Medical Travel Grants

Financial aid grants of up to $500 per trip ($750 for international travel) are available to help support children and their families who are traveling long distances for bracing or surgical treatment for scoliosis.

Guidelines

  1. Children must be under 18 years before the time of travel, be legal residents of the U.S. and have a diagnosis of scoliosis with curves measuring over 20 degrees. Non-U.S. applicants may apply through a local church or other nonprofit that is registered with the country of residence.
     
  2. Only planned, upcoming medical trips to a bracing or surgical specialist are eligible for approval. Travel costs for exercise-based programs are not eligible.
     
  3. Reasonable travel expenses for hotel, airfare, car rental, parking and gas for one child and one parent are eligible for reimbursement, up to $500 for a domestic trip and $750 for international travel. Meals and tips are not eligible for reimbursement. Grant funds will be released once the trip is complete and all copies of travel receipts are provided.
     
  4. Funds may not be used for clinical care or any other non-travel related expense.
     
  5. Family income must meet Federal Poverty Guidelines (below).
     
  6. Applications will be reviewed and ranked based upon their demonstrated financial and medical need. Supporting documentation of financial need may be required.  

Persons in Household

48 Contiguous States and D.C. Poverty Guidelines (Annual)

 

100%

400%

1

$12,140

$48,560

2

$16,460

$65,840

3

$20,780

$83,120

4

$25,100

$100,400

5

$29,420

$117,680

6

$33,740

$134,960

7

$38,060

$152,240

8

$42,380

$169,520

Add $4,320 for each person over 8

To submit a grant application, please fill out the application form and email to [email protected]

Non-US citizens - please ask a local nonprofit or church to submit an application form on your behalf. International grant funds are typically disbursed through registered charitable organizations.

For discounted travel - lodging and meals for families may be available through a Ronald McDonald House located nearby, at little to no cost.

Grants covering medical expenses not covered by insurance can be found at the United Healthcare Children's Foundation - they offer grants up to $5,000 per year with a $10,000 lifetime maximum. Another grant source is the Healthwell Foundation's Pediatric Assistance Grant - with grants up to $3,000.

If you would like to help sponsor a travel grant, please make a donation today.