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Financial Aid

We are no longer accepting new applications for 2021. You may apply for a 2022 grant after December 22, 2021. Thank you.

Important Year End Dates for 2021 Applications

  • November 30 – Last day to submit 2021 requests/bills for payment or get new applications approved
  • December 6 – 2021 online application system access will be shut down
  • December 13 – Guaranteed date of final payments for 2021

2022 Grant Applications open online here on December 22

  • All applicants must submit a new application and documents for 2022 consideration

Apply for 2023 Assistance

Each grant year begin your application by clicking on start new application. Once you have submitted your 2023 application, you may click on log in for current application and use your previous username and password.
Helpful Tips to Apply

Apply for Financial Aid

If you would like to apply for funding in 2023, please click the "Start New Application" button below.


Solicitar ayuda financiera

Si desea solicitar fondos en 2023, haga clic en el botón "Iniciar nueva solicitud" a continuación.


All applications must be submitted electronically online.

If you do not have access to a computer, please call the Foundation to have a volunteer or staff member help you complete an online application over the phone. You may bring required documents to your oncologist’s office for them to assist you in faxing documents to 813-623-4703 or emailing them to foundation@flcancer.com

To be eligible to receive financial assistance from the FCS Foundation, you must:

  • Be a current Florida resident over 18 years old
  • Be actively undergoing cancer treatment in Florida or within 90 days of your final treatment date. Eligible treatment is chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, hormone therapy, and hematopoietic progenitor cell transplantation
  • Have an annual household income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines – see table below. (Will be required to provide bank statements and proof of income for all members of household over 18 years old)
  • Have less than $5,000 in total household liquid assets (checking, savings, CD, stocks etc.)
  • Complete an online application for assistance and submit all required support documentation
200% of Federal Poverty Guidelines
# of People in the HomeMonthly IncomeAnnual Income
1$2,430$29,160
2$3,287$39,440
3$4,143$49,720
4$5,000$60,000
5$5,857$70,280
6$6,713$80,560
7$7,570$90,840
8$8,427$101,120
Each Additional$857$10,280

The Foundation has an award limit of $2,000 per applicant per calendar year.

The types of bills that can be paid include:

  • Rent*, lot rent or mortgage payments
  • Homeowners insurance, rental insurance, or HOA
  • Utilities – electricity, gas, water, or garbage
  • Phone (1 line only – landline or cell, $50/month max)
  • Car payments or car insurance (only one car allowed)

If you share bills with an individual who is not a part of your household, FCSF may pay your share.

*Rent requires lease and W9 for payment: If you are submitting a lease for us to pay rent in 2023, we require a W-9 form to be filled out by your landlord or property management company. Due to IRS guidelines, the W9 must be dated within the 2023 calendar year between 1/1/2023 and 12/31/2023. We also verify information reported with the IRS. We are unable to accept a W9 dated prior to 2023.

FCSF is unable to pay the following bills:

  • Medical expenses (including prescriptions)
  • Credit cards
  • Property Tax bills
  • Vehicle registration fees
  • Entertainment (TV, Internet, etc.)
  • Health insurance premiums
  • Personal, student, boat, or RV loans

All grants are paid by check and mailed directly to the entity, landlord or company and NOT to the patient. Please allow time for the mail to arrive.

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SPECIAL FUNDS

The Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization as designated by the IRS. The Foundation’s EIN number is 20-4616813. The Foundation is also registered in the State of Florida, Registration No. CH24320. A copy of the official State registration and financial information may be obtained from the Division of Consumer Services by calling 800-435-7352 within the State of Florida. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the State.

Helpful tips to submit all the information we need to review your 2022 application more efficiently

  • Verification of treatment: Please provide a treatment letter signed from your oncologist, on letterhead, with your cancer diagnosis, that confirms you are actively undergoing treatment for cancer or within 90 days of final treatment. Eligible treatment is chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, hormone therapy, and stem cell transplants. If you are treated at an FCS clinic we will verify your treatment for you. CLINIC NOTES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
  • Proof of income: We will need proof of income for you and any other household members over 18, i.e., copy of your Social Security benefits letter or 30-days of your most recent pay stubs. If you do not have income, we will need a notarized letter from you stating that.
  • Banking accounts: The Foundation requires proof of income for each adult in the household. Please provide 3 of your most recent banking statements for checking and savings accounts, complete with all pages including transaction & deposit history. Your statement should show bank name, account number and owner(s) name. Please send all numbered pages.
  • Submitted non-medical Expenses: Please submit actual (electric, car payment, mortgage etc.) bills. Make sure the bill shows your name and address, account/policy number, amount owed and an address to remittance address. Foundation pays directly to the vendor. We cannot accept partial screenshots. Please submit pdfs if possible.
  • Rent requires lease and W9 for payment: If you are submitting a lease for us to pay rent in 2022, we require a W-9 form to be filled out by your landlord or property management company. Due to IRS guidelines, the W9 must be dated within the 2022 calendar year between 1/1/2022 and 12/31/2022. We also verify information reported with the IRS. We are unable to accept a W9 dated prior to 2022.
  • You can download a copy of the W-9 form here https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw9.pdf
  • Additional household members over 18 years old: Please create and complete sub profiles for those you indicated are over 18 that live in your household and provide proof of income and banking for each.
  • Submit pdfs easily. If you need to submit pdfs by email or to upload to your application there is a FREE scanner app for androids and iPhones. https://acrobat.adobe.com/us/en/mobile/scanner-app.html

After Your Event

Don’t Forget to Thank Everyone for Their Support

 

  • Thank your sponsors, committee members and other special supporters immediately after the event. A hand-written note, phone call or personal email will be greatly appreciated and will encourage supporters to come back next time!

  • Post ‘Thank You’ messages and photos on social media.

  • Mail a check to:
    Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation
    5985 Silver Falls Run, Suite 210
    Bradenton, FL 34211

  • Once we receive your donation, an acknowledgement letter will be sent to you for tax purposes.

 

Thank you for hosting a successful event that helps cancer patients in need!

Use Various Media to Maximize Publicity for Your Event

These publicity tips and tools will help increase exposure for your event through various media, at very little cost. (Media outlets could include local radio, TV and newspapers, community calendars, social media, such as Facebook, Instagram, etc.).

Create a Timeline to Maximize Publicity

A realistic timeline is important in planning a publicity strategy for your event. Keep this timeline in mind as you put together a publicity plan:

3-4 months before the event:
Identify your target audience based on demographics, interests, and location; develop a targeted media list.

4-6 weeks before the event:
Distribute media materials (i.e., media alert, listing on a community calendar, Facebook posts, Instagram, etc.). Be creative in developing the media materials – what makes your fundraiser different? Media outlets receive hundreds of requests to publicize non-profit events; they can’t publicize everyone – so make sure that YOUR EVENT is so special, different and appealing that it will be hard for the media outlet to resist!

2 weeks before the event:
Make follow-up calls and send e-mails to local media who received the information. Re-send information if they have not received it.

1-2 days before the event:
Email and/or fax a media alert with the basic information about your event (who, what, when, where and why) to the TV news assignment desks and photo desks at the daily or weekly newspapers.

Take Lots of Photos

Photos are a great way to document your event, whether for publicity or simply to share with family and friends. Here are some tips on capturing special moments at your fundraiser:
  • Write out a targeted shot list in advance to make sure you get photos of everything and everyone
  • Take candid and close-up shots that capture the different aspects of your fundraiser
  • Capture images of your sponsors
  • Include three to four people in a photo for the best publicity shot
  • If taking photos on your phone, turn your phone in the horizontal position
  • Send photos to Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation for approved use on social media and website (Please make sure you have permission from the individuals in the photo and include their names)

Ideas for Your Fundraiser Event

The following are just a few ideas for your community fundraiser.  We suggest thinking of something you enjoy doing (e.g., book club, cooking, golf, tennis, bingo, music) and working to add a fundraising component into that. This way, you are not starting from scratch and, in addition to giving back to a great cause, you are doing something you love!

FACEBOOK
You can easily raise money on your Facebook page by clicking on “Raise Money” on your post, including a special message of inspiration or in celebration of your birthday or notable anniversary.

BIRTHDAY/ANNIVERSARY PARTY
Do you have an upcoming birthday, anniversary, shower, or bar/bat mitzvah? Consider contributing to FCS Foundation, in lieu of personal gifts – and ask your friends and family to do the same. This is a great way to get the kids involved!

COCKTAIL PARTY
Throw a cocktail party in your home or at a local restaurant or bar. Many venues provide great deals for non-profit events. For example, ask your friends to donate $50 per person to attend — if you spend no more than $20 per person on the food, you will have a good amount left over after expenses to donate. Include a chance drawing or auction to increase revenue.

GARAGE SALE
Ask friends and neighbors to clean out their basement or garage for a good cause. Organize a garage sale, and you’ll clean out your house while supporting cancer patients in need in our community at the same time!

GOLF OUTING OR TOURNAMENT
Whether planning a small golf outing with friends and family or a larger tournament for your business, think about making every stroke really count by partnering with us to give back to the patients at FCS Foundation!

INDEPENDENT BUSINESS GIVES BACK
Are you a local independent business owner, restaurant or retail owner who is looking to align with a great cause? Whether donating a percentage of proceeds for a day, or a week, or simply collecting an ‘extra tip’ for the FCS Foundation, you can make a difference while you work.

SCHOOL FUNDRAISER
Kids love to help!  Have fun with your students teaching them about the meaning of philanthropy, with anything from a read-a-thon to a bake sale. Be creative! We’d love to hear about your school fundraiser ideas and stories.

SELL, SELL, SELL!
Many marketing/promotional item companies offer a lot of discounted items. Create T-shirts, bracelets, key chains, etc., and sell them at a price more than your cost to create revenue.

TRIVIA NIGHT
This is a fun way to raise funds while increasing awareness about pediatric illnesses. Host your trivia night at a restaurant or other local establishment and invite between 10 and 50 of your friends and family.

PURSE BINGO
Hold a bingo night and charge people to play ($20 for 4 cards, $40 for 8 cards, etc.) Instead of cash prizes, the prizes are designer or vintage purses that have been donated. One of the trendiest and easiest events to organize!

Getting Started

Deciding to host a community fundraiser for the FCS Foundation is a huge accomplishment in itself — thank you!


Here are 10 steps to help you get started:

1. Form a planning committee. Bring together a group of enthusiastic, dedicated people, who share a passion and interest in raising money for cancer patients and their families. This will increase the probability of a successful event.

2. Brainstorm. Members of your planning committee can brainstorm ideas for your fundraiser. Let your imagination guide you — and be sure to consider the special talents of committee members and their contacts in the community! The more people who participate in the planning phase, the more committed they’ll be later.

3. Choose the “right” event. The type of event you choose should fit the size, interests, talents, goals, and time availability of your planning committee.

4. Identify your target audience. Consider who is most likely to attend and support the type of event you have selected. Will the event appeal to everyone? families? adults only?

5. Develop a budget. Try to identify all the expenses involved with your event (invitations, postage, rental space, signage, food and catering, promotional materials, website, advertising, etc.) Then think about possible sources of funds, including people and companies you know that may be able to donate products (food, equipment) or services (graphic design, printing, photography) to reduce your costs. This will help keep your costs down, which is something everyone will appreciate.

6. Develop an event timeline. A timeline is important in planning a publicity strategy for your event. Work backwards from the event date – publicity should start four to six weeks prior to the event.

7. Schedule the event. Select a time that is appropriate and convenient for those who will be attending. Be sure to check local community calendars for conflicting events.

8. Open a bank account. You may find that you will need to establish a bank account to accommodate incoming revenue and expenses. This can be done by visiting a local bank and creating a business account under your event’s name.

9. Collect all funds. We ask that all event proceeds designated for the FCS Foundation be forwarded to the Foundation within 30 days following the conclusion of your event.

10. Say thank you! Sending thank-you letters, notes, or e-mails to everyone who participated in or supported your event shows your appreciation and reinforces their goodwill about the Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation.
Miguel