by: Traci Harris, Case Manager
In today's challenging financial environment, many individuals feel trapped in cycles of dependency. Traditional assistance programs often provide temporary relief and do not address the root causes of economic instability.
The ELM Foundation's Little Miracle Grants are based on the belief that sustainable change comes from personal investment and measurable effort. These grants help people value and build on opportunities they have actively earned, emphasizing that self-sufficiency requires both immediate support and a long-term vision.
The Little Miracle Grants program utilizes an approach that joins consistent effort with case management support:
1. Referral: The ELM Foundation relies on and accepts referrals from social service agencies, school counselors, community leaders, and clergy.
2. Application: Referred individuals are asked to complete a needs-based application, financial worksheet, and submit a personal essay. Thoughtful completion of the application requires effort.
3. Review and Consideration: The ELM Grants Committee reviews all applications and prioritizes those demonstrating the most significant financial hardship and funding gap. Grant recommendations are then presented to the ELM Board for final approval.
4. Case Management: When a Little Miracle Grant is awarded, the participant works closely with a case manager, who helps them on their journey toward long-term growth. Together, meaningful and attainable goals are set through a Development Plan. Regular communication is maintained through monthly check-ins and as other opportunities arise.
5. Work Requirement: To align with ELM’s effort-based program, all ELM participants must work at least 20 hours per week while attending school or completing certification coursework.
Firsthand experiences best show the effectiveness of the Little Miracle Grant program. Here are some testimonials from ELM’s current participants about how receiving the grant has impacted their lives.
· A single mother raising two young children without government assistance or family support shares, “Earning this certification allows me to secure a lifelong career by opening doors to greater employment opportunities so I may provide for my boys.”
· A young man completing his junior year of college admits, “This scholarship came when I really needed everything. I had lost my dad, and my situation was complicated with no financial support. I am grateful to have received an ELM education grant. Without it, I would have quit school because my paycheck would not have been enough to cover all the expenses.”
· A strong woman who overcame homelessness with the support of extended family shares, “It has been a long journey, but I am now determined to learn the skills needed to find work in a field I enjoy. I want to work. I want to pay my bills. This grant makes it easier for me to succeed and move forward in life."
· A senior graduating in May who had a gap in funding his final semester says, “This ELM grant has kept my educational goals on track to graduate in the spring. Without it, I would have had to take my last semester off to work full-time due to financial constraints, losing learning opportunities and momentum.”
· A young woman raised by a single mother stated, “If I had not received the ELM education grant when I did, I would like to think I would still be in school but would have needed to work a full-time job year-round to cover the funding gap, all while trying to stay on track with my studies. This grant has helped me to focus and pursue my academic goals without added financial hardship.”
At The ELM Foundation, we aim for each participant to lay a foundation for sustainable independence by successfully completing their program, graduating, and becoming highly employable so that they can earn enough to pay their bills without relying on government or nonprofit assistance. This personal and measurable effort changes lives, future generations, and entire communities!
Attention referring agencies and educational institutions—ELM is now accepting referrals for the 2025-2026 academic year! Applicants must submit their grant applications by May 1, 2025.
For additional information regarding the Little Miracle Grant program, please contact Traci at traci@elmhsv.org
