Eligibility
Applicant must:
- Reside in Louisiana
- Work in a Louisiana hospitality position*; be with your current hospitality employer for at least 6 months prior to applying
- Have incurred a qualifying crisis such as an unexpected illness, injury, death of an immediate family member**, or house fire
- Be able to provide backup documentation to prove the emergency
- Be able to demonstrate that applicant lacks other resources and options
*Definition of a hospitality worker is a Louisiana resident serving guests in a Louisiana (restaurant, bar or hotel, etc.)
**Definition of an immediate family member includes the hospitality worker, his/her spouse, parent, child or legal dependent.
*** Applications can only be submitted once a year.
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NOTE: This program does not support
- Individuals experiencing a hardship solely due to business closings, layoffs, furloughs, or a loss of work hours due to business slow periods.
- 1099 contractors, cash-compensated workers, and workers who are paid with personal checks are not eligible for this program.
- Anyone terminated for cause from their hospitality employer.
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Crisis Grant Funding Policy
If awarded, the grant is used to pay eligible expenses on behalf of the applicant including housing assistance, utilities (gas, electric or water), medical expenses, and/or funeral expenses. The program will not provide direct funding to an applicant. Please note that available funds are limited, therefore it is not guaranteed that each qualified request for funding will be approved.
Application
All applications must be completed online at the link below. Applications are initially reviewed for eligibility within ten business days of submission, but due to high demand some may take longer for processing and grant committee evaluation. NOTE: Employers are contacted to verify the applicants current employment in a hospitality position.
To submit an application, click the button below and complete all required fields.