Helping People with Cancer

Why Pro Bono for Cancer?

Studies show that individuals with cancer often face “financial toxicity,” manifested by a mix of severe economic stress, depression and anxiety that can worsen the underlying health condition. Even with private health insurance or coverage through Medicare or Medicaid, families are at substantial risk of financial catastrophe. These families experience not only a major increase in daily expenses, but often a significant loss of income due to patients’ and their caregivers’ inability to maintain full-time work. We believe that financial planning can help.

Research shows that financial issues are the second most frequent source of distress identified by cancer patients.

37% cut back on groceries

36% deplete their savings

24% borrow against their retirements

86% of cancer survivors reporting serious financial burden had health insurance

Cancer patients are 2.65 times more likely to go bankrupt than people without cancer

Those experiencing bankruptcy are 80% more likely to die from any cause than others with cancer

How We Are Helping

By donating to FFP, you are helping expand our pro bono efforts for families affected by a serious cancer diagnosis. Over the next several years, FFP will continue to award strategic grants focused on addressing the financial toxicity of cancer. Our goal is to test, refine and grow outstanding program models so that this work can be replicated and scaled, eventually helping thousands of families across the country.

Funding for our Cancer Program will help cover:

Grants to great nonprofits administering pro bono financial planning programs for cancer patients.
The recruitment of Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) professionals to provide their services, pro bono, to patients and their families, helping them plan for anticipated expenses, loss of income and more.
A specialized online training program to educate volunteer financial planners on the unique financial and other challenges faced by cancer patients.
Research and evaluation activities that will measure the impact of pro bono financial planning on the lives and financial health of families, enabling us and our partners to finetune programs for maximum effectiveness.
Ongoing programmatic support of the various FFP-funded programs around the country.

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Current Grantees

Angel Foundation™ – Mendota Heights, MN

Angel Foundation’s Financial Cancer Care program works to disrupt cancer-related financial toxicity in the Twin Cities by connecting cancer patients and their families with both a licensed social worker and a pro bono CFP® professional. Before engaging in one-on-one financial planning, patients participate in a financial and health workshop that helps them understand insurance benefits, interpret medical bills, estimate out-of-pocket costs, and prepare for conversations about their finances. This coordinated model ensures patients receive both emotional support and practical financial guidance during treatment.

CancerLINC – Richmond, VA

CancerLINC provides free legal, financial, and care coordination services to cancer patients and families navigating the complex challenges that arise during treatment. With support from the Foundation for Financial Planning, CancerLINC connects patients to pro bono CFP® professionals who provide personalized financial guidance on budgeting, debt management, insurance navigation, and medical expenses. This integrated approach helps reduce cancer-related financial toxicity and supports patients in maintaining financial stability while focusing on their health and recovery.

Triage Cancer – Chicago, IL

Triage Cancer’s Legal & Financial Navigation Program provides free resources and education addressing the legal, financial, and practical issues that arise after a cancer diagnosis. In 2026, Triage Cancer is expanding its impact by connecting patients and caregivers with pro bono CFP® professionals. These financial planners complement Triage Cancer’s legal services by helping individuals manage treatment-related costs, navigate financial decisions, and reduce cancer-related financial toxicity—supporting greater stability and quality of life during medical care.

Our Impact

Victoria’s Story

Pro Bono Client

“My planner met me where I was in my financial journey, and it was all judgement-free.”