Causes: Emergency Assistance, Human Service Organizations, Human Services

Mission: Modest Needs exists: To prevent otherwise financially self-sufficient individuals and families from entering the cycle of poverty, when this might be avoided with a small amount of well-timed financial assistance; To restore the financial self-sufficiency of individuals who are willing to work but are temporarily unable to do so because they do not have the means to remit payment for a work-related expense; To empower permanently disadvantaged individuals who otherwise live within their limited means to continue to live independently, despite a temporary, unexpected financial set-back; and To strengthen small non-profit organizations by providing a forum whereby such organizations can apply directly to the general public for the help they need to complete the relatively inexpensive projects that will allow them to better serve their clients and the communities they exist to serve.

Results: Since 2002, by working together in this very modest way, Modest Needs' donors have stopped more than 12,700 working individuals and families from entering the vicious cycle of poverty and a lifetime of dependence on the public welfare system for their survival.

Target demographics: Hard-working, low-income families and individuals across the United States and Canada. Small, struggling non-profit organizations across the United States.

Direct beneficiaries per year: Last year, we were able to make grants to 1,600 families.

Geographic areas served: USA