GABR Financial Assistance Criteria

UPCOMING CHANGES

 

Beginning in 2023, GABR’s mission will expand to support the health and well-being of all kids across the region. The event itself will not change, but funds raised will directly support Sanford Children’s Hospital and clinics across the Bismarck region, along with treatment-related assistance for qualifying patients. 

Please be aware that this transition will necessitate changes to GABR criteria and available assistance:

2023

WHAT WILL CHANGE

 

Funds raised for the 2023 GABR event will benefit more kids than before.

 

Beginning in January 2023, gifts for GABR will help care for all kids who count on Sanford Children’s Hospital and clinics in Bismarck. 100% of every dollar will stay local to support:

 

  • Programs and services like Child Life
  • Lifesaving medical equipment
  • Specialized staff education and training
  • Direct assistance for qualifying Sanford Children’s patients to help their families with treatment-related expenses like lodging, travel and more
  • Direct assistance for qualifying local kids with cerebral palsy through the GABR Legacy Fund, which helps with essential equipment, home and vehicle modifications and other needs not covered by insurance

 

WHAT WILL NOT CHANGE

 

Donor intent will be honored, as always.

 

Every dollar raised prior to 2023 will honor the intention and expectation of donors by supporting local children with cerebral palsy and related conditions. Any remaining balance after meeting children’s needs will benefit Sanford Children’s Therapies, as previously communicated.

 

Eligibility criteria will remain unaffected.

 

Through 2023, existing GABR funds will be available under the unchanged GABR criteria with a maximum per patient of $12,000. Expenses within six months from the application deadline will be considered.

2024

WHAT WILL CHANGE

 

Assistance eligibility and availability will change to help more kids.

 

Beginning in 2024, eligible applicants may receive up to $1,500 in annual assistance. New criteria is being developed, but will require applicants:

 

  • Be a Sanford Health Bismarck region patient
  • Be under 18 years of age
  • Meet financial eligibility
  • Exhaust all other funding options

 

WHAT WILL NOT CHANGE

 

Local children with cerebral palsy will remain a priority.

 

Annually, up to $50,000 will be earmarked through the GABR Legacy Fund to provide qualifying individuals with up to $10,000 to help with high-cost needs such as specialized equipment and home and/or vehicle modifications. Applications will be considered each year in September with a deadline of August 31. More details to come.

If you have any concerns about the impact of this transition on you or your family, please contact us. You can also find a full list of community assistance resources here.  

Thank you for understanding the need to reimagine GABR’s mission so that we can help as many local kids and families as possible.