Nonprofit Help: Find Free Local Services That Lower Your Bills

Start with 211: one call or click for local help

[211](https://www.211.org/) is a free, confidential service that connects you to local help for things like rent, utility bills, food, health care and more. You can dial 211, or search by ZIP code at 211.org. It's often the fastest way to learn which local nonprofits have help available right now.

[United Way](https://www.unitedway.org/find-your-united-way) supports many local 211 services and funds local programs. Use its finder to reach the United Way that serves your area and ask what's available.

National nonprofits with local offices

These organizations work through local offices or partner agencies, so what's offered depends on where you live. Use each finder, then call or visit the office near you.

• Food: Feeding America's food bank finder (opens in a new tab) lists the food bank that serves your ZIP code. Food banks can point you to nearby pantries and meal programs, which frees up money for other bills.
• Local services and bill help: the Salvation Army location finder (opens in a new tab) and Catholic Charities USA's local agency finder (opens in a new tab) help you reach your local office. Services vary by location, so ask what it offers for food, rent or utility bills.
• Community action agencies: the National Community Action Partnership finder (opens in a new tab) lets you search for your local Community Action Agency by ZIP, county or service. These agencies often handle energy assistance, weatherization and other local programs.
• Prescriptions: NeedyMeds (opens in a new tab) is a nonprofit with free information on patient assistance programs, drug discount programs and free or low-cost clinics. Plan any medication changes alongside your healthcare provider.
• Home repairs: Habitat for Humanity (opens in a new tab) offers home repair programs through local affiliates for homeowners who partner with them based on need. Programs differ by affiliate, so find your local Habitat (opens in a new tab) and ask what's open.
• Utility hardship funds: Dollar Energy Fund (opens in a new tab) partners with utility companies in several states to give assistance grants to customers who are struggling to keep gas, water, wastewater or electric service. Many utilities run their own hardship fund too, so call the number on your bill and ask.

Government programs nonprofits can help you apply for

Many local nonprofits help people apply for these. Applying is free.

• LIHEAP: the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program helps eligible households with heating and cooling bills, energy crises and weatherization. The federal LIHEAP page (opens in a new tab) and its state and territory contact map (opens in a new tab) show where to apply. Rules and income limits vary by state, so check even if you think you earn too much.
• Lifeline: a federal program that lowers the monthly cost of phone or internet service for eligible households. Check eligibility and apply at LifelineSupport.org (opens in a new tab), run by USAC for the FCC.
• About the ACP: the FCC says the Affordable Connectivity Program ended on June 1, 2024 because it ran out of funding. Be wary of any website that still offers to sign you up for it.

What to ask for when you call

When you reach a nonprofit or 211, be specific. Say what the bill is, how much you owe and when it's due. Have a recent bill, an ID and proof of income ready, since many programs ask for them.

• Do you have help with this specific bill (electric, gas, water, rent, phone or prescriptions)?
• Is there an application, and what documents do I need?
• How long does it usually take, and can you note my due date or shutoff date?
• If you can't help, who else in my area might?
• Is there any fee? (Real nonprofits and government programs don't charge you to apply.)

How to spot fake charities and never-pay-for-help scams

You should never pay to get help. Real nonprofits and government programs don't charge a fee to apply, and they won't ask you to pay by gift card, wire transfer, cryptocurrency or payment app. Scammers often use names that sound like real charities, so look up the organization yourself instead of using a link or number someone sends you.

Check before you trust (or give). The FTC suggests searching a charity's name plus words like "complaint," "review" or "scam," and confirming it's registered with your state charity regulator, which you can find at NASCO (opens in a new tab). Use the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search (opens in a new tab) to see whether an organization is tax exempt, and Charity Navigator (opens in a new tab) to read ratings and reports.

Report it. If something feels off, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov (opens in a new tab). For more warning signs, see our guides to free help you never pay for and money scams to avoid.

Nonprofits that help in other ways

Nonprofits do a lot more than help with bills. Whatever you need, these national finders can point you to an organization near you. Each one was checked on its official site on the date shown.

• Any kind of local help: 211 (opens in a new tab) and United Way (opens in a new tab) connect you to local nonprofits for almost any need, from housing and child care to counseling and transportation.
• Food: Feeding America's food bank finder (opens in a new tab) lists the food bank that serves your area.
• Housing and home repairs: find your local Habitat for Humanity (opens in a new tab) to ask about home building and repair programs, or call 211 for local housing help.
• Health: HRSA's Find a Health Center (opens in a new tab) tool lists community health centers near you, and many charge based on what you can afford. Plan any changes to your care alongside your healthcare provider.
• Education and jobs: CareerOneStop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, has an American Job Center finder (opens in a new tab). Nearly 2,300 centers help people search for jobs, find training and answer employment questions.
• Family and kids: find a Boys & Girls Club (opens in a new tab) near you, or use Find Local Agencies at Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (opens in a new tab) to connect a young person with a mentor.
• Seniors: the Eldercare Locator (opens in a new tab), a public service of the Administration for Community Living, connects older adults and their families to local services. Meals on Wheels America (opens in a new tab) helps you find a local meal provider.
• Animals: Petfinder's shelter and rescue search (opens in a new tab) lists animal shelters and rescue groups near you.
• Disaster relief: the American Red Cross (opens in a new tab) offers disaster relief and recovery services. Find your local Red Cross (opens in a new tab).
• Veterans: see our guide to veterans charities.

Help for veterans and military families

Many charities focus on veterans, service members and their families, from emergency grants to free lodging near military and VA medical centers. See our separate guide, Veterans Charities: Find Help and Support Those Who Serve, and our Veterans & Military page.

For nonprofits: reach people looking for help

People come to ForLowerBills because they're actively looking for ways to lower their bills and find help. Every registered charitable nonprofit is welcome, whatever its cause: food, housing, health, education and jobs, family and kids, seniors, animals, disaster relief, veterans, community and the arts, and more. Your ad can reach potential donors, volunteers and people who need your services.

What you can share with us:

• Services you offer and the area you serve
• Who is eligible, and how people apply
• Upcoming events, sign-up days or seasonal programs
• Free programs, coupons or discounts your organization offers the public
• Your official website and public contact details
• Next step: Registered charitable nonprofits of any cause can get a free Basic Listing ad on ForLowerBills. Get your free nonprofit ad. Questions first? Use our contact form or email hello@forlowerbills.com (opens in a new tab).