SAMFund Family Building Grant

Geographic Scope: United States (U.S. residents only)

Program Focus: Grants for young adult cancer survivors seeking assistance with fertility treatment and family building procedures.

Background

• Family building is one of the most pressing post-treatment concerns for young adult cancer survivors
• Grants are awarded twice yearly (semi-annual cycles)
• Program helps applicants with detailed, clear family building plans and some existing means for managing expenses
• Acts as a bridge to help applicants reach the next point in their family building journey

Eligibility Requirements

General Criteria (ALL must be met):

• U.S. Resident
• Between 21-39 years of age at time of application
• Not tax dependent in most recent year's tax filing
• Did not receive a SAMFund grant in the previous grant cycle
• Have not been awarded 2 or more SAMFund grants total (financial assistance and/or family building combined)

Medical Criteria (ONE must be met):

• Complete Response/Remission or No Evidence of Disease (NED)
• Partial Response or Stable Disease with 1+ year passed active treatment
• Long-term hormonal therapy (Tamoxifen), long-term targeted molecular therapy (Gleevac, Herceptin), or immunotherapy acceptable if remission criteria met
• Not eligible if actively receiving chemotherapy or radiation

What's Covered

• Fertility preservation (harvesting of eggs and embryos)
• Assisted reproductive technologies (IVF, IUI)
• Gestational carrier or surrogacy fees
• Fertility testing
• Adoption

What's NOT Covered

• Fertility storage fees and living expenses (covered by Financial Assistance Grant)
• Reimbursement for fertility procedures completed prior to application filing

Prioritization Criteria

• Applicants actively engaged in their family building journey with detailed, clear plan and timeline
• Applicants on track to have an invoice requiring payment within 6 months of receiving grant

Additional Resources

• EMF partners with Dollar For for medical debt relief services
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) available on website

How to Apply for SAMFund Family Building Grant

Step 1: Download a medical history verification form and send to your healthcare practitioner for completion.

• Form cannot be completed more than 14 days prior to grant opening
• [Medical Form available on website]

Step 2: Complete tax documentation

• If you have not filed taxes in 2022 and/or 2023, download and complete a tax affidavit form
• Form cannot be completed more than 14 days prior to grant opening
• Otherwise, you will be instructed to upload tax documents to confirm income
• [Affidavit Form available on website]

Step 3: Submit online application

• Complete EMF SAMFund grant application through online portal
• Upload the medical history verification form and tax documents as part of application
• Include detailed information about:
  • Your family building plan and timeline
  • Fertility treatment or family building procedures being pursued
  • Current stage in family building journey
  • Financial circumstances and how grant will help
  • Expected invoice dates and costs

Application Support

• NEW FOR 2026: Step-by-step walkthrough video available to guide applicants through full process
• Video highlights what to expect along the way
• FAQ section available to answer common questions

Current Status: Grant is Closed (check website for next cycle opening date)