Financial Assistance Program
The Joe Andruzzi Foundation (JAF) is committed to providing assistance to patients of all ages throughout New England who have fallen on financial hardships as a result of a cancer diagnosis. In many cases, these patients and/or family members are unable to work because of declining health and treatment. The Joe Andruzzi Foundation understands that crucial living expenses are not put on hold because of a diagnosis, and JAF’s Financial Assistance Program specifically targets and fulfills patients who are struggling to make ends meet.
We aim to serve as many cancer patients as possible in New England, continually growing our giving to meet the immeasurable need. The Joe Andruzzi Foundation’s Financial Assistance Program provides a one-time grant of up to $800 ($638 on average) to cancer patients and their families battling cancer, allowing them to focus on treatment and recovery.
Because patients and families must often devote all of their energy and resources towards battling the disease, the Foundation helps alleviate financial and emotional stress by providing grants to assist with rent/mortgage payments, utilities, and other household expenses. This relief allows the Foundation’s grant recipients to focus on their fight against cancer and not on the financial distress that comes with it.
Guidelines
- All candidates must reside in New England, be receiving active cancer treatments, and provide verification of a cancer diagnosis and documentation of financial need.
- The program is designed to assist families with rent/mortgage payments, utilities, and other household expenses (i.e. electricity, gas, oil, telephone, cable, etc.).
- All grant monies are mailed to the patient with checks written directly to the service providers.
- The Financial Assistance Program does not help with the cost of medical expenses or credit card bills. JAF does not pay money directly to applicants or family members.
To Apply
Financial Assistance Program applications must be submitted through our online application system by a social worker, patient navigator, resource specialist, or other similar role. Patients should contact their healthcare professional for assistance in completing an application. Healthcare professionals who are new to working with the Joe Andruzzi Foundation should email grants@joeandruzzifoundation.org for information regarding the program and a link to the application system.
Pediatric Programs
Joe Andruzzi Foundation, in partnership with One Mission, offers two pediatric-specific programs.
Joe Andruzzi Foundation/One Mission Pediatric Financial Assistance Program offers grants of up to $800 for any household expenses (mortgage, rent, utilities, car payments etc.) Pediatric recipients will also receive a gift, lovingly donated by One Mission, to provide comfort and smiles while undergoing treatment.
The Pediatric Extraordinary Needs Fund can be utilized for project-based needs that present a barrier to treatment for a patient (i.e. fertility preservation, dental work, car repairs, required home improvement projects etc.) These grants are for projects above the $800 threshold and are based on availability of funds.
Both programs are available to New England residents between the ages of 0-18 who are currently receiving active cancer treatment. To apply, please contact a social worker, resource specialist or patient navigator within the cancer treatment facility. If you need assistance in connecting to a New England based pediatric oncologist, or for any questions on the pediatric programs, please email grants@joeandruzzifoundation.org.
How Does JAF Select Its Grant Recipients?
All Joe Andruzzi Foundation Financial Assistance Program grant applicants must complete an online application through a social worker, resource specialist, patient navigator, or healthcare advocate. Applications must be submitted directly to the JAF by one of these types of healthcare professionals through our online portal. Once received, each application is vetted by JAF’s Financial Assistance Program Committee who confirms validity/eligibility and asses/determines the grant amount. During normal processing periods, a final decision is typically reached within 3-5 weeks of receipt of the application, and distributions are mailed to the patient via checks written directly to the service providers for which the grant is serving. It is important to understand that funding is not guaranteed.*
*Approval Rate for 2018 Grant Submissions: 97% approval, 2% incomplete, and 1% declined