SAMFund Financial Assistance Grant

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

Program Focus: Financial assistance grants for young adult cancer survivors experiencing financial hardship from their cancer experience.

Background

• SAMFund grants were first awarded in 2005 in response to higher rates of financial toxicity among young adult survivors
• Became an EMF program in 2019
• As of the latest data, 2,800+ grants totaling nearly $5 million have been awarded
• Grants are awarded twice yearly (semi-annual cycles)
• Fall 2024 cycle awarded $275,474 to 111 survivors

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

• Rent or mortgage payments
• Car payments
• Graduate or continuing education
• Fertility storage fees
• Reconstructive, dental, or cosmetic procedures related to cancer treatment

What's NOT Covered

• Undergraduate tuition
• Medical bills
• Credit card payments
• Payments to friends or family members
• Personal or student loans
• Car purchases or repairs
• Utilities
• Family-building expenses (covered by Family Building Grant)
• Weddings
• Vacations

Prioritization Criteria

• Applicants providing detailed information about how current financial situation was adversely impacted by cancer
• Applicants with immediate and essential financial need lacking other financial support
• Fully complete and accurate applications describing financial circumstances
• Clear explanation of how grant will help applicant move forward beyond immediate relief

Additional Resources

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

How to Apply for SAMFund Financial Assistance 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 2023 and/or 2024, 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:
  • How cancer experience negatively impacted financial situation
  • Current financial circumstances
  • Specific need the grant will address
  • How grant will help applicant move forward

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)