Best Grants for Multiple Sclerosis Patients in Hawaii

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, or communication can apply for funding through the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation’s Assistive Technology Program, available in Hawaii and nationwide. Grants may locate, partially fund, or fully fund devices such as home or vehicle modifications, environmental controls, computer aids, and other adaptive equipment.

Uninsured individuals with multiple sclerosis in Hawaii can receive help covering one specialist visit and one follow-up, including dental care needs. With a mission to support MS patients’ access to care, Multiple Sclerosis Foundation provides direct payment to providers after negotiating costs, helping patients renew prescriptions and address other essential health concerns.

Individuals with a documented multiple sclerosis diagnosis in Hawaii can receive help covering reasonable paratransit fees and transportation to MS medical appointments. Focused on multiple sclerosis care, Multiple Sclerosis Foundation offers rides via Lyft or Uber to neurologist visits and infusion centers at no cost to the person with MS.

Students affected by multiple sclerosis pursuing post-secondary education can apply for the Multiple Sclerosis Scholarship, which supports higher education costs, including books, fees, equipment, and sometimes childcare or transportation. Offered by Battle Creek Community Foundation, this opportunity may benefit Hawaii residents with MS or close family members living with MS who study at eligible institutions.

Patients in Hawaii with systemic sclerosis with interstitial lung disease who are underinsured can receive up to US $9,000 to offset prescription drug copays and Medicare Part B insurance premiums. The HealthWell Foundation supports access to essential treatments, which may benefit multiple sclerosis patients facing similar financial and care challenges.

Postdoctoral researchers focusing on multiple sclerosis can receive stipend-based training support in U.S. institutions, including Hawaii, for fundamental or applied MS research. With a mission to cure MS, National Multiple Sclerosis Society provides early-career scientists with up to three years of mentored research training that advances its Pathways to Cures priorities.

Postdoctoral researchers in multiple sclerosis can apply for National Multiple Sclerosis Society Career Transition Fellowships to support MS-related research, including work based in Hawaii. This five-year award funds advanced postdoctoral MS research training and then supports the first three years of an independent faculty appointment at an academic, government, or nonprofit research institution.

Grants support medical institutions training neurologists or physiatrists in pediatric multiple sclerosis clinical care, with fellows expected to establish MS practices in the U.S., including Hawaii. Grants from National Multiple Sclerosis Society help Hawaii multiple sclerosis programs build specialized pediatric clinical capacity through a one-year, supervised MS Clinical Care Physician Fellowship focused on comprehensive, multidisciplinary patient care.

With a mission to advance multiple sclerosis care, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society provides Hawaii medical education and professional training programs with US $75,000 clinical fellowships. Board-eligible or certified neurologists and physiatrists in U.S. residencies can pursue a one-year, MS-focused clinical care fellowship, particularly those planning to serve under-resourced or rural populations.

Medical institutions and MS clinical programs in the U.S., including Hawaii, can apply for National Multiple Sclerosis Society funding to train neurologists and physiatrists in comprehensive MS care; awards approximately US $225,000 for mentored postdoctoral clinician fellowships. Eligible fellows must be U.S.-licensed MDs/DOs with completed neurology or physiatry residencies planning to practice in the U.S.

U.S.-licensed physicians and final-year residents in MS-related specialties can apply for National Multiple Sclerosis Society Sylvia Lawry Physician Fellowships, awarding up to US $225,000 for advanced clinical trial training in multiple sclerosis. Medical institutions in the United States, including those serving Hawaii patients, must host the fellow and provide active MS clinical research and formal coursework.

Medical students interested in multiple sclerosis care can receive $5,000 for a four-week full-time clinical mentorship at leading MS centers across the U.S., including options relevant to Hawaii applicants. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society program is open to U.S. citizens or permanent residents who have completed at least one year of medical school.

Early-career MS researchers with doctoral degrees and assistant professor–level appointments at U.S. institutions can secure five years of salary and research support for multiple sclerosis investigations through the Harry Weaver Scholar Awards. With a mission to cure MS, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society provides funding for laboratory, clinical, population-based, and data-intensive studies, including work benefiting patients in Hawaii.

Post-residency clinicians licensed to practice medicine in the U.S. and conducting MS clinical research training in Hawaii or elsewhere can seek support for three years of mentored research. With a mission to advance multiple sclerosis research, National Multiple Sclerosis Society provides Hawaii MS-focused clinicians with funding to develop academic research careers addressing progression, restoration of function, and prevention.

Organizations planning multiple sclerosis or neurology-related congresses, events, or initiatives in Hawaii can seek sponsorship funding that provides Biogen with reasonable marketing or recognition benefits. Biogen Foundation considers a wide range of neurological and related disease areas, and decisions depend on event details, alignment with interests, funding availability, and the event’s geographic location.

Nonprofits and public institutions expanding proven paralysis programs in Hawaii and across the U.S. can apply for Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation’s Expanded Impact Quality of Life grants, with awards up to US $100,000. Projects must significantly scale evidence-based services for people with paralysis, including those with multiple sclerosis, and their families and caregivers.

The Quality of Life Grants Program, managed by the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, provides funding of up to $25,000 for projects that support individuals living with paralysis. This program emphasizes community engagement and health promotion in all U.S. states and territories. It focuses on funding initiatives that directly impact those affected by various conditions, such as spinal cord injuries and multiple sclerosis, fostering inclusion and well-being.

The National MS Society offers annual Research Grants for investigator-initiated proposals addressing key research questions from the Pathways to MS Cures Roadmap. These grants support diverse studies, including clinical and nonclinical research aimed at stopping MS disease activity, restoring function, and preventing new cases. Eligible applicants must hold an M.D. or Ph.D. and demonstrate relevance to the Society's research priorities. This funding opportunity promotes collaboration and focuses on underserved MS populations.

The Quality of Life Grants Program, established by the Dana Reeve Foundation, aims to enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families by funding nonprofit organizations. Priority Impact Grants - Tier 2 provide support for critical issues affecting those with paralysis, with grants ranging from $25,000 to $30,000. These grants focus on improving access, independence, and community engagement through innovative programs, including assistive technology, disaster preparedness, and respite services.

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 Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

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 Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

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.