GRANTS AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
One of the most difficult questions to answer when battling a life-challenging chronic disease is "how to pay for medical care?" Awareness for a Cure jumps in the fight by researching and assembling the strongest financial assistance and grant resources nationwide. We list them by agency source or by grant types and we are constantly researching the latest published directories for all financial help that may apply. Please review the list below.
DISCLAIMER: Awareness for a Cure and its' staff does not make any claims pertaining to any of the institutions or funding information listed and take any responsibility or liability for the outcome of any applications for the listed resources. Links are available from each source- but no furtner information about any of the institutions nor funding programs (other than the links and contact information listed here) are available from AFAC.
DIRECTORY SITES
www.grants.gov : established, in 2002, as a part of the President's Management Agenda. Managed by the Department of Health and Human Services, Grants.gov is an E-Government initiative operating under the governance of the Office of Management and Budget.
www.cancercarecopay.org 866-55-COPAY
CancerCare Co-Payment Assistance Foundation
View all of CancerCare’s resources to help you better cope with financial concerns »
RECENT CANCER RESOURCE INDUCTEES
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STRENGTH FOR LIFE Strength for Life is a Long Island based non profit organization founded in 2007 in memory of Evelyn Knapp. SFL provides FREE exercise classes, yoga classes, nutrition classes, empowerment groups, walking groups, write to heal workshops, and weekend wellness retreats to ALL cancer patients and survivors. Please visit us at StrengthForLifeNY.org to register for any of our free programs or call 631-882-3387 for more information. (more) |
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GILDA'S CLUB At Gilda’s Club NYC, we believe no one should face cancer alone. Our mission is to support, educate, and empower cancer patients and their families. A cancer diagnosis can be an extremely isolating experiencing which triggers many emotions including fear, anger, and depression. we will help you learn how to live with cancer. Our innovative program is an essential complement to comprehensive medical care, providing groups, educational lectures, healthy lifestyle workshops and social activities for men, women, teens, and children- at our West Village Clubhouse and at our Gilda Comes to You sites, located at select medical centers throughout NYC. We have support groups for individuals that are living with cancer, are a family/friend of someone with cancer, and lost someone to cancer. All of our programs are free of charge. (more)
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MONDAYS AT RACINE Mondays at Racine is a non-profit organization located in a salon in Islip, NY where every Monday they provide free beauty and wellness services to men and women diagnosed with cancer. Anyone who has gone through cancer treatments can attest to the fact that one of the hardest parts is getting used to looking in the mirror. Everything changes: your complexion, hair, nails, eyelashes and eyebrows. Sometimes, you look sicker than you actually feel. At Mondays at Racine, guests are treated to services specifically designed to help minimize the side effects of cancer treatments. They learn from specially trained and licensed therapists/cosmetologists how to minimize the cosmetic side effects of cancer often with dramatic results. This marked improvement in their appearance makes their self-confidence and self-image soar, which empowers a return to normal activities. With more than 1,800 new cases of cancer diagnosed each month on Long Island, a program like Mondays at Racine is vital to |
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PEDIATRIC CANCER FOUNDATION (PCF) Our mission is to find a cure for childhood cancer. Founded in 1970, this 501(c) (3) nonprofit raises money for research, state of the art equipment/ instruments and patient/parent care for world renowned doctors at the hospitals PCF supports.
For more than 45 years, PCF has been funding game-changing research, funding patient treatment and endow world-class hospitals and oncologists with the equipment they need to save lives and improve patient care. PCF supports 7 centers at 6 leading research hospitals: NewYork -Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital at Columbia University; The Stephen D. Hassenfeld Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at NYU Langone Medical Center; Memorial Sloan - Kettering Cancer Center; The Stephen D. Hassenfeld Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at NYU Langone Medical Center; Feinstein Institute of Medical Research - Northwell Health; Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital; and Comer Children’s Hospital, University of Chicago. (more) |
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KIDS NEED M♥RE "KiDS NEED M♥RE is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of children, families & young adults coping with cancer and life-threatening illness. At KiDS NEED M♥RE we believe that people and families coping with life-threatening illness and trauma need opportunities to enjoy normal day-to-day activities. For over 25 years, through the historic Camp Adventure program, our volunteers have provided fun activities that foster peer relationships, independence and respite. At KiDS NEED M♥RE we believe that children and families coping with life threatening illness and trauma deserve to do more than just survive; they deserve to thrive! We believe that fun and friendship heals. Give MoRE. Do MoRE. Be MoRE."(more) |
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RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE of LONG ISLAND The Ronald McDonald House of Long Island is the 100th House of over 380 Ronald McDonald House programs worldwide. Located in New Hyde Park on the campus of the Steven and Alexandra Cohen Children’s Medical Center of New York, the House accommodates families in a warm and supportive environment. Through a series of programs and services, families staying at RMH-LI are able to focus on their child’s recovery. Home-cooked meals prepared by volunteers, transportation to and from medical appointments, a comfortable place to stay just steps from their child’s bedside and support from other families going through a similar experience allow parents to recharge for the challenges of the next day. (more) |
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CANCER & CAREERS Cancer and Careers, founded in 2001, is a national nonprofit that empowers and educates people with cancer to thrive in their workplace, by providing expert advice, interactive tools and educational events. The organization reaches more than 525,000 individuals per year online, in print and in person. Its free services include a comprehensive website and library of publications in English and Spanish; legal and insurance information; career coaching; resume review; professional development micro-grants; and national events and workshops for people with cancer and their healthcare providers, coworkers and employers. |
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AMERICAN-ITALIAN CANCER FOUNDATION AICF was co-founded in 1980 by renowned breast cancer surgeon Umberto Veronesi, MD, a pioneer of breast-conserving surgical techniques in the treatment of breast cancer, and Italian businessman Alessandro di Montezemolo.
The International Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship Program supports the post-doctoral research of promising young scientists who work and train in collaboration with mentors at major cancer centers in the United States and Italy. |
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PADDLE FOR THE CURE is a special support organization for breast cancer survivors /supporters. We offer a unique survivorship program that uses recreational dragon boat paddling to manage side effects of treatment for breast cancer survivors and promotes a positive and healthy lifestyle. Organized by survivors, we paddle our way to recovery with each other and a tremendous group of supporters and paddling enthusiasts along our side. Our on-water season is May through October. Off-season indoor practice is available November through April. We plan to practice weekly in the World’s Fair Marina during the warm weather and participate in dragon boat races along the East Coast. Our team events are open to all and promote a healthy lifestyle, a way of getting life and movement back through exercise, as well as emotional support and team spirit. Since Paddle for the Cure is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, donations and tickets at our fundraisers and events are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. (more) |
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Andrew McDonough B+Foundation The B+ Foundation is about Kids Helping Kids Fight Cancer — raising money through dance marathons, 5Ks, T-shirt sales and more, to provide financial and emotional support to families of children with cancer nationwide. The B+ Foundation also funds critical, cutting-edge childhood cancer research (more).
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Francesco Loccisano Memorial Foundation/
Frankie's Mission Frankie’s Mission has grown into an active, effective and fiscally responsible organization that spans its assistance to families of children with cancer nationwide. Demonstrating integrity and dedication,Frankie’s Mission has identified the dire need to help families when they reach an out of control financial crisis due to the overwhelming nature of their child’s illness and medical care. (more) |
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SPECIAL ASSISTANCE FOR PATIENTS WITH CANCER
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The Bone Marrow Foundation The Bone Marrow Foundation supports patients, their families and caregivers every step of the way during a bone marrow, stem cell or cord blood transplant. No transplant patient should ever feel alone. The Bone Marrow Foundation was founded in 1992 with a single vital goal: to improve the quality of life for children and adults who are undergoing transplantation as a life saving treatment for leukemia, Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas, multiple myeloma, aplastic anemia, severe combined immunodeficiency, neuroblastoma and many other cancers and genetic disorders. The foundation is the only organization of its kind that does not limit assistance to a specific disease, type of transplant or age range. All of the foundation’s services are offered free to patients and their families. (more).
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Sean Kimerling Testicular Cancer Foundation Raising Awareness of testicular cancer and the importance of early diagnosis and treatment. SKTCF is the premier organization focused on the importance of testicular cancer awareness, early diagnosis, and treatment. The foundation has successfully positioned itself as the primary resource and destination for TC awareness information, and as a vital resource in the fight against TC. (more) |
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Colon Cancer Challenge Foundation The Colon Cancer Challenge Foundation (CCCF) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to a World Without Colorectal Cancer through awareness, prevention, screening, and research. (from protectyourbutt.com) 50,000 people die each year of cancer in their butts – specifically via colon cancer. It is the #2 cancer killer in the USA but is the most detectable and preventable. Our mission is to PROTECT YOUR BUTT. Thank you for visiting our site to learn more, take action, talk to your family/doctors and help us with your donations to kick cancer in the butt!! Protect Your Butt NOW! |
We know the cost of treatments is a burden; both traditional methods and alternative methods leave the patient in financial straits.
We offer the following and encourage you to share other opportunities. Best Answer for Cancer Foundation has limited financial assistance and is available to patients who work with physicians on our Physician’s Directory. The money goes directly to the clinic towards the cost of treatment. (more)
You may wish to use online tools like CrowdSource and GoFundMe.
We’ll share with you a list of resources and hope that you’ll send us additional resources that you find.
Here’s the 2016 List from Cancer.net: National service organizations
The Cancer Financial Assistance Coalition (CFAC) is a group of national organizations that provide financial help to patients. CFAC provides a searchable database of financial resources.
CancerCare‘s financial assistance programs (800-813-4673) provide limited financial assistance for people affected by cancer.
The HealthWellFoundation (800-675-8416) is an independent, non-profit organization that helps insured patients with a chronic, life-altering disease afford their medications.
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s patient financial aid program (800-955-4572) provides limited financial assistance to patients diagnosed with a blood cancer (such as leukemia, lymphoma, or multiple myeloma) with significant financial need to help defray treatment-related expenses.
The National Foundation for Transplants (800-489-3863) provides fundraising assistance for patients needing transplants, including bone marrow and stem cell transplants.
LOCAL SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS (source: Best Answer for Cancer)
Local service or volunteer organizations such as Catholic Charities, Jewish Social Services, the Lions Club,
Lutheran Social Services, the Salvation Army, and others may offer financial assistance. Some of these organizations offer grants to help cover the cost of treatment and other expenses, while others provide assistance with specific services or products, such as travel or medications. A social worker or an Internet search can provide you with a list of organizations. Many hospitals and clinics also maintain a list of service organizations in the community.
The American Cancer Society (800-227-2345) and the local United Way office can also direct people to services in their community.
The Department of Social Services in your city or county may provide food, housing, and other general assistance services. Sometimes they may offer direct financial assistance. Check the local telephone directory or online for contact information.
Community-based groups, such as local churches, synagogues, mosques, and lodges may also provide assistance for people with cancer, sometimes even if the person is not a member of that particular organization or religion. Some hospitals also have private funds available for patients in need.
Often, cancer advocacy and patient information groups have resources for patients.
Get a list of patient information resources to connect to cancer organizations nationwide.
GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE
There are a number of federal and state programs that provide financial benefits to individuals and families. These benefits, known as entitlements, are primarily set up for low-income households, the elderly, and the disabled. Each entitlement has eligibility requirements. There are also programs administered through state governments that can help with health care related needs. Government assistance programs include:
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
Information on public assistance and food stamps
www.hhs.gov
U.S. Administration on Aging
Benefits for older adults
(Eldercare Locator finds resources in your community)
800-677-1116
Social Security Administration
800-772-1213
www.ssa.gov
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
800-633-4227
www.cms.gov
HOUSING ASSISTANCE (source: Best Answer for Cancer)
The Healthcare Hospitality Network (800-542-9730) is an association of more than 200 nonprofit organizations that provide lodging and support services to families and their loved ones who are receiving medical treatment away from home.
The American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge (800-227-2345) gives cancer patients and their caregivers a free place to stay while receiving treatment in another city. Currently, there are 31 Hope Lodge locations throughout the United States.
Joe’s House (877-563-7468) is a nonprofit organization providing a nation-wide online service that helps cancer patients and their families find lodging near treatment centers.
Ronald McDonald House Charities (630-623-7048) offer free or reduced-cost lodging for families of seriously ill children who are receiving treatment at nearby hospitals.
TRAVEL ASSISTANCE (source: Best Answer for Cancer)
Air Care Alliance (888-260-9707) offers a central listing of free transportation services provided by volunteer pilots and charitable aviation groups.
Air Charity Network (877-621-7177) coordinates free air transportation for people in need through various organizations around the United States.
Air Compassion for Veterans (888-662-6794) provides wounded warriors, veterans, and their family members with medical air transportation through commercial airline tickets, air ambulance services, and other programs.
Angel Airline Samaritans (800-296-1217) facilitates no-cost or reduced rate commercial airline tickets to and from distant specialized medical evaluations or treatments for people with cancer in need and their families. The Corporate Angel Network (866-328-1313) arranges free air transportation for people with cancer traveling to treatment using empty seats on corporate jets.
LifeLine Pilots (800-822-7972) are volunteer pilots who donate their time and all flight expenses to people in need of free transportation for on-going treatment, diagnosis, and follow-up care.
Mercy Medical Angels (888-675-1405) offers free or low-cost transportation for medical evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment.
National Patient Travel Center (800-296-1217) provides information about long-distance travel for people with cancer and their families in need of travel.
PALS (Patient AirLift Services) (888-818-1231) has a network of volunteer pilots who provides people with chronic illnesses air transport services at no cost.
MEDICATION & TREATMENT COST ASSISTANCE (source: Best Answer for Cancer)
Medication assistance programs grid for patients (PDF), which is compiled, updated, and generously provided by Wendalyn Andrews, Practice Manager, Division of Hematology/Oncology, The University of Arizona Cancer Center, Tucson, Arizona. (Last updated: April 2015)
Chronic Disease Fund (877-968-7233) helps underinsured patients with a chronic disease obtain medication.
NeedyMeds.com (800-503-6897) is an information source on companies that offer patient assistance programs. These programs help those who cannot afford medications to obtain them at no or low cost through the manufacturer.
Partnership for Prescription Assistance (888-477-2669) helps qualifying patients who lack prescription drug coverage obtain the medications they need.
The Patient Access Network Foundation (866-316-7263) assists patients with out-of-pocket costs associated with their treatment.
Patient Services, Inc. (800-366-7741) provides assistance with insurance premiums and co-payments for people with chronic diseases.
RxHope.com (877-267-0517) helps patients obtain free or low-cost prescription medications.
GENERAL FINANCIAL INFO (source: Best Answer for Cancer)
The American Childhood Cancer Organization maintains a list of organizations offering financial assistance.
The Assist Fund (855-845-3663) provides financial support to chronically ill patients with high-cost medications.
The Patient Advocate Foundation (800-532-5274) provides education, legal counseling, and referrals for people with cancer who need assistance managing insurance, financial, debt crisis, and job discrimination issues.
CancerCare‘s Tips for Finding Financial Assistance section, Financial Help for People with Cancer fact sheet, and the publication A Helping Hand – Financial Edition provide information on financial resources.
Cancer Family Relief Fund is a charitable organization that encourages and facilitates grants to children whose parent or guardian is struggling with a diagnosis of cancer. These grants support the children’s extracurricular activities so that they may feel some sense of normalcy as their parent focuses on treatment and recovery.
Financial Health Matters, a booklet available from the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, offers information and tips on money management, health insurance, and financial resources.
National Center for Health Research (202) 223-4000 www.center4research.org
Cancer Prevention and Treatment Fund www.stopcancerfund.org
The National Cancer Institute offers links to support and resources, including information about cancer support organizations, finances, insurance, and hospice and home care.
OTHER CANCER PROGRAMS These programs are offered within a community organization to support cancer patients, survivors and/or clinical services.
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The Mid-Island Y JCC provides vital support services, education and fitness/wellness programs centered around the importance of cancer prevention and treatment. We offer lectures, support groups, personal training and fitness classes designed specifically for those undergoing treatment and those in remission. Our Wellness Center at the Mid-Island Y JCC provides a warm, welcoming and encouraging environment that is open to everyone in the community regardless of religion, age or ability. For more info, visit: https://www.miyjcc.org (45 Manetto Hill Road, Plainview, NY 11803)
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PHILANTHROPY- FUNDRAISING FOR RESEARCH & GRANTS FOR PATIENTS
Oct. 2016- Awareness for a Cure's founder Dr. Jesse Stoff launched his first major charities initiative by conducting a public awareness & fundraising effort for selected organizations as well as develop grant-finding resources for needy patients (see www.stoffcharities.com). By the summer, Dr. Stoff and friends embarked on the first wave of fundraising for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. “Team Stoff” joined this year’s LIGHT THE NIGHT WALK- (10/15) an inspirational and memorable 2K walk where participants in nearly 200 communities across North America join together to support the cause by carrying illuminated lanterns to take steps to end blood cancers. “It’s an amazing experience to be part of such a beautiful event where it’s all about love and sharing- I’m here to support my many patients and all others who are exposed to this type of cancer”, says Dr. Stoff. He endorses the Leukemia Lymphoma Society's efforts to fight cancer as an official LLS challenger group. More than seeking donations, members of team Stoff pledged to share all LLS information and their objectives through digital networks and social media as part of the awareness objective. A reported 5000+ lanterns lit the night where each person brought even more family members and friends to fill Eisenhower Park with a night of complete support for survivors or lost loved ones. According to Kristina Curatolo, Sr. Director of Special Events, LLS anticipated to raise more than $1.36 million from the event, where post-event is expected to bring in significant follow-up $$.
AWARENESS FOR A CURE will be open soon. Sponsored in part by the LONG ISLAND CAREGIVERS GROUP, our initiative aims to support the many Long Island-based charity groups dedicated to the fight against chronic and auto-immune diseasses. We aspire to be a satelite support team, a fellow fundraising arm and an extra loudspeaker for raising awareness for the missions of our many fundraising friends. This year, we are forging new alliances and partnerships in the public and private sectors and we wish to take action on behalf of our partner charities as well as in the interest of global human care.
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