The Kresge Foundation is offering interest-free bridge loans of $250,000 to $500,000 to legal aid and other human service organizations struggling to meet the increasing demand for their services during the recession.

All U.S.-based non-profit and government entities with financial statements prepared by a certified public accountant and not classified as private foundations are eligible to apply.

Applicants must have been in operation for three years, be on solid financial footing, able to prove a history of stable operation and provide audited financial statements for the past two years.

The foundation’s announcement does not include an application deadline but notes that it is “making every attempt to fast-track the application process.”

According to its website, the Michigan-based Kresge Foundation is a $3.1 billion private, national foundation that seeks to influence the quality of life for future generations through its support of nonprofit organizations in six fields of interest: health, the environment, community development, arts and culture, education and human services.

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