Best Grants for Multiple Sclerosis Patients in Connecticut

Targeted Request for Applications

Targeted Funding Opportunity:

The National MS Society is pleased to announce the opening of a request for applications (RFA). This opportunity will be administered through the FIRST-MS initiative. By supporting the development of innovative risk identification and screening technologies, FIRST-MS (Faster Identification, Recognition, and Screening for Timely MS Diagnosis) aims to enable earlier diagnosis, thereby shortening time to treatment, and improving long-term outcomes for people with MS.

This funding opportunity seeks innovative screening technologies that can identify individuals likely to have MS within populations already enriched for MS risk. The goal of this global initiative is to support development and validation of scalable, clinically practical, and economical screening approaches that can be used across a wide variety of healthcare settings (e.g., primary care, specialty care, or community-based settings). Successful technologies will improve the identification of individuals who should undergo comprehensive neurological evaluation for MS, ultimately accelerating time to diagnosis.

Up to 5 recipients will be awarded Screening Test Awards with up to $5 million (including indirect costs) over 4 years.

Targeted Request for Applications

Targeted Funding Opportunity:

The National MS Society is pleased to announce the opening of a request for applications (RFA). This opportunity will be administered through the FIRST-MS initiative. By supporting the development of innovative risk identification and screening technologies, FIRST-MS (Faster Identification, Recognition, and Screening for Timely MS Diagnosis) aims to enable earlier diagnosis, thereby shortening time to treatment, and improving long-term outcomes for people with MS.

This funding opportunity seeks innovative screening technologies that can identify individuals likely to have MS within populations already enriched for MS risk. The goal of this global initiative is to support development and validation of scalable, clinically practical, and economical screening approaches that can be used across a wide variety of healthcare settings (e.g., primary care, specialty care, or community-based settings). Successful technologies will improve the identification of individuals who should undergo comprehensive neurological evaluation for MS, ultimately accelerating time to diagnosis.

Up to 10 recipients will be awarded Planning Grants with up to $25,000 over 3 months.

About Patient Advocate Foundation

Patient Advocate Foundation is the nation’s most comprehensive nonprofit dedicated to helping patients navigate, access, and afford the care they need—while improving the healthcare system for all.

Who we are and our impact

Patient Advocate Foundation provides financial assistance to help patients afford treatment and cost of living needs, personalized case management to navigate complex healthcare and social needs challenges, and a wide array of resources to empower people to take charge of their health. Since our founding in 1996—and joining forces with the PAN Foundation in 2026—we have helped 3.8 million patients navigate and access care, granted over $7 billion in financial assistance, served 350,000 people through personalized case management and elevated the patient’s voice to drive improvements in the healthcare system.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) health equity

Help with healthcare costs for multiple sclerosis (health equity)

This TotalAssist fund helps you pay for out-of-pocket healthcare costs, including medication copays, coinsurance, and deductibles, health insurance premiums, and other expenses.

Health Equity Funds offer help to eligible patients living in areas identified as having increased social and financial needs, as well as higher rates of chronic conditions. Eligibility is determined in part by home address zip code. 

About the disease

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a potentially disabling disease of the central nervous system in which the insulating covers of the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord are damaged. MS is a chronic disease that affects the nervous system.

About Patient Advocate Foundation

Patient Advocate Foundation is the nation’s most comprehensive nonprofit dedicated to helping patients navigate, access, and afford the care they need—while improving the healthcare system for all.

Who we are and our impact

Patient Advocate Foundation provides financial assistance to help patients afford treatment and cost of living needs, personalized case management to navigate complex healthcare and social needs challenges, and a wide array of resources to empower people to take charge of their health. Since our founding in 1996—and joining forces with the PAN Foundation in 2026—we have helped 3.8 million patients navigate and access care, granted over $7 billion in financial assistance, served 350,000 people through personalized case management and elevated the patient’s voice to drive improvements in the healthcare system.

Multiple sclerosis (MS)

Help with healthcare costs for Multiple sclerosis (MS)

This TotalAssist fund helps you pay for out-of-pocket healthcare costs, including medication copays, coinsurance, and deductibles, health insurance premiums, and other expenses.

About the disease

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a potentially disabling disease of the central nervous system in which the insulating covers of the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord are damaged. MS is a chronic disease that affects the nervous system.

Individuals with multiple sclerosis seeking assistive technology to support daily living, mobility, communication, or home and vehicle modifications in Connecticut and nationwide can receive help through the Assistive Technology Program. Multiple Sclerosis Foundation may locate, partially fund, or fully fund devices that promote independence and participation in recreational, educational, and vocational activities.

Uninsured multiple sclerosis patients in Connecticut needing help with MS specialist or dental visits can receive support through the Healthcare Assistance Grant. With a mission to ease access to MS care, Multiple Sclerosis Foundation provides funding for one visit and one follow-up, paying providers directly after negotiating costs.

Individuals with a documented multiple sclerosis diagnosis in Connecticut can receive help covering reasonable paratransit fees and transportation to MS-related medical appointments. Focused on maintaining independence, Multiple Sclerosis Foundation partners with Lyft and Uber to fund rides to neurologist visits and infusion centers at no cost to the person with MS.

Students living with multiple sclerosis, or with a close family member affected by MS, can receive scholarship support for post-secondary education, including total cost of attendance, across the U.S. The Battle Creek Community Foundation’s Multiple Sclerosis Scholarship may benefit Connecticut residents pursuing higher education while managing this chronic illness.

Patients in Connecticut and across the U.S. needing help affording treatment for systemic sclerosis with interstitial lung disease can receive up to US $9,000 for prescription drug copays and Medicare Part B premiums. HealthWell Foundation bases eligibility on diagnosis, insurance coverage, and household income, supporting underinsured individuals managing serious chronic disease costs.

Postdoctoral researchers in multiple sclerosis can seek stipend-focused training support through fellowships at U.S. institutions, including those in Connecticut. With a mission to cure MS, National Multiple Sclerosis Society provides early-career M.D. and Ph.D. scientists with up to three years of mentored research training that advances its MS research priorities.

Postdoctoral researchers at U.S. institutions conducting multiple sclerosis research can apply for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s Career Transition Fellowships to support advanced training and an early faculty appointment. This five-year award backs MS-focused laboratory, clinical, or population studies, and may ultimately benefit multiple sclerosis patients in Connecticut and beyond.

Pediatric neurology physicians seeking advanced MS clinical training and planning to practice in the U.S., including Connecticut, can access this one-year clinical care fellowship supporting supervised pediatric multiple sclerosis and demyelinating disease care. Grants from National Multiple Sclerosis Society help multiple sclerosis programs build specialist capacity through multidisciplinary, mentored clinical experience. Award amount is US $75,000.

With a mission to advance multiple sclerosis care, National Multiple Sclerosis Society provides Connecticut medical professionals with a one-year clinical fellowship focused on specialized MS patient care. Board-eligible or certified neurologists and physiatrists in or beyond PGY3 can receive US $75,000 through their institution for supervised adult MS clinical training and multidisciplinary education in the U.S.

Medical institutions and MS clinical mentors in the U.S., including Connecticut, can apply for National Multiple Sclerosis Society funding to train postdoctoral neurologists and physiatrists in comprehensive MS care; awards approximately US $225,000. Programs must recruit and supervise fellows who will pursue MS-focused clinical careers and leadership roles in the MS community.

Physicians with an MD or equivalent, licensed to practice in the U.S. and pursuing MS-related specialties, can apply for National Multiple Sclerosis Society Sylvia Lawry Physician Fellowships, with awards up to US $225,000 for clinical trial training. Medical institutions in the U.S., including those in Connecticut, may sponsor fellows conducting multiple sclerosis clinical research and trials.

U.S. medical students who have completed at least one year of medical school can receive $5,000 for a four-week, full-time MS clinical mentorship at leading centers, including sites accessible from Connecticut. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society program offers hands-on exposure to MS diagnosis, comprehensive care, and multidisciplinary teams, encouraging future careers in MS care.

Early-career MS researchers at U.S. universities or research institutes can obtain five-year salary and research support for independent multiple sclerosis investigations. With a mission to cure MS, National Multiple Sclerosis Society provides Connecticut and other U.S. MS researchers with Harry Weaver Scholar Awards to advance projects aligned with its Pathways to Cures Roadmap.

With a mission to advance multiple sclerosis research, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society provides Connecticut clinicians and other U.S.-licensed physicians with support for three years of MS-focused research training. Post-residency M.D. or D.O. applicants must train under a U.S.-based mentor on projects tied to the Pathways to Cures Roadmap.

Organizations and institutions hosting medical congresses, events, or initiatives in Connecticut can seek sponsorship funding for multiple sclerosis and related neurological disease topics, receiving visibility and marketing benefits. Biogen Foundation provides support when tangible corporate benefits like exhibit space or recognition are offered and the opportunity is available to other sponsors.

The Hanger Foundation's Empowerment Grants aim to positively impact individuals with physical challenges by supporting 501(c)(3) organizations in the U.S. The foundation focuses on rehabilitation services, athletic programs, and social activities that empower those with limb loss or differences. Grants are available for one year and prioritize projects that engage communities and enhance the quality of life for those in need. Organizations are encouraged to apply for funding that directly supports these goals.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.