The Sanborn Foundation - Providing financial assistance to Arlington MA residents affected by cancer since 1998

How can the Sanborn Foundation help me?

The Sanborn Foundation helps Arlington Massachusetts residents pay for expenses related to their cancer care and treatment. Since its inception, the Foundation has granted over $5,000,000 and helped hundreds of your friends and neighbors.

Do I qualify?

If you are an Arlington Massachusetts resident and have a letter from your medical provider verifying a cancer diagnosis, you are eligible to apply for a grant.

If you have additional questions, please review our frequently asked questions page or contact us for more information.

Do you provide transportation assistance?

Funded by a grant from the Sanborn Foundation, the Arlington Council on Aging Transportation Program provides rides for Sanborn recipients of any age to cancer-related medical appointments.

Learn more about arranging for a ride or escort to your medical appointments.

Recipient Stories

Soon after she was diagnosed with breast cancer, Amy Yelin learned about Sanborn from another Thompson School mom. Sanborn's support has included all of Amy's out-of-pocket expenses and co-pays, wigs and supplies related to lymphedema.

How do I apply?

The Sanborn Foundation uses an easy, online program to process applications and maintain individual recipient accounts.

If you need assistance, please contact our Outreach Coordinator, Sheelah Ward at 781-859-6079. Or, if you’re ready to apply now, click the button below:

Apply Online

Testimonials

I was blind-sided by a diagnosis with a malignant tumor in my colon which spread to my liver. Immediately, my family and friends and healthcare team shared various resources that help people in situations like mine. Yet, without a doubt, the Sanborn Foundation tops this list. By far. This hidden gem of a foundation treated me—and still treats me—with dignity and supports my healing process above and beyond what I could ever imagine. I received a very generous grant from the Sanborn Foundation for my medical needs and an added stipend to be used for integrative therapies…I consider the Sanborn Foundation to be one of the gifts received as to why I am healing so well. From the bottom of my healing heart, “thank you.”

We are so grateful to the Sanborn Foundation for all of your help during my dad’s final months. Because of you, we were able to keep my parents together during this time. You have a wonderful organization and we will be forever thankful.

Being awarded a grant took the weight of worry about financing my husbands care off of my shoulders. Thank you for the work you do and the care you show when you do it.

Thank you! Thank you! I passed the Sanborn information along to a friend and within two days they were approved and a huge bill was handled. The immediate relief and kindness that was provided to the family is amazing. I’m so grateful.

I would like to thank you for all that you do for all Arlington residents, it truly is an amazing asset in our community. It takes a village to heal and the Sanborn’s assistance is invaluable to its beneficiaries trying to do so. The funds from Sanborn feel like a warm hug and provide a silver living and hope in an otherwise unfortunate situation.

There really are no words to express our tremendous appreciation to you and your team and to the incredible generosity of Mr. George Sanborn. I read from your site that he originally wanted to build a hospital in Arlington. If he only knew the impact he has had. If I ever had another child – which I won’t – I’d name the baby George!

I can’t say enough laudatory things about the Sanborn Foundation. Knowing that the cabs will get me to and from my lengthy appointments in Boston is reassuring—one less concern during treatments. Without the Foundation’s support, [staff’s] kindness and ride-arranging, and the drivers, keeping my appointments wouldn’t be possible. I am grateful for the program and their help.

Wow, it is so amazing and kind of the foundation to approve my grant. This will be so tremendously helpful- can’t even express how helpful…and it just fills my heart with appreciation and gratitude (sounds corny but true!)

Thank you again, Sanborn. Every time we tell a family member how amazing your foundation is their jaws just drop! We are so grateful for all the help you provide.

I still feel as if I’m waking up from a dream after talking with you (Sanborn Outreach Coordinator) yesterday. My husband and I are absolutely floored at the kindness and generosity of your organization. From the bottom of our hearts – thank you.

Providing financial assistance to Arlington residents affected by cancer since 1998