Application Guidelines & Procedures
Our mission is to provide one-time financial assistance of up to $1,500 within a 12-month period for a woman or girl in Delaware facing a financial crisis.
Good Friends of The First State reserves the right to approve or decline any referral or application at its sole discretion.
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Consumer: a woman or a girl living in Delaware who is in financial need and a U.S. citizen.
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Professional: a licensed Social Worker, Case Manager or Healthcare Provider who refers and submits applications on behalf of Consumers.
Applications Guidelines
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Referrals must be screened, verified, and submitted by a Professional who has worked directly with the Consumer.
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Professionals may NOT refer friends or family members.
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Consumers cannot apply on their own behalf.
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The Professional must contact the vendor (e.g., landlord, utility company, auto lender) to confirm the total amount owed.
Ineligible Expenses
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Security deposits
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Taxes or replenishing savings
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Future or anticipated expenses
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Payments to individuals for private transactions
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Motel stays without permanent housing in place
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Home improvements for residences not owned by the Consumer
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Items from Amazon.com
When evaluating requests, Good Friends of The First State considers:
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Income: Can the Consumer afford the expense moving forward (if recurring)?
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Situation: Did unforeseen or uncontrollable events cause the crisis?
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Employment: If not working, is there a plan to obtain employment?
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Result: Will this assistance resolve the crisis?
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Last Resort: Have other funding sources been explored first?
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Sustainability: Will the support prevent the issue from recurring?
After review, the Professional will be notified of approval or denial. If approved, payment is issued directly to the vendor via check or credit card.
Application Requirements
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All required fields must be completed — incomplete applications will be denied or expire after 14 days.
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Requests must involve a current crisis, such as an unexpected event that created financial hardship.
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Example: A woman needed urgent car repairs to remain employed and fell behind on rent.
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Supporting documentation must be current and in the Consumer’s name.
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If the total expense exceeds $1,500, explain how the balance will be covered (e.g., another agency, payment plan, personal contribution).
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Include information for all household members and their total income.
Expense Type & Required Documentation
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Rent: Lease, current statement, eviction letter (if applicable)
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Utilities: Current statement, disconnect letter/date (if applicable)
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Auto Loan: Current statement, repossession letter (if applicable)
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Auto Repairs: Vehicle registration + two estimates
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Furniture / Medical / Services (e.g., pest control): Two itemized estimates, including delivery or service details
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Home Improvements: Two estimates from reputable contractors + mortgage statement (only for homes owned by the Consumer)
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Medication Requests: Medication name, purpose, and cost. For ages 18–49, include Medicaid/insurance status and check eligibility with Med-Assist before submitting.