Labor Day: Supporting Families Through Rising Costs
This Labor Day, we honor the everyday heroes in our communities, first responders and educators, whose service keeps us safe and educates the next generation. With inflation and the rising cost of living, many families in these roles are feeling the pressure on household budgets, childcare, and long-term financial security.
Service shouldn’t come with financial strain. Beyond sound financial planning, there are nonprofit programs and resources that can provide support.
Support for First Responder Families
Responder Relief Fund — Provides urgent financial assistance and rapid grants to first responders and their families after line-of-duty incidents, medical emergencies, or sudden hardship. Responder Relief Fund
First Responders Children’s Foundation (FRCF) — Offers emergency financial assistance, scholarships, bereavement grants, and counseling for first responder families facing hardship. FR Children's Foundation
First Responders Children’s Foundation Emergency Response Fund — Emergency aid for housing, food, utilities, childcare, and unexpected expenses for first responder households. FR Children's Foundation
BackStoppers — Provides long-term financial support to families of police officers, firefighters, and EMS personnel killed or catastrophically injured in the line of duty. Wikipedia
Chive Charities – First Responder Support — Helps first responders and their families with financial support for quality-of-life needs like service dogs or home accessibility projects. Chive Charities
HealthWell Foundation Behavioral Health Fund — Offers copayment assistance for behavioral health services for first responders and medical workers who may struggle with high out-of-pocket treatment costs. HealthWell Foundation
Resources for Educators & Their Families
NEA Foundation Grants — Provides grants and fellowships that help educators fund classroom projects, professional development, and learning innovations. NEA Foundation
DonorsChoose — A crowdfunding platform that connects donors with teachers seeking funding for classroom supplies, technology, books, and other essential needs — helping educators stretch their budgets further. DonorsChoose
AdoptAClassroom.org — National nonprofit that raises funds to support teachers and schools with classroom resources and supplies. AdoptAClassroom.org
School Heroes Emergency Fund — Provides emergency grants (up to $2,500) to teachers and school staff facing financial hardships due to unexpected events. Change Reaction
How We Help You Navigate These Challenges
In times of inflation and financial strain, having a proactive plan is paramount. Here are a few first steps you can take to plan ahead:
Build realistic budgets that account for rising expenses
Leverage employer and nonprofit resources like the ones above
Plan for long-term goals like retirement, education, and home ownership
Protect your family with insurance and risk mitigation strategies
This Labor Day, we celebrate your service and we stand ready with resources and guidance to help you thrive despite economic uncertainy.