Frequently Asked Questions
Who Founded This Organization, and Why?
Margie Sborov had been a cancer patient advocate for over 18 years and recognized that the cancer diagnosis impacts the entire family. Families were faced with heart-wrenching decisions: “Do I pay my mortgage or pay for my health insurance?" “Do I cut my medication in half so that I have money left over to buy food for my family?” She also witnessed the emotional burden faced by the children of cancer patients and wanted to find a way to ensure that no family would have to face this journey alone.
Does Angel Foundation Provide Financial Help for Children Who Have Cancer?
While Angel Foundation offers education and support programs for children (see below), assistance is only available for adults 18+.
Does a Person Have to be in Active Treatment to Receive Financial Assistance?
Yes, a cancer patient must be in active treatment. They must also live OR receive treatment in the 7-county metro area of Minnesota.
Is Assistance Only Available for Certain Types of Cancer?
Angel Foundation does not limit assistance to certain types of cancer. In fact Angel Foundation identified 65 different types of cancer in last year’s applicants.
Does Angel Foundation Help With Medical Bills and Prescriptions?
No, Angel Foundation helps with day-to-day living expenses such as rent, mortgage, groceries, gas, phone bills, and utility bills.
How Does Someone Apply for Assistance?
A healthcare provider or social worker contacts the foundation by phone or email to receive the application form. The healthcare provider/social worker completes an intake form and application on behalf of the patient and sends it by mail or fax to Angel Foundation.
How Long Does it Take for Angel Foundation to Review Applications?
Typically a review occurs within 24-48 hours, though most applications are reviewed on the day of receipt.
What Happens Next?
The patient will receive a letter indicating whether they are approved, and if so, for what amount. They are advised to select which bills to pay and forward them to the foundation’s office.
Can Patients Go to the Foundation’s Office to Expedite the Process?
No, the foundation does not take walk-ins but is available by phone or email to answer questions. The main phone number is 612-627-9000, or email grants@mnangel.org.
How Does Angel Foundation Determine a Patient's Maximum Grant?
The foundation uses a sliding scale based on income and number of people in the household.
What is the Average Maximum Grant?
The average maximum is currently $500-$875
Does the Money Go Directly to the Patients?
With the exception of grocery cards and gas cards, checks are written directly to the vendors.
Can a Patient Apply Again After the First Grant is Received?
Patients may apply again in 24-months if they are still in active treatment.
What if a Patient Dies During the Application Process or Hasn’t Used Up Their Entire Grant?
As long as the application is approved prior to the date of death, the money will still be available to pay outstanding bills.
What is the Facing Cancer Together (FaCT) Program?
FaCT offers free education and support to strengthen young families as they journey through the cancer experience. This includes special programs for children 5-18 who have a parent, grandparent, or other influential adult in their life who has cancer.
How Often Does FaCT Meet?
A five-week education and support series for both adults and children is offered twice a year. There are Saturday retreat days, a 3-day Kids Kamp in August for kids and teens who have a parent or grandparent with cancer and a Valleyfair night for FaCT families. Teen outreach events, and parent support groups meet once a month. All programs are free, and meals are provided.
What Do the Parents Learn at FaCT Events?
They learn how to open up healthy lines of communication with their children, talk honestly about their diagnosis, and to be aware of different behaviors that may manifest in their child as a result of a parent's cancer diagnosis.
What do the Children Learn at FaCT Events?
In a safe, compassionate environment, they learn age-appropriate definitions, and focus on topics such as change, feelings, and self-care. They learn that they cannot “catch” cancer, did not cause the cancer, and that it is ok to cry. They learn, through the benefit of peer support, that they do not have to go through this alone. They also learn healthy coping skills.
How Many People Work for Angel Foundation?
There are 8 employees, 13 members on the Board of Directors, and many, many volunteers. Most, if not all, have a direct connection to the cancer experience.
Is Angel Foundation a 501(c)(3) Non-profit?
Yes, it is.
Where Does Angel Foundation’s Funding Come From?
From community, corporate, and foundation grants, as well as corporate sponsorships, special events and fundraisers, generous individuals, and from in-kind donors.
Does United Way Support Angel Foundation?
Only when someone specifically designates Angel Foundation. Otherwise the foundation does not directly receive United Way funding.
What is the Foundation’s Current Annual Revenue Budget?
The current revenue budget is $1 million dollars. With the demand for financial assistance up 70%, the revenue goals will continue to increase to meet patient/family needs.
How is Angel Foundation Different From Other Cancer Organizations?
The support is patient/family focused. Money raised does not go to research or advocacy, and any type of cancer is applicable. The Board, staff, and volunteers are extremely passionate about the mission of supporting those touched by cancer.
How Much of My Donation Will Go to Program Support?
Thanks to a generous annual donation from the physicians of Minnesota Hematology Oncology, P.A. to cover staff salaries and administration, 98% of all donations go directly to the programs.
Can I Designate My Donation to Go to Something Specific, Like the Financial Assistance Program or to the Facing Cancer Together Program?
Yes, you may designate to “area of greatest need,” or to a specific program.
Can I Designate My Financial Assistance Grant to Be Used for Patients With a Certain Type of Cancer?
Yes, you may restrict your grant.
Can I Donate in Honor of Someone, or in Memory of Someone?
Yes, Angel Foundation welcomes tributes and memorials, and these are listed in the newsletter produced twice a year.
Can I Donate Online?
Yes, you can donate online by clicking here.
Can I Donate by Credit Card or By Check?
Yes, you can call the foundation at 612-627-9000 to make a credit card donation by phone. You can also mail a credit card request or check to: Angel Foundation, 708 South Third Street, Suite 105E, Minneapolis MN 55415.
Can I Donate Stock?
Yes, you may.
Are There Volunteer Opportunities?
Yes, Angel Foundation has several key events each year, including a dinner/auction/awards gala in January, a golf outing in August, and other opportunities throughout the year. Click here for more information.
Is There Anything That Our School, Church, or Community Group Could Do to Help?
Yes, we welcome service projects to raise funds for Angel Foundation. We can use $50 Cub Food cards and Holiday gas cards year-round, or groups may wish to raise funds to go toward a specific activity such as Kids Kamp, Valleyfair night or Teen Outreach events. Please click here for information on creating your own fundraiser.