AFCCA Foundation for Children: Health Care Support for Underserved Arizona Students
The AFCCA Foundation for Children provides funding to support Arizona schoolchildren who may lack insurance or face barriers to accessing essential health care. Founded by the Arizona Funeral, Cemetery & Cremation Association, our foundation partners with school nurses, counselors, administrators, and qualified nonprofit organizations to meet the specific health needs of underserved children, covering areas such as general, dental, and mental health.
Funding Criteria:
Funding is dedicated to one-time support for a specific health need of a child. Requests must meet the following criteria:
- One-Time Funding: Funding for each child is a one-time request only; we do not adopt or provide ongoing support for a child or family.
- Eligibility: Only medical treatment or health care needs for underprivileged children—including dental and mental health—are eligible.
- Timing: Funding requests should be submitted before physician visits, medical tests, or treatments. While post-treatment reimbursements are generally not made, exceptions may be considered in emergency situations.
- Specific Health Needs: Requests for items such as eyeglasses, hearing aids, dental treatments, and mental health services are eligible. Some cases may be referred to the Medical Home Project.
- Medications: One-time requests for emergency medications may be granted; however, ongoing medication support is not funded.
- Exclusions: Requests for clothing, bedding, household items, or non-health-related needs are not funded.
- Approval for Larger Requests: Funding requests exceeding $250 will be reviewed and approved by the Foundation’s Board of Directors.
Please provide detailed information with your request. The Board may follow up with additional questions if clarification is needed.
Contact Us
For more information or to submit a request, please contact Heather Pace, Executive Director, at (602) 909-6135 or email info@azfoundationforchildren.org.
Student Health Assistance Request Form
AFCCA Foundation for Children: Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who can request funding from the AFCCA Foundation for Children?
The AFCCA Foundation for Children accepts funding requests from Arizona school personnel, such as school nurses, counselors, and administrators, as well as qualifying nonprofit organizations serving underserved schoolchildren in Arizona.
2. What types of health care needs are eligible for funding?
Funding can support a child’s specific health care needs, including medical, dental, eye, and mental health needs. The Foundation is dedicated to helping underserved Arizona schoolchildren access essential health resources that may not otherwise be available to them.
3. How is a request processed once it’s submitted?
The Executive Director will acknowledge receipt of the request form from the school nurse or authorized nonprofit representative. As soon as a decision is made, the Executive Director will notify the requester of approval, denial, or if the request needs to be reviewed by the Board.
4. Are there alternate resources if the request is denied?
Yes, if the Foundation cannot fulfill the request, suggestions for alternate sources of assistance may be provided to help address the child’s need.
5. How are funding requests under $250 handled?
Requests under $250, once approved, will be funded as soon as possible using the funds available to the Executive Director. All requests are carefully reviewed to determine critical need; however, some requests may be denied if they do not meet the Foundation’s criteria.
6. What happens to funding requests over $250?
Requests exceeding $250 are reviewed by the AFCCA Foundation for Children’s Board at the monthly board meeting held on the second Thursday of each month. The Board’s decision on each request is final.
7. What documentation is required for approved requests over $250?
Once a request over $250 is approved, the requester must provide documentation, including details on who the check should be made out to, the address, and any backup statements for payment processing. Checks will not be made out to the child or parent but can be sent to the requesting school nurse to deliver to the provider or directly mailed to the provider.
8. How long does it take for an approved request to be funded?
Once approved, a check will typically be issued within five to seven business days. The Executive Director will follow up with the school nurse or provider to ensure the check was received.
9. Can a public relations opportunity be created from an approved request?
Yes, if an opportunity arises, the Executive Director and the Foundation may coordinate public relations activities. This helps promote the Foundation within the community, increases awareness among school nurses about available funds, and supports the Foundation’s fundraising efforts. Consent from the school, parents, and relevant parties will be obtained before any public relations activities.
10. Will the AFCCA Foundation notify local funeral homes of approved requests?
Yes, local funeral homes may be notified to assist in creating public relations opportunities, such as personal presentations or media coverage, to increase community awareness of the Foundation’s work.
11. Can school nurses participate in AFCCA Foundation fundraising events?
School nurses are welcome to participate in Foundation fundraising events and may help promote these events within their networks, including the School Nurses Association, to further support the Foundation’s mission.
12. Is a thank-you note from the child or parent required?
A thank-you letter or card is not required but would be greatly appreciated. These acknowledgments help us share the impact of our work with others and support future fundraising efforts.