Our program is designed to provide  financial assistance for the most vulnerable patients with significant financial hardship. Our goal is to provide support to living donors so they won’t be in a financial trouble after giving the Gift of Life and to ensure transplant recipients have access to medication that keeps them alive.  

This is the only program of its kind that is available nationwide that provides emergency financial assistance grants to transplant recipients and living organ donors, regardless of their legal status. All financial decisions are made by our Transplant Leadership Council (TLC) members. 

We do not receive any government funding and rely on generous individuals to provide lifesaving donations that benefit patients in need.

Who can receive grants?

 We focus our funding on the most financially vulnerable patients. We know one size doesn’t fit all, and as an independent, non-government funded foundation we understand that every situation and every patient is unique.

Typically, the individuals and families we help are making up to 200% of current FP guidelines. Please review the guidelines here to determine if you should apply.

We will only consider Living Donors who...

• Will experience extreme financial need as a result of taking unpaid time off  to recover after saving a life and have very limited financial resources
• Will experience lost wages during their hospital stay and/or recovery due to organ donation, AND not be able to donate an organ without facing financial crisis and assistance from our organization is critical
  
  Priority is given to living donors who:
  • Lack paid time off to cover lost wages and/or disability benefits/access to employee assistance programs
  • Have multiple dependents
  • Have no social support/no opportunity to do fundraising through nonprofit organizations to cover expenses associated with donation
  • Have a recipient who is unable to help with any direct expenses related to donation
  • Have a physically demanding job that will require a longer post-surgery recovery
  • Are non-directed living donors
  • Both recipient and donor are members of the same household, both are employed and will be affected by lost wages

We will only consider Transplant Recipients who have...  

• Delinquent insurance premiums to prevent loss of insurance coverage, and/or medication co-payments during insurance gap periods and/or changes in their insurance provider.
• Financial crisis that is posing a direct barrier to their post-transplant care.
  
  

Additional Important Information

1. Applications may only be submitted by transplant program social worker or transplant coordinator. Patients seeking assistance should contact their assigned transplant program social worker or transplant program coordinator for details.
2. Due to a high volume of applications, please submit your application as much in advance as possible, at least 2-3 weeks before the surgery date for living donors. Once the application is submitted, expect the processing time to be 3-6 weeks to receive a funding decision from the volunteer voting committee. Unfortunately, we cannot consider incomplete applications and cannot follow up with each applicant. Please ensure applications are complete.
3. Please have all vendor, insurance, income/expenses information, and letter from employer (Living Donor Application only) ready before beginning the application. You may not save and return later.
4. Please take the time to describe in detail why the patient is in need of assistance. We are driven by our           desire to help patients and their families, and we need your help to have an accurate picture of the situation the patient is dealing with. Please be as detailed as possible.
5. Every application that fits the program guidelines is presented to our Transplant Leadership Council members, a group of dedicated volunteers, who ultimately vote on the funding decision; they don't have access to information related the patient's transplant center.  Please click the FAQ button below below for more details on how funding decisions are being made. 
6. If this is the first application for your organization, your Transplant Administrator will need to set up an orientation with the American Transplant Foundation. Please email us at support@americantransplantfoundation.org to set up a brief 10-minute conversation.

If you have any questions or if you are having trouble uploading or saving the application, please contact us immediately. For the quickest response, please email support@americantransplantfoundation.org. 

GENERAL

Q: What is the American Transplant Foundation’s Patient Assistance Program (PAP)? 

A: Our program is a privately funded financial assistance program that helps both living donors and transplant recipients. This program is available nationwide and is focused on the most financially vulnerable patients and their families. We work hard to raise the funds and are here to provide real help to patients.  

Q: What types of grants are available and what is the difference between them?

A: We have three different types of grants:

• Transplant Recipients
  • Emergency Assistance Grant:  A grant of up to $1,000 for transplant recipients who are experiencing significant financial hardship that affects access to post-transplant care (rent, transportation to appointments, etc.).
  • Recipient Grant: A grant of up to $1,500 for those with delinquent insurance premiums to prevent loss of insurance coverage, those needing help with medication co-payments during insurance gap periods, and/or changes in insurance provider.
• Living Donors
  • Lost Wage Assistance: A grant of up to $1,000 to help compensate for the wages lost during the recovery period for living organ donors.

APPLICATION AND REVIEW PROCESS

Q: Who can submit the applications? 

A: Transplant Social Workers/Living Donor Coordinators must submit the online application on behalf of their patients.

Q: When should applications be submitted? 

A: For transplant recipients, applications can be submitted anytime after the transplant. For living donors, applications must be submitted at least 2-3 weeks prior to the surgery. We ask that you then email us to confirm that the surgery has taken place.

Q: When can I expect a funding decision after submitting?

A: Depending on the number of applicants, processing time can be anywhere between 3-6 weeks. 

Q: How am I notified of the status of an application I submitted?

A: All updates or decisions are sent automatically to the social worker’s email, including inquiries for more information. We recommend adding our email to your safe senders or frequently checking your spam folder. Due to an extremely high number of applicants, we will NOT respond to direct inquiries regarding application status. However, if it is past the review window of 3-6 weeks and you feel there may be an issue, we will assist you.

Q: What is the orientation and how do we complete it?

A: If an application is approved, before the patient is funded, the transplant center’s administrator, manager, or director needs to attend a 10-15 minute Zoom orientation with us. This can NOT be completed by the Transplant Social Worker. This only needs to be completed one time per organization; please email support@americantransplantfoundation.org. to confirm if your organization has completed this and/or to schedule. If your transplant center is planning to utilize this grant, we encourage you or your Transplant Administrator to reach out as soon as possible.

Q: What is a vendor?

A: The application will ask for a vendor. A vendor is any entity to which the patient will use these funds for. This can be their landlord/mortgage company, utility company, pharmacy, insurance, etc. This information is essential to understand how these funds will be used and to verify. 

Q: Who will be receiving the funds if approved?

A: The funds are sent directly via check to the patient at the address on the application. We will confirm this address with you prior to sending the funds, but please try to double-check that the address is correct. 

Q: Do you have to be a U.S. legal resident to receive assistance? Do you have to live in the U.S.? 

A: No, we don’t receive any government funds and are proud to consider all applicants regardless of their legal status. Yes, all applicants have to reside in the United States of America. 

Q: Can an unemployed living donor apply for assistance? 

A: No. Because this program covers lost wages, it is required that the living donor be employed at the time of the surgery.

FUNDING AND PROGRAM AVAILABILITY

Q: How are funding decisions being made?  

A: Decisions are made by the Transplant Leadership Council (TLC) volunteer members. TLC votes in groups of five on a rotation basis. Volunteers only see the first name of the patient/key details; transplant center affiliations are not disclosed. ATF staff ensures all applications reviewed by TLC meet the program guidelines.  

Q: Where does the American Transplant Foundation(ATF) get funding for this program? 

A: ATF does not receive any financial support from the government.  Funding comes solely from donations/sponsorships.  If you are a social worker or living donor coordinator, the best way you can support this program is to talk to your administrator or director about this program.  All sponsorships go directly to the patient assistance fund, are 100% tax-deductible, and come with additional marketing benefits depending on support level. 

Q: Is funding for this program guaranteed? 

A: No.  Our team works hard throughout the year to acquire donations and sponsorships for this program to ensure that funds are available. We don’t receive any government funds. All funding decisions are final. We treat our partner hospitals with utmost respect and expect the same in return in order to participate in the program. That includes following the guidelines and understanding that sometimes technical issues happen.  

Q: Is there a maximum amount that patients can receive in PAP grants? 

A: Currently, maximum grants are $1,000 for living donors and $1,500 for transplant recipients, depending on the grant.

OTHER

Q: Are there any additional programs available through your foundation?  

A: Yes! We offer several other incredible programs intended to help transplant recipients, living donors, and their families. Click here to learn more. 

The Yi-Fa and Margaret Chang Giving Fund was established in April of 2020 to provide lifesaving financial assistance to transplant recipients who are experiencing significant financial hardship that affects access to post-transplant care when they need it the most. While funding is available, this fund will provide transplant recipients an emergency assistance grant up to $1,000 to cover the expenses (hotels, groceries, utility bills, etc.) that poses a direct financial barrier to patient’s post-transplant care.

Please ensure that you review and gather all documentation prior to submitting the application, as you cannot save and finish the application later. 

You can contact the American Transplant Foundation’s staff at any time with questions about the application process at support@americantransplantfoundation.org.

Important Deadlines:

• Applications for transplant recipients must be submitted post-surgery; income restrictions apply - see below for guidelines.
• Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis; funding depends on the availability of funds. 

Who do we fund?

• Transplant Recipients who have received any organ transplant and is undergoing post-transplant care.
• This is a one-time, temporary assistance grant to bridge the gap.
• Patients must reside in the United States; legal status is not questioned.
• Patient must not have received more than 1 grant from the American Transplant Foundation. Patients still can apply for general PAP fund if they have never received funding from us before. 
• This grant is not appropriate for individuals needing long-term, ongoing assistance. 
  • Please contact your social worker regarding extended funding from other resources (i.e supplemental insurance, drug manufacturer programs, local/state programs) or check out our Financial Resource Guide. 
• Fund amount will be determined by need; up to $1,000.

Transplant Social Worker's Responsibility:

• Please have documentation of the crisis or emergency that is posing a direct financial barrier to patient’s post-transplant care. This documentation will vary by patient. If you are unsure of what would be acceptable for your specific request, please reach out to us at support@americantransplantfoundation.org.
• Please take the time to describe in detail why the patient is in need of assistance. We are driven by our desire to help patients and their families, and we need your help to have an accurate picture of the situation the patient is dealing with. Please be as detailed as possible.
• RECOMMENDED: Please encourage your patients to provide details of their situation and share their story and explain what difference this grant will make for them if the application is approved (photos are optional). They can submit directly to you and you will attach the letter as a part of the application or patients can simply email it to support@americantransplantfoundation.org.
• Staff at the American Transplant Foundation will communicate with the transplant program social worker or transplant program coordinator directly. Patients are discouraged from contacting the Foundation about the status of their application and should contact their transplant program social worker or transplant program coordinator with questions. This will allow us to process the application in the most efficient manner. 

After application is submitted:

• Applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Eligibility for financial assistance is based on the sole discretion of the American Transplant Foundation and is subject to the availability of fund. All funding decisions are final.
• Applications may be approved for a different amount than requested at the discretion of the voting committee.
• Every application that fits the program guidelines is presented to our volunteer voting council, who ultimately vote on the funding decision. They do not have access to information related to the patient's transplant center or patient's last name. 
• Due to high volume, expect the processing time to be 3-5 weeks to receive a funding decision from the volunteer voting council. Unfortunately, due to the volume of applications, we cannot consider incomplete applications. Please double-check the patient's address in order for the patient to receive their check if the application is approved. 
• All disbursements are made directly to the patient - it is critical to have correct patient's address. 

We may have to limit the number of grants awarded to patients at one transplant center in order to have more equal distribution of funds.

If you have any questions, please email support@americantransplantfoundation.org for the quickest response.

PLEASE NOTE: Before the application may be funded, the transplant center’s administrator needs to complete an orientation with American Transplant Foundation. This only needs to be done ONE time per organization. Please reach out to support@americantransplantfoundation.org to confirm that this has been done and/or to schedule the brief 10 minute orientation. If your transplant center is planning to utilize the Recipient Fund, we encourage your Transplant Administrator to reach out as soon as possible.

Important Deadlines:

• Applications for transplant recipients must be submitted post-surgery 

Who do we fund?

• Transplant Recipients who have received any organ transplant. 
  
• Eligible candidates include those with delinquent insurance premiums to prevent loss of insurance coverage, those needing help with medication co-payments during insurance gap periods and/or changes in insurance provider.
• This is a one-time, temporary assistance grant to bridge the gap
• This grant is not appropriate for individuals needing long-term, ongoing assistance. 
  • Please contact your social worker regarding extended funding from other resources (i.e supplemental insurance, drug manufactuer programs, local/state programs) or check out our Financial Resource Guide. 
• Our maximum grant is capped at $1,500. 

Transplant Social Worker's Responsibility:

• Please include as much detail as possible about the patient's situation in the Reason for Referral section.
• Please double check the Household Revenue and Expenses section.

After application is submitted:

• Due to high volume, please allow 3-5 weeks for processing and TLC Committee Review. 
• If the application fits our above guidelines and is a good fit for the program, Transplant Social Worker or Transplant Coordinator will receive a response via email and/or phone from an American Transplant Foundation Staff member.
• Grant checks will be mailed directly to grantee.

If you have any questions, please email support@americantransplantfoundation.org for the quickest response.

PLEASE NOTE: Before the application is funded, the transplant center’s administrator needs to reach out to support@americantransplantfoundation.org to schedule a call with the American Transplant Foundation’s team for a brief 10 minute orientation – this will allow us to speed up orientations. If your transplant center is planning to utilize this grant, we encourage your Transplant Administrators to reach out as soon as possible.

Important Deadlines:

• Applications for living donors must be submitted at least 2-3 weeks before scheduled surgery date.
  • If you do not have an exact surgery date, please use an approximate surgery date and make note on the application.
• Applications for Living Donors after the surgery will only be considered if the patient has significant complications within 30 days after the surgery and is required to take more time off than originally planned.

Who do we fund? 

• Living Organ Donors who are donating solid organs (i.e kidney and liver)
• Typically, the individuals and families we help are making up to 200% of current FP guidelines.

What do we fund?

• We compensate for the wages lost during the recovery period for living organ donors
• Patients must be employed and experience a loss of income while recovering from surgery.
• Financial assistance covers loss of wages during the hospital stay and/or recovery due to organ donation; essential living expenses such as rent, electric, automobile, and phone bills.
• Priority is given to living donors who:
  • Lack paid time off to cover lost wages and/or disability benefits/access to employee assistance programs
  • Have multiple dependents 
  • Have no social support/no opportunity to do fundraising through nonprofit organizations to cover expenses associated with donation
  • Have a recipient who is unable to help with any direct expenses related to donation
  • Have a physically demanding job that will require a longer post-surgery recovery
  • Are non-directed living donors
  • Both recipient and donor are members of the same household, both are employed and will be affected by lost wages
• Our maximum grant amount is capped at $500.

Transplant Social Worker's Responsibility:

• Please send confirmation of surgery to the Foundation via email the day of the surgery. We will then release funds within 2-3 business days of notification. Funds are released directly to the patient. 
• To be considered, applications need to include the following paperwork: 
  • Letter from Employer: All applicants must provide a letter from their current employer. Due to liability regulations, this letter is a required portion of the Patient Assistance Program application.
    • Please provide your patient with this PDF that include employer letter guidelines and an example letter.
  • Patient's most recent pay stub (Optional ): This will help us to expedite the application. We reserve the right to request this, as well as the previous year's tax records, if needed, for income verification.
  • Minimum of one vendor (i.e. rent/mortgage) will need to be included in the application. Vendor name, phone, total amount owed and amount to be covered with this grant will be asked for.  
  • Please obtain this documentation prior to starting the application – you will be able to upload it directly into the application. If you have any questions or are unable to obtain this information, please contact us at Support@AmericanTransplantFoundation.org.
    
    PLEASE NOTE: We are experiencing a drastic increase in requests for lifesaving funds  and  only able to consider the most financially vulnerable transplant patients at this time. Please only submit applications for those in extreme need.

After application is submitted:

• Due to high volume, please allow 3-5 weeks for processing and TLC Committee Review.
• If the application fits our above guidelines and is a good fit for the program, Transplant Social Worker or Transplant Coordinator will receive a response via email and/or phone from an American Transplant Foundation Staff member.
• Grant checks will be mailed directly to grantee.