AiRS Grant Application - 2026
Description
Dear Breast Reconstruction Survivor/Previvor: We understand that you wish to be considered as a candidate to receive charitable benefits through the Alliance in Reconstruction Surgery Foundation (AiRS) breast reconstruction program. This grant application and client agreement, when signed by you, confirms your agreement with the terms of participation in the program.
Due to recent funding issues, we have made the difficult decision to pause our grant program for areola tattooing. We will continue accepting applications for breast reconstruction surgery grants. The maximum grant award for breast reconstructive surgery is $2,500. The AiRS Foundation does not fund surgeries or procedures that have already occurred. You must apply within 1-3 months of your procedure. Applying outside of this window will likely result in a grant being declined. A written quote on letterhead from your provider MUST be included with your application.
On the following pages, you will find the grant application packet, including client agreement, AiRS News & Publication Authorization Form, Policy and Statement of Need. Please ensure you fully complete every section and upload all required documents.
The mission of AiRS is to Advocate, Educate, and Support women who wish to have restorative breast surgery to help restore self esteem and feel whole again.
Thanks to the generous support from donors, we are able to award full and partial grants to qualified applicants. Applicants slightly above the Federal Poverty Guidelines who demonstrate and document financial hardship and need may be considered for a partial grant award with documentation of all monthly income/expenses to demonstrate financial hardship.
Please carefully read the application instructions. Your application must be complete and will not be considered until all sections are submitted together. AiRS will close incomplete applications after 30 days unless an extension is approved.
We carefully review each grant application in the order received. Unfortunately, we cannot tell you if you qualify prior to receiving your complete application. However, the FAQ offer answers to commonly asked questions. Processing and approval of complete applications may take between 14-30 days. Please allow 30-60 days prior to surgery for approval. All requests must be pre-approved.
If your grant request is approved, the grant award will be paid directly to medical providers/facilities and related medical expenses. AiRS will not reimburse patients for past breast reconstruction or related medical expenses. AiRS’ mission of helping women with breast reconstruction prevents us from helping to pay for living expenses or transportation.
Upon approval of your grant application, applicants may be assigned a patient advocate who will reach out to you via your preferred method of contact. If you have questions regarding the application prior to submission, please email [email protected]. We look forward to receiving your application packet.
Sincerely,
AiRS Team
Selection Process
You will need the following information to complete the application:
- Income verification for all family members in the household and all sources of income. A copy of the most recent year's taxes are preferred. If you receive any government assistance, please provide a copy of benefits.
- If your income exceeds the Federal Poverty Guidelines https://airsfoundation.org/apply-for-grant/, you must provide a list of all detailed income and expenses in the Statement of Need to demonstrate financial hardship.
- If you have medical coverage, attach copy of medical insurance card/Medicaid/Medicare, etc. including co-pay/out-of-pocket amounts. If you have applied for coverage and been denied within past 6 months, provide copy of denial letter.
- Proof of diagnosis must be included. Attach letter from Oncologist on letterhead documenting prior diagnosis of breast cancer or positive BRCA gene testing.
- Written estimate from provider on letterhead with procedure date MUST be included. Attach estimate for Breast Reconstruction surgeon or areola tattoo professional on , including estimated patient responsibility. A grant cannot be considered without a written quotation.
- If your surgeon has agreed to discount your surgery, please ask them to include this discounted amount in the quote.
- Letter of financial aid approval/denial from hospital/facility on letterhead if you have applied for financial aid, including estimated patient responsibility, if known.
- Any documentation that you believe would help us understand your need for assistance.
- A quality photo yourself, not a selfie please (See News & Publication Authorization Form). We like to see who we are helping. Please do not include photos of your breasts.
