The Meaghan Michelle Hicks Fund for Unmet Needs
We believe in making a lasting impact. To achieve this goal, we developed two funds that will allow Team PHenomenal Hope to serve the patient community in the short and long-term. The short-term project is our Unmet Needs Fund.
This fund is designed to address the unmet needs of people living with PH through a series of direct-to-patient micro-grants of $500 that match the immediate unmet needs in their life. These are non-medical, but still critical needs of those living with PH.
Our goal is to provide a structure that is efficient and lightweight, meaning we have a simple application process, timely review and distribution timeframe, and a transparent acceptance/rejection criteria set.
“This fund was a godsend during the time I was not able to work. With help from the fund I was able to pay my utility bills.” -Kevin Green, Unmet Needs Fund Recipient
Eligibility Requirements
To receive a grant, those who are interested must fill out an application and meet the following requirements:
- Applicants must be a PH patient
- Funds must be used for immediate non-medication purposes (cannot be used to purchase medications)
- Applicants must have a PayPal account
- Applicants must provide PDF receipts for goods or services purchased within a month of receiving funds
- One application will be considered per household if there is more than one patient in the household
- Applicants must agree to allow Team PH to share their name, photo, hometown, and PH story to use in promoting the fund
- Applicants must agree to help spread the word about the Unmet Needs Fund and pay it forward by sharing information about the fund with 10 people, and working to fundraise to replenish the fund
As an example, these funds can be put toward items such as, but not limited to:
- Utility bills
- Repairs to the home
- Groceries
- Travel expenses to attend doctor appointments
- Virtual education needs
- Natural disaster relief
Funds cannot be used to cover costs for:
- Medications
- Medical bills
- Family members or pet expenses
- Vacation expenses
- Legal fees
Apply Today
Applications are now open. (See Application below) Applications reopens on the first business day of each month beginning at 12pm CT. Limited funds are available, and the application will close when funds are depleted for the month. Applications will be reviewed on a first come, first served basis. Please note qualified applicants can only receive one grant per calendar year. New applicants will be considered first. If you have applied for assistance in the past please read our reapplication policy here.
If you are an adult age 19 or older living with PH, click here for the application.
If you are a parent or guardian applying on behalf of your child or minor living with PH, click here for the pediatric application.
History of the Unmet Needs Fund
In September of 2017, we opened the fund for the first time to victims of Hurricanes Harvey and Maria in response to that catastrophic natural event, which included widespread flooding and property damage throughout Texas, Florida, and Puerto Rico. Through this program, provided $40,000 in direct assistance to 80 individuals living with PH in the areas struck by hurricanes in 2017. This launch led to the birth of our Solar Charger project, which provided PH patients in Puerto Rico with solar chargers to guarantee communication with emergency services in any situation. Read more about this project here.
We spent our last money on milk, bread, batteries, and water. That’s it.
These distributions to Hurricane Harvey, Hurricane Irma, and Hurricane Maria victims were possible because of generous contributions from those who have partnered with us in the effort: Blue Lips Foundation, Gilead, PHaware, and Reata Pharmaceuticals
We had a successful start because of the unique coalition of PH advocacy groups, individual donors, and PH support group leaders who stepped in to volunteer.
Because of the program’s successful launch, we have been able to continue unmet needs assistance to patients throughout the United States. In 2018 we granted funds to 60 patients, and in 2019 we granted funds to 90 patients. Our program growth is due to the support of the community and generous donors.
Other Nonprofit Financial Assistance Resources
The Assistance Fund
Blue Lips Foundation
Good Days
Patient Advocate Foundation
PAN Foundation
Patient Services Inc
NORD’s Rare Disease Premium and Medical Assistance Program
Other Resources
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – Assistance with energy costs
State Health Insurance Assistance Programs – Assistance navigating Medicare choices
Supported by:
Pediatric funding supported by: