Team PH Opening $500 Grants to Help With COVID-19 ‘Unmet Needs’

People with pulmonary hypertension (PH) are invited to apply for $500 micro-grants offered by Team PHenomenal Hope to help cover non-medical needs they are struggling to meet due to the COVID-19 pandemic and how it affected them financially.

The grants, offered through nonprofit’s Unmet Needs Patient Impact Fund, can be used to pay utility bills, or for home repairs, groceries, travel expenses for medical appointments, and the like — but not for medications or doctor visits. Receipts showing how the money was used will be required.

Families whose children have PH and are attending school virtually can also use a grant award to cover needed technology, school supplies, tutoring, or other needs related to online education.

“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,” the organization explains on their website.

Applicants must be PH patients or parents of a child with PH, have a PayPal account, and be willing to provide receipts for purchases made with program funds. Grant money is limited and awards are made on a first-come, first-serve basis at the start of each month. A list of eligibility requirements and an application form are available using this link.

Recipients must agree to let Team PHenomenal Hope share their name, photo, hometown, and personal PH story in promoting the fund.

In addition to medications and medical bills, a micro-grant award cannot be used for vacation expenses, personal family or pet expenses, or legal fees.

Award selections are made at the start of each month, and qualified applicants can only receive one grant each calendar year.

The Unmet Needs Patient Impact Fund began in 2017, in the aftermath of the hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, and with the help of the nonprofits PHaware and the Blue Lips Foundation, and the pharmaceutical companies Reata and Gilead. A total of $40,000 in individual $500 micro-grants were given directly to patients in affected areas — Puerto Rico, Florida and Texas — to help with home repairs, lodging, and similar needs.

Its success allowed Team PHenomenal Hope to continue its Unmet Needs program, with 60 people awarded micro-grants in 2018 and 90 in 2019.

“Our program growth is due to the support of the community and generous donors,” the group stated.