The Sprout Love Financial Assistance Fund is temporarily closed.
For other financial assistance resources, visit the Cancer Financial Assistance Coalition.
The Sprout Love Financial Assistance Fund is temporarily closed.
For other financial assistance resources, visit the Cancer Financial Assistance Coalition.
A study conducted in 2013 found that 42% of participants reported a significant or catastrophic financial burden as a result of their cancer; 68% cut back on leisure activities, 46% reduced spending on food and clothing, and 46% used savings to defray out-of-pocket expenses. To save money, 20% took less than the prescribed amount of medication, 19% partially filled prescriptions, and 24% avoided filling prescriptions altogether.
– DUKE CANCER INSTITUTE
Sprout Love, a fundraising initiative of Cancer Support Community of Greater Ann Arbor, is committed to supporting the financial needs of people impacted by cancer.
The Sprout Love Financial Assistance Fund is aimed at preventing significant financial hardship and provides a bridge for families undergoing treatment. Assistance is provided in areas of basic needs, including, but not limited to:
– Mortgage/rent
– Utilities
– Car payments
– Auto insurance
– Groceries
Assistance is NOT provided for:
– Cable
– Credit card debt
– Co-pays & deductibles*
*Other assistance programs exist to help with health care expenses. Please talk to your oncology social worker or call CSC to get referral information.
All required application materials must be submitted by email to sproutlove@cancersupportannarbor.org. If you do not have access to a scanner you can attach clear photos of documentation.
Incomplete applications will not be considered. Baseline application and eligibility criteria include:
– Proof of residence within CSC service area (i.e. – utility bill, driver’s license, Michigan ID or like documentation). The service area includes Washtenaw, Livingston, Western Wayne, Jackson, Lenawee, Monroe, and a portion of Genesee counties.
– Applicant must be in active cancer treatment as documented by the Certificate of Illness provided in the application materials. Certification of Illness is available online and must be included with the application materials signed by one of the patient’s oncology providers. Qualified professionals include MD, RN, or SW
-Statement of income (at or below 400% of poverty as defined by the current federal poverty level) provided in the application with a signature that swears the contents of the application are true and nothing is falsified.
-Copies of unpaid bills for which assistance is being requested, or documentation for reimbursement (i.e. grocery receipts).
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Applicants are able to hold their spot for review when:
– Application is complete and they meet eligibility requirements
– Application is complete with minor errors associated with bill submission AND they meet eligibility requirements.
Applications will not be held in the cue when the application is missing a critical piece, such as the following:
– Certification of illness
– Signature page
– Proof of residency
– Copies of expenses
Applications will be reviewed monthly by a designated review committee. Grants will be provided until designated funds are depleted for the fiscal year.
Applicants can request funding for up to $2,000 per year, per household. Payments will be made directly to the applicant. Checks will be cut and mailed the day directly following the review.
Recipients may be responsible for claiming awards as “household resource income” for calculation of individual property taxes. It is the responsibility of the recipient to make all appropriate claims.
Questions? Email: sproutlove@cancersupportannarbor.org.
The Sprout Love Initiative at the Cancer Support Community raises funds for the Sprout Love Financial Assistance Fund launched in the Fall of 2018. The fund covers basic living expenses for individuals who are experiencing financial hardship as a result of cancer and its treatment.
Sprout Love was founded in memory of the vibrant spirit and energy of Maureen McCurren by a dedicated group of family members and friends. Maureen lived with amazing courage and grace during her seven-year battle with breast cancer and was an inspiration to all that knew her.
Maureen was a yoga instructor at the Cancer Support Community and later utilized the CSC’s services. Through her journey and her in-depth understanding of the human spirit, she recognized the importance of the type of support offered at the Cancer Support Community and was dedicated to sustaining and enhancing its mission.