"In order to become parents we needed fertility treatments. I thought that our health insurance would cover the fertility treatments so I went back to the gynecologist to begin the process. I was distraught when the doctor told me that our health insurance would not cover the treatment. We stopped the process not because we lacked the desire to be parents but because we lacked the money."
-Quote from 2006 Grant Recipients' Application Letter

Embracing Hope Stories

Yadira and Jaime (English & Spanish)

Amanda and Jason

Traci and Jeff

Christina and Michael

Christina and Christopher

 

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About the Grant
Fertile Dreams will select applicants who have medical insurance but are uninsured for fertility treatment for grants that can be used toward an IVF cycle at any fertility clinic in the United States.

The Embracing Hope Grant Process
Applicants are reviewed and selected by a volunteer advisory board comprised of former patients and health care professionals. Applicants are asked to provide the following:

• Complete the Embracing Hope Grant application.

• Written description of their fertility history. You are welcome to send photographs.

• Letter from a Reproductive Endocrinologist and Infertility Specialists (REI) stating fertility history and requirement for In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).

• Proof of income with documentation - a copy of the last two IRS tax returns (Form 1040) and two most recent pay stubs from both partners. W-2 forms are not sufficient.

• A signed copyright and media release giving Fertile Dreams full rights to share your story if selected and to be photographed at anytime throughout the treatment process. Those awarded assistance by Fertile Dreams will be asked to provide monthly updates.

• If possible, Fertile Dreams would like the award winner to attend the Award ceremony in Orlando, FL. (See website for dates.)

 

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FAQ's

Must both partners be U.S. citizens?
Applicants must be United States (U.S.) citizens and must be treated by a Reproductive Endocrinologist and Infertility Specialist (REI) in the continental U.S.

What is the Embracing Hope Grant for IVF?
The Embracing Hope Grant for IVF (in vitro fertilization treatment - acronym is IVF) is a grant that awards $10,000 towards IVF expenses but will vary, depending on our funding. The grant can be used at any reproductive clinic in the U.S. of the recipient's choosing. The grant recipient does not need to be a resident of Florida - grants are awarded to recipients across the U.S.  The Embracing Hope Grant for IVF is funded by Fertile Dreams, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization which is dedicated to family-building in all its forms.

How often is the grant awarded?
At present, grants are awarded annually.

How many grants are awarded?
The number of grants awarded each year will vary and are contingent upon availability of funds. You are encouraged to carefully and thoroughly answer each section of the application.  We also encourage you to seek additional sources of fertility treatment funding.

How will the grant monies be distributed?
Fertile Dreams will work with the grant recipient's fertility clinic to ensure IVF services of up to $10,000 are paid.  Payment is made directly to the clinic.

Will Fertile Dreams pay off expenses of an IVF cycle already started or completed?
Fertile Dreams will not make payment to reduce one’s previous IVF expenses.  For example, if you have already gone through IVF, the grant monies will not be applied to reduce the amount owed.  Grant funds are only submitted to the clinics of the selected grant recipients for their forthcoming cycle.

Does the grant apply to intrauterine insemination (IUI) and other procedures?
The grant applies only to in vitro fertilization treatment (IVF).

What IVF costs are actually covered by the grant?
The $10,000 grant can be used toward any of the costs of IVF (monitoring, blood work, ultrasounds, anesthesia, retrieval, fertilization and culture of the egg, transfer, etc.) at the program of your choice in the continental U.S.  The $10,000 grant may cover some or all of the IVF services depending on your cycle requirements.

Will the grant cover a Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) cycle?
No. The grant will only help cover expenses for a complete IVF cycle.

Is fertility medication considered part of the costs of IVF?
No. Fertility medication is a separate expense not covered by the grant. Some or all of your fertility medications may be covered by your prescription coverage, or may be an out of pocket expense.

Can the time for using the grant be extended beyond one year?
The grant time limit has been established for awarded funds to be used within 12 months from the date of award.

Is there an age limit?
Yes, the age limit for the female partner is under 40 years old, unless using donor egg. The application states that the female patient must be under the age of 40 when starting an IVF cycle.

Can you have children already?
Yes, but the selection process is preferential for those without children.

Is there an annual minimum or maximum income?
There is no minimum or maximum. The tax returns and answers to financial questions must reflect an ability to financially support a child.

What if I have incomplete medical insurance coverage?
You must have medical insurance and be able to provide proof of medical insurance to cover your health care needs. IVF grants will be awarded only to those without any fertility insurance coverage or IVF medical insurance coverage.

Do I need to provide a physician's written recommendation?
A physician's recommendation for IVF is required. We encourage you to provide a letter from your REI, or a copy of your fertility workup with your application. The date on the documents should be within the past two years.

Do I need to have a male partner?
No, but clarification of relationship stability is required.

Can a single person apply for the grant?
Yes.  However, we suggest the application contain detailed information on the applicant's support system, stability and overall plan to raise a child alone.

If I am considering or need egg donation to pursue IVF, may I apply for the grant?
Yes, you may submit an application for the grant.  You must state your plan for egg donation and the ability to afford the cost of egg donation.

If I am pursuing an IVF cycle with a surrogate carrying the pregnancy, may I apply for the grant?
Yes, you may submit an application for the grant.  You must state your surrogacy plan and ability to afford the cost of surrogacy.

Please contact info@FertileDreams.org with questions.

 

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Traducción Española

The costs associated with fertility treatments may be quite expensive and, in most cases, insurance companies do not provide coverage for the care. Fertile Dreams was established as a resource for those individuals without insurance for fertility treatment. The grant program, established in 2006, will select several individuals based on review of their application and financial need and grant a $10,000 award toward an IVF cycle at any program in the United States.

Grants will be awarded as selected by the Embracing Hope Grant Committee. Applicants will be asked to complete a confidential application. They will also be asked to write a short essay describing their infertility history, personal situation and financial need. Proof of income and other supporting financial documentation will be required.

 

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St. Cloud Couple Welcomes First Babies Born From Embracing Hope Grant

Yadira Campis and Jamie Medina, of St. Cloud, are the proud parents of twins born Saturday, March 10, 2007, at Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies in Orlando. Arriving via C-section, baby girl Yadielis, weighed 6 lbs., 7 oz., and her brother, Jamie Yadiel, weighed 6 lbs., 12 oz.