Eligibility for Stay Afloat Grants:
We assist children (18 years and younger) with special healthcare needs and their families.
 
We define children with special healthcare needs as falling into three or more of the following categories: 
1) Have one or more chronic health condition(s) associated with significant morbidity or mortality
2) High risk or vulnerable populations with functional limitations impacting their ability to perform activities of daily living
3) Have high health care needs or utilization patterns, including require multiple (3 or more) subspecialties, therapists, and/or surgeries
4) A continuous dependence on technology to overcome functional limitations and maintain basic quality of life.

Important Information

The healthcare sponsor is a healthcare provider or services provider (primary care doctor, subspecialty doctor, nurse practitioner, nurse, social worker, etc.) who can verify the child's designation with special healthcare needs. See criteria above. Please provide the healthcare sponsor's email to verify your application and submit on your behalf. Your application will not be submitted without your healthcare sponsor completing their part. 

Please be sure to tell your healthcare sponsor that you are applying for the Stay Afloat grant from Guidance Medical so they can expect the email and verification phone call. 

Grant Application Process:
1. Applications should be submitted through the website. 
2. A link to the application will be sent to the healthcare sponsor email provided by the applicant for verification and completion by the sponsor. 
3. Upon submission by the healthcare sponsor, the application is considered for review. Applications will not be accepted directly from parents. 
4. Applications chosen for funding will be notified the following month after phone verification with the healthcare sponsor. If the healthcare sponsor is unable to be verify by phone, the application will be rejected.
5. Applications not chosen for the month will be rolled over to the following month for a total of 3 months. Applicants will be notified monthly of their status. 

Requests for grant funds may be for:
1. Medical costs - prescriptions, medical bills, medical supplies, durable medical equipment, etc.
2. Non-Medical costs - home modifications, vehicle modifications, clothing, diapers, bottles, etc.
3. Healthcare utilization costs - travel to medical facilities (air travel, train, bus, etc.), lodging for family (hotel, short-term rental), parking fees, etc.
4. Daily living costs - food, utilities (gas, electric, water), transportation (fuel)
5. Palliative and End of Life costs including funeral expenses
6. Other requests not categorized above will be reviewed on an ad hoc basis

Funds provided by Guidance Medical may be used in combination with other funding received from other entities. Funds will only be paid directly to the parent requesting the funding. Payments will not be made on behalf of the child or family. 

Please provide a detailed description for the funding request. Please provide information on your child's or family's need. If the funding request is for a reimbursement or invoiced cost, please attach an itemized receipt. If it is for an anticipated cost, please provide an estimate. Those applications submitted with specific details demonstrating a clear need and how funds will be used supported by receipts and invoices with specific amounts will improve chances for selection to be awarded.

By submitting the application you are indicating that we have permission to discuss your child's health, diagnosis, and other confidential patient information with the person you identified as your healthcare sponsor. We only request necessary details and adhere to HIPAA guidelines to protect patient privacy. We acknowledge the importance of maintaining patient privacy and confidentiality.

Grants will be allocated up to $500 per family, per year. Those previously awarded grants must wait one full year (365 days) after disbursement to be eligible again.