Direct Aid Grants: Compassion with Accountability
In a valley known for its beauty — and its high cost of living — a medical crisis can quickly spiral into a financial emergency. Here in the Vail Valley, even those who work hard and plan responsibly can find themselves overwhelmed by sudden illness or injury. The Vail Valley Charitable Fund was created to step in during these moments of greatest need.
Through a comprehensive application process, the VVCF provides one-time direct aid grants of up to $7,500 to individuals who have lived and worked in the Vail Valley for at least one year and are facing a financial crisis due to a medical crisis.
Applications are reviewed monthly by our Board of Directors, and each grant is awarded with careful consideration to the applicant’s situation and demonstrated need.
What We Cover
These grants can help with both medical and non-medical necessities, including:
- Medical expenses not covered by insurance
- Rent or mortgage payments
- Utilities
- Loss of income due to illness
- Support for dependents during recovery
Grants are typically paid directly to service providers or creditors to ensure that funds go exactly where they are needed and potential discounts are leveraged.
Who We Help
The VVCF prioritizes applicants who have taken responsible steps to protect themselves — such as carrying insurance — but who are facing hardship despite those efforts. Many of the individuals we assist are working community members who don’t qualify for traditional aid programs.
Applications are evaluated based on:
- Personal efforts to manage or reduce the financial crisis
- Length of residence in the Vail Valley
- Community involvement and employment history
- Severity of illness and medical need
We do not fund elective or non-critical medical procedures, nor do we fund funeral expenses.
Beyond the Grant: Community-Based Fundraising
We recognize that $7,500 may only be a fraction of what a person or family needs when facing a long-term or life-threatening illness. That’s why the VVCF also offers community-based fundraising support. Through this program, we help individuals launch grassroots fundraising campaigns — providing structure, tools, and support to raise additional funds beyond the direct aid grant. If you are interested in learning more about our community-based fundraising program, please review our Community-Based Fundraising Overview and Frequently Asked Questions and Application for Expanded Assistance.
Real People. Real Needs. Real Help.
Whether it’s a father recovering from a heart attack, a mother battling cancer, or a young adult facing an unexpected spinal cord injury — your support helps the VVCF respond quickly and compassionately to local residents in their time of greatest need.
*In all circumstances, the Board will make a final determination of the amount granted. Should the amount raised exceed the articulated need, the Board will make a final determination as to its disposition.