Best Grants for Multiple Sclerosis Patients in California

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

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 devices in California can receive funding support for equipment that increases independence and daily functioning. Multiple Sclerosis Foundation’s Assistive Technology Program may locate, partially fund, or fully fund items like mobility devices, communication aids, computer aids, and home or vehicle modifications for eligible MS patients across the U.S., including California.

Individuals diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in California who are uninsured and need help accessing MS specialist or dental visits may be eligible for this healthcare assistance grant. With a mission to support MS patients, Multiple Sclerosis Foundation provides payment directly to providers for one visit and one follow-up after negotiating costs.

Individuals with a documented multiple sclerosis diagnosis in California can receive help covering paratransit costs and transportation to MS-related medical appointments. Focused on maintaining independence, the 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 costs beyond tuition. The Battle Creek Community Foundation’s Multiple Sclerosis Scholarship may benefit California residents who meet these MS-related criteria and are pursuing higher education or training at an eligible institution.

Patients in California 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 premiums. HealthWell Foundation supports access to covered treatments, and multiple sclerosis patients with overlapping needs may be eligible if they meet the fund’s medical, insurance, and income criteria.

Early-career postdoctoral researchers focused on multiple sclerosis can receive stipend support for research training at U.S. institutions, including California, through fellowships from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Projects must relate to the Society’s MS research priorities and Pathways to Cures Roadmap, and aim to build independent MS research careers over up to three years.

Postdoctoral researchers at U.S. academic, government, or nonprofit institutions conducting multiple sclerosis research can apply for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s Career Transition Fellowships. This five-year award supports advanced postdoctoral MS research training and early faculty-stage research, and California-based investigators or institutions may be eligible if they meet the training and appointment requirements.

Grants from National Multiple Sclerosis Society help California medical professionals expand pediatric multiple sclerosis clinical care skills through a one-year post-residency fellowship. Board-eligible or certified neurologists or physiatrists receive US $75,000 for supervised MS and demyelinating disease patient care, multidisciplinary team participation, and didactic activities, with an expectation to establish or join a U.S. MS clinical practice.

With a mission to advance multiple sclerosis care, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society provides California medical education and professional training programs with US $75,000 clinical fellowships for post-residency neurologists or physiatrists. Eligible U.S.-trained residents arrange a mentor and institution to gain intensive, supervised MS clinical experience serving adult patients, including under-resourced or rural populations.

Medical institutions and mentors training neurologists or physiatrists in comprehensive multiple sclerosis care can apply for National Multiple Sclerosis Society support; awards are approximately US $225,000. This U.S.-based fellowship funds mentor-institution programs that recruit and train postdoctoral fellows to build MS-focused clinical careers, which may benefit California MS care settings and patient services.

Physicians with an MD or equivalent, licensed in the U.S. and training in MS-related specialties, can apply for National Multiple Sclerosis Society Sylvia Lawry Physician Fellowships, awarding up to US $225,000 for clinical trial training in multiple sclerosis. California medical institutions conducting MS trials may host fellows serving MS patients through advanced research.

Medical students interested in multiple sclerosis care can receive US $5,000 for a four-week, full-time clinical mentorship at leading MS centers across the U.S., including sites accessible from California. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society program immerses students in MS diagnosis and comprehensive management, which may ultimately benefit MS patients they go on to serve.

Early-career MS researchers at U.S. universities or research institutes who hold an MD, PhD, or equivalent and are starting independent programs can receive five-year salary and research support through the Harry Weaver Scholar Awards. With a mission to cure MS, National Multiple Sclerosis Society funds laboratory, clinical, and population-based studies that may benefit patients in California and beyond.

Post-residency clinicians pursuing multiple sclerosis research training in California can receive three years of support through the Clinician Scientist Development Awards. With a mission to advance MS research, National Multiple Sclerosis Society provides U.S.-licensed M.D. or D.O. clinicians with mentored academic research training focused on stopping disease progression, restoring function, or preventing MS.

Organizations and institutions hosting multiple sclerosis or neurology-related congresses and events in California can seek corporate sponsorship funding that offers Biogen tangible benefits like exhibits, banners, or marketing visibility. Biogen Foundation provides California health and research organizations with support for disease-focused events across MS and related neurological areas, subject to alignment with its interests and standard sponsorship criteria.

U.S.-based nonprofits, governments, schools, tribal entities, and similar institutions expanding proven programs for people living with paralysis can receive up to US $100,000 to scale their impact, including in California. The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation supports evidence-based projects, and prior Quality of Life grantees serving multiple sclerosis patients may be especially competitive.

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.