Free Grants for Cancer Patients & Families
If you are living with a cancer diagnosis and struggling with affording both your cancer treatment and personal expenses, free grant money can help. Our directory of free grants for cancer patients and families includes many private, non-profit organizations that offer monetary grants to help you with expenses during cancer treatment and even afterwards. All of the programs below are open to cancer patients and families in the USA, are accepting applications, and there is never a fee to apply.
These listings below are updated daily and include wonderful organizations whose mission is to ease the financial burden for cancer patients through free grants. Remember, grants are money and goods that do not have to be paid back and are provided by the agencies below to help ease the burden of a cancer diagnosis. Never pay a fee to apply for a grant. The grants we’ve included here range from $200 to $5000 or more. Review each program’s description below for specifics.
Please review each program’s link for specific eligibility, the application process, and deadlines. If you find an error in any listing, please get in touch here to report it.
Other important national nonprofit sources of financial assistance for cancer patients include these Pharmaceutical Patient Assistance Programs and Co-Pay Relief Programs. Please be sure to check out these programs as well to get the financial help you need. ❤️
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Lois Merrill Foundation Medical Assistance Grant
Description:
The Lois Merrill Foundation offers up to a $2000 Medical Assistance Grants to patients in the USA diagnosed with a rare cancer and are based on financial need. Applications are available in May of each year. To learn more and apply, visit the link above.
Oracle Health Foundation Grant
Description:
Oracle Health Foundation offers grants to assist families in the USA with medical expenses for children aged 18 or younger (up to 21 in certain cases). Grants of up to $2000 cover costs such as clinical procedures, medical equipment, travel and lodging related to care, and vehicle modifications. To learn more and apply, visit the link above.
Patient Advocate Foundation Grant
Description:
The Patient Advocate Foundation provides financial assistance to cancer patients in the USA who meet eligibility requirements. Their financial aid funds help cover expenses such as transportation, housing, food, and other essential costs related to treatment. Support is available on a first-come, first-served basis and varies depending on funding availability. To check eligibility and apply, visit the link above.
Harmony Healing Foundation Financial Grant
Description:
The Harmony Healing Foundation provides financial assistance to cancer patients in the USA who are facing economic hardship from a recent diagnosis. Their support programs help cover essential expenses such as medical bills, transportation, and meals. Eligibility requirements and application details are available on their website. To learn more or apply for help, please visit the link above.
Cancer and Careers Financial Assistant Grant
Description:
Cancer and Careers offers a $200 financial assistance grant to working cancer patients in the USA. This grant helps cover costs related to employment, such as transportation, caregiving, professional development, or technology needed to continue working. Applicants must be employed or actively job-seeking, provide proof of cancer diagnosis, and demonstrate financial need. For eligibility details and to apply, visit the link above.
Cancer Cartel Grant Program
Description:
The Cancer Cartel provides grants to cancer patients in the USA who are either in active treatment or have had cancer treatment within the last 12 months. This national grant program offers funding for unmet expenses including housing, household expenses, food, travel (fuel/lodging), and childcare. To apply, please visit this link.
Bright Spot Network Grant
Description:
Bright Spot Network offers free annual grants up to $500 for cancer patients in the USA active treatment who are caring for at least one child age 6 and under. Funds are available to cover things like living expenses, childcare, healthcare and more. To apply, please visit this page for the online application form.
Vital Options International Grant Program
Phone: (800) 518-2354
Email: DDuplay@VitalOptions.org
Description:
The Selma Schimmel Vital Grant Program, by Vital Options International and its partner associations, awards monetary grants for food, housing, transportation, and other expenses to those facing significant financial hardship due to serious conditions including cancer. Grant awards vary based on financial need. To complete the online form for assistance, please visit this link on the Vital Options International website.
Join the Flock Housing Grant Program
Email: info@jointheflockinc.org
Description:
Join the Flock is a national nonprofit organization that provides financial relief to families impacted by cancer through gifted mortgage payment grants. If your family has experienced financial hardship due to a cancer diagnosis and you are a USA resident, please visit this link to apply.
1 Upon Cancer Grants
Description:
Direct financial assistance grants for adults in the United States currently undergoing any type of cancer treatment and having trouble covering medical expenses. Grants are paid directly to the agency or program providing the medical services not to the patient. Amounts vary based on need and current program funding. Applications are open on a quarterly basis. To apply, please complete this application here on the website.
Mom Bomb Grant Program
Description:
Mom Bomb is a national nonprofit organization that provides mothers in the USA facing financial hardship due to serious illness like cancer with grants to help with household expenses including meals, childcare, housecleaning and laundry services. To apply for this national grant program, please complete the online form on the Mom Bomb website.
Pet Assistance & Wellness Grant
Phone: (800) 813-4673 (M-Th 10AM-6PM, Fri 10AM-5PM ET)
Description:
Free grant program by the national nonprofit CancerCare is available to cancer patients in the USA who are in active treatment have uncovered pet-related expenses including food, pet walking, pet sitting, pet care, boarding, vet bills (vaccines, flea and heartworm prevention, etc.) and more. Eligibility is based on financial need. Please call the number above during stated business hours to apply.
The COC Dollars Allocated to Assist (DATA) Grant
Phone: (614) 212-4131
Email: info@thecoccares.org
Description:
The Dollars Allocated to Assist (DATA) Grant Program accepts applications year round for financial assistance and is available to anyone in the USA in current active cancer treatment. To apply, click this link and head to the bottom of this page for the Dollars Allocated to Assist (DATA) application download. Completed applications can be emailed back to COC using the email address above.
One Catalyst Foundation Grant
Description:
One Catalyst Foundation provides grants to USA residents who are experiencing financial hardship related to a major medical crisis (including cancer). Eligibility is based on financial need and available funding. Documentation of medical diagnosis and finances are required. To apply, please complete the online form on their website here.
Kamm Cares Foundation Grant
Description:
The Kamm Cares Foundation provides grants to cancer patients in the USA to help cover household expenses during treatment. Eligible expenses include food, travel, transportation, childcare, and more. Proof of diagnosis is required and funds are based on financial need. To apply, please visit this link and complete the online application on the Kamm Cares website.
Fight 4 Cure Grant Program
Description:
The Fight 4 Cure Patient Aid Program provides a one-time $100.00 financial assistance grant to cancer patients throughout the USA. Grants must be used to offset expenses such as food, housing, utilities, etc. while in active treatment. Eligibility is based on funding and proof of diagnosis will be required. To apply for this grant program, please complete this application on the Fight 4 Cure website.
Cancer-Related Behavioral Health Fund
Phone: (800) 675-8416
Email: Grants@HealthWellfoundation.org
Description:
Grant program that funds the unreimbursed costs associated with counseling and transportation needed to manage cancer-related behavioral health issues. Applicants must be insured residents of the USA with a total household income not to exceed 500% of Federal Poverty Level. Maximum award is $2000 per year. To apply, please visit this link.
Family Reach Emergency Relief Grant Fund
Phone: (973) 394-1411
Description:
The Family Reach Emergency Relief Grant Fund is available to cancer patients in the USA to cover non-medical, everyday living expenses such as mortgage payments, utilities, groceries, and transportation costs. Applicants must be within one year of last treatment and have demonstrated financial need. Your doctor must also submit medical documentation to qualify. Please visit this link to start your application.
More Moments More Memories Clinical Trials Fund
Description:
Clinical trial expense funding for cancer patients in the USA. Eligibility is based on financial need. Applicants must earn 500% of FPL or less to qualify. The clinical trial treatment must be in the contiguous United States. Expenses covered include mileage costs for auto travel to clinical trial, airfare or bus fare to clinical trial site, lodging cost during travel and treatment, and a per-day allowance for food during travel and treatment. To apply, please download the application here.
Emergency Rental Assistance Program
Description:
Emergency Rental Assistance program with federal funds through the Department of the Treasury as authorized by the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. Grant funds pay for up to 18 months of housing rental costs for residents in all states in the USA with financial need. If you are having trouble paying your rent, please visit this link to locate your state program and apply online.
Help Me Bounce Financial Grants
Description:
Grants for families in the USA experiencing financial hardship due to critical medical illness. All applicants must work with their hospital social worker who will provide proof of health status. Grants are sourced from crowdfunding platform. 100% of donations go to recipient. Eligibility is based on funding and demonstrated financial need. To apply, please visit this page.
Weatherization Assistance Grant
Description:
The U.S. Department of Energy Weatherization Assistance Grant makes energy-efficiency repairs to low-income renters and homeowners in the USA. Grant maximum of approximately $8000 for repairs. Households at or below 200% of the poverty income guidelines (or 60% of state-median income) may qualify. To locate your state program and apply online for this housing repair grant, please visit this link.
Rebuilding Together Housing Repair Grants
Description:
National nonprofit that provides critical home repairs and renovations at zero cost for low-income homeowners across the USA, and provides additional funding programs based on financial need. To locate your local Rebuild Together program, please search using this form.
HUD Emergency Solutions Grant
Description:
The HUD Emergency Solutions Grant provides help for low-income renters in the USA at immediate risk of homelessness. Includes funding for short-term rental assistance, payment of rental arrears, advance payment rental deposits, utility deposits and payments, moving costs, mediation, legal services, and more. Must have an annual income that does not exceed 50% of Area Median Income to qualify. Visit this link to locate your local program and apply online.
Keep Swimming Foundation Grant
Description:
Keep Swimming Foundation provides relief to families of critically ill patients in the USA who require extended inpatient medical care at an accredited hospital through grants. Hospital stays must exceed 21 days. Eligibility is based on financial need and proof will be required. To apply for this financial grant program, please visit this link.
Lazarex Cancer Foundation
Phone: (877) 866-9523
Contact: Get in Touch
Description:
Lazarex will match you to a nationwide cancer clinical trials program and help you with the costs associated with participating including transportation (airfare, gas, rental cars, taxi fare, parking/tolls), lodging (short- and long-term housing), and certain medical expenses not covered by insurance and necessary for clinical trial treatment. For immediate free assistance, visit this link or call toll free (877) 866-9523.
Partners in Care Grant Program
Description:
Partners in Care offers financial assistance to cancer patients in the USA to help cover incidental expenses related to treatment including temporary lodging, transportation, medical supplies, groceries, nutritional supplements, and cancer screenings. To learn more and apply, visit the link above.
NetWish
Description:
Net Wish provides direct and immediate assistance to families and individuals in the USA who require a modest helping hand of $200.00 and have been doing so since 2002. This program is available to all US residents who have unmet financial needs. Grants are provided in the form of pre-paid credit cards. To apply, please visit this request page on the Netwish website.
The Andre Sobel River of Life Foundation
Email: info@andreriveroflife.org
Description:
The Andre Sobel River of Life Foundation offers an annual essay award for survivors of catastrophic illness. In addition, this program also provides financial assistance for single-parent families with urgent everyday expenses so that the parent may remain by the child’s bedside during catastrophic illness. Grant amounts vary. For more information and applications, email info@andreriveroflife.org or visit their FaceBook page here.
Cancer in the Family Relief Fund
Description:
Grants ranging from $300 to $500 for a child’s extracurricular activities during his or her parent’s cancer treatment. From the website, “Whether a family is experiencing a financial crisis resulting from a diagnosis, or they just need some extra funds for luxuries because every extra dollar is going to medication costs… we want to help. We want to encourage and facilitate each child’s passion whether it be sports, music, art or any other activity.” To request assistance, please complete the contact form on the website.
Ink Against Cancer Grant
Description:
Ink Against Cancer-Cancer Warriors Foundation is a national nonprofit that provides financial support grants to cover daily living expenses to eligible cancer patients in the USA who can provide proof of diagnosis and demonstrated financial need. To apply for this national grant program, please complete the request form here on the Ink Against Cancer-Cancer Warriors Foundation website.
Temporary Assistance Grant
Description:
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) are federal grants provided to low-income families in the USA caring for children in the household who are under 18. This monthly cash-based grant awards program helps those who are having trouble meeting monthly expenses. To check your eligibility and apply online, please visit this link.
Keep Your Important Instructions In One Place
This practical planner is designed to provide you and your loved ones with a sense of security during your cancer journey. It's the perfect place to record crucial information about your contacts, health status, legal affairs, financial matters, directives, and more. A CCN Top Pick!
I always heard of the big name organizations doing these things but then you try to get more information and they send you jumping through hoops! This is the first time I am hearing of most of these and I think it is fantastic they offer grants to help people chase their dreams.
We agree, Candace! It is so nice to see organizations like the ones we list here make it as easy and quick as possible to get the help needed.
I am 50 years old and have been diagnosed with esophogeal cancer. Are there any grants ot assistance for someone my age? I have a wife and three children, we really need help.
Hi Mickey,
So very sorry to hear of your recent diagnosis. We list many grant programs here: https://cancercarenews.com/more-cancer-freebies/grants/. Please also take a look at the free financial assistance programs on this page, too: https://cancercarenews.com/category/free-financial-help-for-cancer-patients/. One other thing to do is work one-on-one with a care navigator who can help you with personalized services available to you in your area. We list free care navigator programs in this section of the website: https://cancercarenews.com/free-counseling-for-cancer-patients/professional-support/. Thank you for reaching out and all the best to you and your family, Mickey.
I was recently diagnosised with ALL.Im looking for some finicial help with my medical bills.Im not working only my husband.However do draw disablity but it doesnt cover the bills I have.
So very sorry to hear of your recent diagnosis. Please contact these free financial assistance programs: https://cancercarenews.com/category/free-financial-help-for-cancer-patients/. Also please consider working with a patient care advocate who can help you get the help you need. We list free programs in this section of the website: https://cancercarenews.com/free-counseling-for-cancer-patients/professional-support/. We sincerely hope these free services help you.
hello, my mother was recently diagnose with breast cancer and she’s starting her treatment. This is getting to be very expensive with all the test and procedures.Does anyone know of any help she can get in Florida?
Claudia, all of the programs listed on the website are available nationwide for free to cancer patients and families. For grants that don’t have to be paid back see the links here: https://cancercarenews.com/more-cancer-freebies/grants/. For help covering costs of out-of-pocket medical expenses, mortgage, legal, and utilities please see these agencies that offer free help to cancer patients: https://cancercarenews.com/category/free-financial-help-for-cancer-patients/. We wish your family well and sincerely hope these resources help you during this difficult time.
My husband was diagnosed with a large B cell lymphoma is there any kind of help
Hi Jeanine, Thank you for reaching out. Please get in touch with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society at (877) 557-2672 or on their website at https://www.lls.org/support-resources/financial-support. They have many financial support programs to help. We also have more programs listed here specifically for Leukemia and Lymphoma patients and families here: https://cancercarenews.com/free-cancer-specific-products-and-services/free-products-and-services-for-leukemia-and-lymphoma-patients/. All our very best to you and your husband.