Application Process

Age: You must be 18 years or older.
 

Health Condition: You must have a diagnosed critical illness, confirmed by a physician. Critical illness is defined as a serious medical condition that:

• Poses a significant threat to life,
• Requires intensive medical intervention, and
• May cause significant disruption to daily life or result in financial stress.

     The following do NOT qualify:

• Chronic conditions are not a critical illness (i.e. asthma, diabetes, substance abuse, injuries from accidents).
• Non-life-threatening conditions.

Examples of critical illnesses that DO qualify:

• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Life-threatening cancer
• Major organ failure (irreversible failure)
• Advanced Parkinson’s disease
• End-stage renal (kidney) failure
• Organ transplant
• Advanced Alzheimer’s
• ALS

Tangible Wish Requirement: You must request a specific, tangible item that improves quality of life.

Examples of eligible items/services may include:

• A reclining lift chair to assist with mobility and comfort
• A tablet or laptop to stay connected with family during treatment
• A home hospital bed to support recovery at home
• A massage or therapy device to manage pain
• A heated blanket for comfort
• A wheelchair
• A bed/mattress to support recovery

 Heart Wishes Foundation supports adults diagnosed with critical illness by providing grants up to $5,000 for tangible items that improve their quality of life. To apply:

1. Review Eligibility: Ensure you meet the criteria outlined below.
2. Complete the      Application: Fill out the form with complete information, including your full address as well as a description of the tangible item you are requesting.
3. Initial Review & Documentation: Applications are reviewed by our Board. If your request qualifies, your physician will be asked to complete Part II, which includes a written confirmation of your diagnosis. We also require your physician to provide their medical license number.
4. Notification & Awards: All applicants will be notified of the outcome. If approved:

                     a.  Heart Wishes will coordinate payment and shipping with vendors

                     b.  Items will be purchased and shipped directly to you when applicable

1.  Grant Use: Grants are issued up to $5,000 and are intended only for tangible items or services. Not covered:

• Requests for cash or direct monetary gifts
• Rent, mortgage, or utility payments
• Travel, vacations, or experiences (e.g., cruises, concerts, flights)
• Funeral or end-of-life expenses
• Ongoing services or subscriptions (e.g., therapy, home care, cable)
• Medical bills, insurance premiums, or co-pays
• Intangible or emotional wishes (e.g., “peace of mind,” “more time with family”)
• Gifts for others (e.g., children, caregivers, friends)

2.  Affiliation Restrictions: Board members, the Executive Director, committee members of HWF, their immediate families, or individuals residing in the same household are not eligible to apply.

3.  Application Ownership: All submissions become the property of HWF and will not be returned.
 

4.  Publicity Consent: Recipients consent to the use of their name and likeness in promotional materials without additional compensation (i.e., website, Facebook, Instagram).
 

5.  Legal Compliance: Submissions must not violate any laws or third-party rights. Applicants are responsible for obtaining necessary permissions.
 

6.  Liability Waiver: Participants agree that the sponsor and its respective affiliates, distributors, advertising, and promotion agencies shall be held harmless for any damage, losses or injury resulting in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, from the acceptance, possession, use or misuse of the grant or participation in this process.

7.  Final Decisions: All decisions made by HWF are final and cannot be appealed.
 

8.  Tax Responsibility: Recipients are responsible for any taxes associated with the grant.
 

9.  Program Changes: HWF reserves the right to modify or cancel the program as needed.

10. Fraud: Heart Wishes Foundation is committed to ensuring that support reaches those who need it most. Please note that all applications are reviewed carefully and may be subject to verification. Submitting false, misleading, or incomplete information will result in disqualification.