In addition to direct emergency financial relief, Shaw Fund social workers provide information about and referrals to government and community agencies for additional support. The goal is to aid mariners and mariner families during times of financial challenge and to work toward establishing long-term financial stability. Social workers collaborate with community agencies toward helping clients achieve this goal. 

Typical grants include but are not limited to: payments for housing costs and utilities; assistance with medical transportation and durable medical equipment; purchase of books and school supplies and payment of student and camp fees.