One writer no longer had the postage to continue mailing heavy manuscripts to editors. Another complained about the price of printer ink cartridges. And yet another struggled with the travel costs of her speaking engagements. Writing wasn't putting food on the table, much less making them comfortable for retirement. Right brain mentality definitely dominated the room with not a soul thinking from the other side of her mind.
Funds exist in many arenas for writers.
No, they don't appear as lottery winnings and solve all problems. The simple concepts come first. Contests spring eternal. And yes, many do not require entry fees. Others do, and the individual has to judge when to draw the line on writing a check for the privilege of entering.