Golden Belt Community Foundation recently announced that applications are now being accepted for the Heartland Cancer Patient Care and Support Endowment Fund. Established with the transfer of assets from the St. Rose Foundation, the fund will continue a vision of helping local people.
The Heartland Cancer Patient Care and Support Endowment Fund will provide support to persons who are experiencing a financial hardship caused by cancer and its related treatment. Any person 18 years of age or older residing in either Barton, Pawnee, Rush or Stafford County who is experiencing financial hardship caused by cancer is eligible to apply for a maximum grant of up to $500 per person per year. Funds awarded are disbursed directly to the vendor; e.g., landlord, mechanic, utility company, etc. and are done so at the discretion of the advisory committee.
“Cancer patients are often financially overwhelmed and these small grants let them know that the community cares,” Program Officer, Sue Cooper of Golden Belt Community Foundation said. The fund will serve to alleviate some of the burdensome daily living expenses for people who are struggling with cancer. Assistance is available for shelter, caregiving, nutrition, medicine/supplies, cleanliness, transportation and other needs that may help ease the financial struggles of living with cancer.
Individuals may apply online at www.goldenbeltcf.org under Grants. Anyone needing assistance in filling out an online application may contact Volunteers In Action at 620-792-1614, where trained volunteers are being made available for those who need help with a computer or the online application.
The fund also gives local residents and families a place to give and a way to help others who are affected by a cancer diagnosis. “Many memorials have been received, as well as gifts from individuals who simply want to help others. One hundred percent of the funds remain local, helping the people in the communities of Barton, Pawnee, Rush, and Stafford Counties,” said Executive Director, Christy Tustin of Golden Belt Community Foundation. Interested donors are invited to do so by contacting the foundation. Gifts, as well as memorial and honorarium gifts, may be made in any amount by sending a check to:  
Golden Belt Community Foundation
P.O. Box 1911
Great Bend, KS 67530
Note Heartland Cancer Patient Care and Support Endowment in the memo line.
For additional questions, call Golden Belt Community Foundation at 620-792-3000 or email gbcf@goldenbeltcf.org.   
Golden Belt Community Foundation
At $16.8 million in total assets and more than 155 funds under management, Golden Belt Community Foundation has been connecting people who care to causes that matter since 1996. For more information about Golden Belt Community Foundation, call (620) 792-3000 or visit their website at www.goldenbeltcf.org.