Frequently Asked Questions

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What is the Financial Assistance Grants program?

People who have been diagnosed with cancer face many challenges when trying to manage working through treatment, returning to work or finding a job — even years after treatment — which may contribute to financial difficulties. The Financial Assistance Grant program has been created to provide cancer patients and survivors a grant of $200 to help lighten financial stress.

What does the grant cover?

The grant can be used to cover:

• Technology (e.g. new phone/computer, computer repair, software purchase such as Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Suite, etc.)  
• Bills (e.g. internet, phone, electricity, insurance co-pay, rent, car payment/insurance, etc.) 
• Training (e.g. certifications, conference attendance, online course) License Acquisition/Renewal  
• Career Coaching (e.g. one-on-one sessions, cover letter/resume writing, etc. If you want this kind of support but need assistance finding a coach, CAC can help)  
• Childcare (e.g. payments for a babysitter, daycare, or afterschool program for when you are at work) 
• Travel (e.g. payment towards transportation or lodging to attend medical appointments)
• Other (please note, tuition for undergraduate or graduate schooling is not eligible for this grant program)

What is the minimum/maximum amount of grant awards?

All grants are made as a one-time payment in the amount of $200.

When does the application period open?

The application period for 2024 opened Thursday, November 7, 2024.

When is the deadline for submitting an application?

Applications will be accepted until Wednesday, November 21st OR once we receive 75 eligible applications, whichever comes first.

Who is eligible to apply?

U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are 18 years of age or older, have been diagnosed with cancer (or received a cancer diagnosis in the past), and are NOT currently enrolled in school full-time are eligible to apply. There is no restriction with regard to diagnosis, age at diagnosis or years since treatment.

Can I apply for more than one financial assistance grant?

Individuals may only submit one application for the 2023 financial assistance grant program.

If I received a grant in the past, am I eligible to apply again?

At this time we are only reviewing applications from individuals who have not received a grant before. If you applied in 2020, 2021, 2022, or 2023 and did not receive a grant, you're welcome to re-apply in 2024.

If I am a healthcare/HR professional who works with cancer patients, am I eligible for a financial assistance grant?

No, healthcare and HR professionals are not eligible for grants, unless they are also a cancer patient or survivor. 

For healthcare and HR professionals who are looking for professional development to retain their licenses or to learn more about helping their patients navigate the issues of work and cancer, we offer a number of programs that are eligible for CEs. To learn more about this webinar series as well as our other accredited events, and how to earn free CEs, click here.

What is the application process?

The application asks questions about your employment status, demographics, and how the grant will be used. It will take 10–15 minutes to complete. You will have the option to save and return to your application if needed. It is very important that you answer any open-ended questions in detail. The more information you are able to provide, the more context the reviewer will have when reviewing your application. You will receive a confirmation email once your application has been received.

What makes a strong application?

• Give detailed answers to each open-ended question. 
• Clearly explain how cancer has affected your job or financial situation.
• Identify a clear need for financial assistance.  
• Let us know how receiving a grant would make a difference in your life and/or work circumstances.

When will I find out if I've been awarded a financial assistance grant?

Application decisions will be made - and award recipients will be notified - on an ongoing basis.

How are applicants notified?

You will be notified by email and/or phone regarding the decision on your application. Please allow 4-6 weeks for review of your application.

What happens once I've been awarded a grant?

Recipients will receive a contract showing the terms of the grant which includes providing a quote or short testimonial regarding their experience for use in reports and future promotional materials. Additionally, grant recipients also agree to participate in follow-up surveys that will be emailed following the distribution of the grant. This contract is digital and can be completed/returned to CAC online.

What is the procedure for payment of the grant?

Financial Assistance Grant recipients will receive their grant via direct deposit. In cases where direct deposit is not possible, Cancer and Careers will work with the recipient to figure out an alternative method of payment.

What is your privacy policy?

Cancer and Careers respects and protects the privacy of all visitors and users of our services. Cancer and Careers is the sole owner of any information collected on its website and through its programs. We do not sell, share or rent this information to others. Click here to read our entire Privacy Policy. If information from an application or testimonial is used in promotional materials or organization reports, Cancer and Careers will not use the first name, last name, or any other identifying information of the recipient without explicit permission from that individual. 

If you have questions that have not been addressed here, please contact us at cancerandcareers@cew.org or 646-929-8032.