Resource Directory /

Financial Assistance and Grant Programs Resources

  • Muscular Dystrophy Association

    The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) provides comprehensive information and resources to help with understanding, managing and living day-to-day with muscular dystrophy and related neuromuscular diseases.

    MDA programs and resources include:

    • The MDA Resource Center providing one-on-one support by phone or email for individuals and families looking for resources, activities and more
    • Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Grant Program
    • Nationwide summer camps
    • Resources for caregivers
    • Community education and services

  • My Pantry Express

    Northern Illinois Food Bank has launched My Pantry Express, an online source for groceries. The program allows families in need of food assistance to choose specific grocery items and pick them up at a preferred participating location.

    Pickup locations are available in the following counties: DeKalb, DuPage, Lake, Will, Winnebago.

  • Needy Meds

    NeedyMeds is a national non-profit organization providing information on healthcare and medication programs designed to help people afford their medications and other healthcare costs. NeedyMeds can help with paying for prescriptions, finding a free clinic and understanding your healthcare options. All the information is free, easy to access and updated regularly.

    NeedMeds also offers:

    • A toll-free helpline at (800) 503-6897 weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
    • A directory of affordable health clinics for medical, dental, behavioral health and substance abuse services
    • Assistance with finding a private or government-funded organization offering help with treatment costs associated with specific diagnoses
    • A Patient Assistance Program (PAP) providing free or discounted medicines to people who are unable to afford them
    • Information on coupons, savings cards, rebates and co-pays

  • NORD: National Organization for Rare Disorders

    The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) offers support, information and a variety of events for clinicians, researchers, patients and families affected by rare diseases.

    NORD’s Resource Center provides patients and caregivers with free webinars, fact sheets, infographics, support and advocacy groups links, and referrals for rare disorders.

    NORD’s RareCare Program website provides a list of financial assistance programs that can help patients obtain life-saving or life-sustaining medication they could not otherwise afford.

    NORD’s State Resource Center contains local, state and national organizations listed by state or by topic offering free or low-cost services for people impacted by rare diseases.

    NORD’s free, self-paced online course “From Records to Research: Making Sense of Health Data for Rare Diseases” provides help for understanding health data, research participation and how both contribute to improving treatments and care. The course is available:

  • North Shore Gas Assistance Options

    If you cannot pay your energy bill due to financial difficulties, North Shore Gas has flexible payment arrangement plans or energy assistance options that may help.

    They also include information about these programs:

    • Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
    • Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP)
    • Share the Warmth, company- and customer-funded heating grants

  • Northeast Community Fund in Decatur

    Northeast Community Fund helps families in the Decatur and Macon County community with food, clothing, household goods and funding for utility payments, obtaining IDs, baby formula and wipes, emergency lodging and prescription medicines. The organization’s food pantry provides monthly food baskets to those in need. It also operates a microfinance program and a program for families to work with a staff member and mentor to achieve short- and long-term goals to move towards self-sufficiency.

  • Northern Illinois Foodbank

    The Northern Illinois Food Bank delivers food and healthy eating services across 13 counties (Boone, DeKalb, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, Ogle, Stephenson, Will and Winnebago counties). The Northern Illinois Food Bank provides weekly drive-thru Mobile Markets with free and fresh groceries, an online food pantry, a recipes and nutrition hub, and free economic mobility learning resources.

  • Oracle Health Foundation

    Oracle Health Foundation’s pediatric grants cover various clinical, equipment, and travel and lodging costs related to children’s healthcare needs. The foundation accepts applications from the United States and through select international providers.

    Funding criteria include that the applicant must be 21 or younger (special consideration given for individuals 22-25 receiving pediatric treatment). You can find more details on the Oracle Health Foundation website on how to request a pediatric grant.

  • People’s Resource Center

    People’s Resource Center (PRC) serves DuPage County residents. It offers a food pantry, computer access, financial assistance, an art program, a clothes closet and more. Residents need to register to receive services.

    Download the PRC flyer for a list of locations, services and times for:

    • The food pantry
    • The clothes closet
    • Empowerment services
    • Social services

    The flyer is in English and Spanish.

  • Peoples Gas Payment Arrangements and Energy Assistance

    If you cannot pay your energy bill due to financial difficulties, Peoples Gas has flexible payment arrangement plans or energy assistance options that may help.