Brave of Heart Fund opens Phase II grant applications.

The Brave of Heart Fund is now accepting applications for Phase II grants. Affected families may apply for financial support of up to $60,000 per family impacted, in addition to the earlier-launched Phase I grant program offering grants of $15,000 to assist with immediate expenses. These Phase II charitable grant dollars will support the long-term needs of families, such as medical care and counseling, housing, food, transportation and educational needs of family members.

The Brave of Heart Fund was co-founded in April 2020 by the Foundations of New York Life and Cigna alongside charitable partner E4E Relief. The Foundations of New York Life and Cigna each seeded the Brave of Heart Fund with $25 million, with the goal of growing it to $100 million through support from other corporations and individuals. New York Life Foundation is also matching gifts from individuals, dollar-for-dollar, up to an additional $25 million.

"The generosity of the Brave of Heart Fund during what has been the toughest time of my life has made such a difference. I am so grateful to everyone who found it in the goodness of their hearts to think of the families of the heroes who gave the ultimate sacrifice caring for their fellow humans during these unprecedented times."- John Varkey. 

The Fund began disbursing charitable funds in May, supporting more than 100 families with $15,000 towards immediate expenses, and continues to accept applications for grants to support eligible family members of frontline healthcare workers and volunteers who lose their lives to COVID-19 while caring for others. The Fund will now award up to an additional $60,000 per family for long-term needs. Families are able to apply for both short and long-term grants. To date, the Fund has received applications from impacted families across 19 states seeking support.

In a press release issued by E4E Relief, John Varkey, who recently lost his wife, Aleyamma John, a longtime Queens Hospital Center nurse, to COVID-19, said: “The generosity of the Brave of Heart Fund during what has been the toughest time of my life has made such a difference. I am so grateful to everyone who found it in the goodness of their hearts to think of the families of the heroes who gave the ultimate sacrifice caring for their fellow humans during these unprecedented times."

If you are a family member of a healthcare worker or volunteer who has passed due to COVID-19, find out if you are eligible for support here.

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