What is the Professional Development Micro-Grants program?

People who have been diagnosed with cancer face a number of challenges when trying to manage working through treatment, returning to work or finding a job — even years after treatment. The micro-grants program offers cancer patients and survivors a financial reimbursement for professional development opportunities that will allow them to enhance or build new skills.

What types of professional development does the grant cover?

“Professional development” encompasses any type of course, training, conference or coaching that is essential in order for a cancer survivor to advance or maintain his/her current job, shift jobs, or look for a new opportunity during or after cancer treatment.

Examples of the kinds of professional development that could be funded by a micro-grant include but are not limited to:

• A one-on-one coaching session with a career coach to practice interviewing skills, for a survivor who is nervous about fielding questions regarding his/her diagnosis or who hasn’t interviewed in a while.
• An online course on social media, for a survivor who wants to  change careers  after his/her diagnosis but lacks the social media skills required to secure a position in that new industry.
• Registration fees to attend an industry trade conference to learn about current products or services, for a survivor who may not be up to speed on industry essentials as a result of being in treatment.
• A certification course that is necessary in order for a survivor to obtain or maintain a particular license that is required in order to keep his/her job or qualify for a promotion.

What if I don’t know which type of professional development I need?

If you are not sure which type of professional development you need, consider asking a career coach (via our website) or reaching out to a trusted mentor or peer.

What is the amount of the grant?

The amount of each micro-grant varies depending on the specific training requested and funds available. In 2019, the micro-grants that were awarded ranged in amount from $50 to $1,000. Awards typically do not exceed $1000.

When does the application period open?

The application period opens 9:00 am EST on Monday, October 7, 2019.

When is the deadline for submitting an application?

The deadline for submitting an application is Friday, November 15th, 2019, at 11:59 PM ET.

Who is eligible to apply?

U.S. citizens who are 18 years of age or older, have been diagnosed with cancer (or received a cancer diagnosis in the past), and are NOT currently enrolled in school full- or part-time are eligible to apply. There is no restriction with regard to diagnosis, age at diagnosis or years since treatment.

If I have received a micro-grant in prior years, can I apply?

At this time we are only accepting applications from those who have not received micro-grants in the past. 

If I am a healthcare professional who works with cancer patients, am I eligible for a micro-grant?

No, healthcare professionals are not eligible for micro-grants, unless they are also a cancer patient or survivor. For healthcare professionals who are looking for professional development to retain their licenses or to learn more about helping their patients navigate the issues of work and cancer, we offer an Educational Series for Healthcare Professionals. To learn more about this webinar series as well as our other accredited events, and how to earn free CEUs, click here.

What is the application process?

The application consists of short essay questions about your employment status and requested training. It will take approximately 20–30 minutes to complete. Greater consideration will be given to applicants who devote time to carefully answering each question in detail. You will receive a confirmation email once your application has been received.

What makes a strong application?

Strong applications contain complete and comprehensive answers to every question. They clearly explain the connection between how the applicant’s cancer affected his/her job or work the skills the applicant is hoping to develop or enhance, and the training that is being requested. Effective applications identify a clear need and how receiving a micro-grant would make an impact — for example, by resulting in an opportunity that the applicant otherwise wouldn’t have access to. A strong application also outlines the specific details and costs associated with the requested professional development. Those who provide ample detail and information will receive greater consideration.

When will I find out if I’ve been awarded a micro-grant?

Decisions regarding applications will be made on or before Friday, January 31, 2020.

How are applicants notified?

Applicants will be notified by phone or email regarding the decision on their application.

What happens once I’ve been awarded a micro-grant?

Once you’ve signed your contract, it is your responsibility to arrange your training. Your award notification will indicate how much money you have been granted and which expenses Cancer and Careers anticipates you will use it for. You are also responsible for paying for your training. Reimbursements will be made after you’ve completed your training and have submitted the required documentation to Cancer and Careers.

What is the time-frame for completing my micro-grant training?

Your funded training must take place between the date of the award and December 31, 2020. Reimbursements will not be made retroactively for training that commenced or was completed before the grant was awarded.

What is the procedure for reimbursement?

Cancer and Careers will reimburse up to the awarded amount once the required testimonial, payment receipt and proof of attendance/completion is received by us. Reimbursements will be made only if the micro-grant recipient provides proof of attendance/completion of the funded training. The specific type/format of proof required will be determined by CAC staff, based on the kind of professional development that is being funded. Micro-grant recipients will receive their reimbursement check in the mail within 30 days of submitting the required documents. If this reimbursement policy creates a financial hardship for a micro-grant recipient, he/she should contact Nicole Jarvis at 646-929-8043 or njarvis@cew.org. The funded training must be completed and proof of completion received by December 31, 2020.

What is your privacy policy?

Cancer and Careers respects and protects the privacy of all visitors and users of our services. Cancer and Careers is the sole owner of any information collected on its website and through its programs. We do not sell, share or rent this information to others. Click here to read our entire Privacy Policy.

If you have questions that have not been addressed here, please contact us at cancerandcareers@cew.org or 646-929-8032.