To receive Cradle of Hope assistance, an applicant must:

• Reside in the state of Minnesota
• Be pregnant or have an infant under three months old
• Show that pregnancy or birth of her baby is the cause of her financial crisis
• Show that her financial crisis jeopardizes the safety and/or well-being of her and/or her child
• Produce a plan that will prevent recurring financial crisis

1. Cradle of Hope routinely updates its application, criteria, and guidelines. The Funds Approval Committee meets on a regular basis to ensure that the application process is efficient, timely and fair.

2. We work with a growing list of referring agencies, currently servicing over 260. Networking resources and information is vital. We depend on the client’s advocate to make sure she has exhausted all sources of help.

3. We ask for written verification of identification and pregnancy. We also, require verification of: medical needs, ownership of housing, unpaid bills, police reports, denials of other financial aid, etc.

4. We insure a prompt response in an emergency medical situation. However, clients are required to show adequate proof that the crisis will not reoccur.

5. Each case is considered according to its own unique circumstances. If a client is able to produce a plan that will show the financial crisis will not reoccur, she will be considered for approval. If she cannot produce a plan, we will refer her to an appropriate resource for more assistance.

6. Some of our clients are employed and many depend on public assistance. The Funds Approval Committee considers each case by looking at the woman's plan, which may include an education program, employment options, adoption, marriage to the baby's father, etc.

7. Since Cradle of Hope has limited funds, we cannot fulfill all the needs of women. Sharing the financial burden with family, acquaintances or other agencies provides the added help.

Typical reasons of denying an application include stated needs unrelated to pregnancy such as back bills; utility bills unless they are medically-related; theft without a police report from the day of incident; careless spending; income higher than necessary expenses; living beyond means; or a "live-in" situation where the roommate contributes nothing to the expenses.