Frequently Asked Questions

How does Baby Quest distribute IVF funding? How can I receive infertility financing? What is an IVF Grant?

Look below for answers to these and other questions about Baby Quest and how you can receive financial help for infertility.

Must both partners be U.S. citizens?

Applicants must be permanent residents of the United States (U.S.) and must be treated by a Reproductive Endocrinologist and Infertility Specialist (REI) in the United States at an accredited fertility facility.

What is Baby Quest?

Baby Quest is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to helping couples and/or individuals build families through advanced fertility treatments such as IVF, egg and sperm donation, embryo donation, and gestational surrogacy.

How often is the grant awarded?

Our goal is to disburse grants two times yearly, based upon availability of funds. We do NOT distribute grants at any other time during the year other than immediately after the grant deadlines.

How many grants are awarded?

The number and amount of each grant will vary based upon availability of funds. The grants will be awarded approximately four weeks after the application deadline. We notify applicants via email. Please make sure to check for our emails so they do not go into a Spam file.

How will the grant monies be distributed?

Baby Quest will send the grant directly to the recipient’s fertility clinic, surrogacy agency, genetic laboratory, etc. We do NOT send funds directly to recipients.

What costs are actually covered by the grant?

The grant can be used to cover any expenses associated with assisted reproduction such as  IVF, egg and sperm donation, egg freezing, and surrogacy.

Clients who have medical insurance coverage for the various fertility treatments or medicines will be required to submit all medical claims to their provider first.

Does the grant cover fertility medication?

Payment for the fertility medication may be included in the grant only if the applicant’s insurance provider does not cover this cost. Payment is made directly to the pharmacy.

How quickly must the grant be used?

Once approved for the grant, arrangements for use must be made within 3 months or the grant can be withdrawn.

Is there an age limit?

Female applicants for IVF grant cycles should be 40 or under.

However, we assess each case on an individual basis and take into account the recommendation of the physician.

For those using donor eggs, age limit OFTEN does not apply. However, in accordance with standards set by the Society of Reproductive Specialists, we accept no applications from those 55 or over. The risks of pregnancy at an advanced maternal age must be assessed on an individual basis by the patient’s physician. Decisions are subjective and difficult due to the number of applicants.

 

Do you award grants to those with children?

Yes, but the selection process STRONGLY favors first time parents.

How much does IVF cost?

The cost of any infertility treatment such as IVF can vary greatly from one clinic to the next.

In general, IVF costs can range from $10,000 to at least $15,000 plus medications.

This does not cover additional procedures that might be necessary such as genetic screening of embryos.

What is the cost of fertility treatments such as egg donation, artificial insemination, and surrogacy?

As with in vitro fertilization, costs of fertility treatments can vary greatly.

In general, a one-time IUI (artificial insemination) can be as low as $500. However, this is a procedure that often needs repeating numerous times and the resulting cost can be as high as $5,000.

(Baby Quest does NOT fund IUI’s).

Egg donation can start at $10,000, but, again, there is a wide range of costs, depending upon the clinic and donor selected.

Surrogacy fees can be as high as $140,000 when including an agency fee, lawyers’ fees, surrogacy payment, and medical costs.

Unfortunately, the cost of fertility treatments is steep.

Is there an annual minimum or maximum income for a grant applicant?

No. The cost of living in different areas of the United States varies so drastically, no specific income figure is relevant for all people.

In all cases, tax returns and pertinent information must reflect an ability to support a child financially.

Do I have to have medical insurance coverage?

Applicants must provide proof of medical insurance. However, many providers do not cover fertility treatments.

You must provide proof of medical insurance (other than fertility coverage) to qualify for a grant.

Do I need to provide a physician's written recommendation?

Yes, the Medical Evaluation portion included in the application MUST be completed by the reproductive specialist who will be performing the procedure.

This is the only way in which we can confirm costs.

When will I hear about my application for a grant?

We  award grants approximately four to six weeks after the application deadlines.

If, at any time, you have questions about the status of your application, please do not hesitate to email us. Unfortunately, other than confirming receipt of the paperwork, we can provide little updates during our deliberation time.

Who chooses the grant recipients?

The grant recipients will be chosen by a committee composed of fertility specialists, financial advisers, surrogacy attorneys, clinical psychologists, and others who have personally dealt with infertility.

Can I apply more than once?

Applicants may apply two (2) times.  A $75 fee is required with each application. Because medical circumstances can change monthly, applicants must submit a new form for each round of consideration.

Does Baby Quest reimburse applicants for procedures already performed?

No, Baby Quest will not cover expenses that have already been incurred or are already scheduled.

Is the Baby Quest staff knowledgeable in infertility issues?

Baby Quest staff members have personally dealt with infertility issues, and have accumulated vast knowledge in those issues.   

Am I obligated to raise funds for Baby Quest?

There is no fundraising obligation for applicants or recipients. However, we require recipients to be open about their infertility and share their story publicly.

Grant recipients must sign a media release, agreeing to do interviews if/when they occur.

Where can I learn more about infertility?

This website contains information that might be helpful: http://www.reproductivefacts.org/

Are all grants the same amount?

Grants vary in amount because of the difference in funds needed. Some awards include complimentary or discounted medications along with payment of clinic fees. Each grant is based upon need. We attempt to “fill the gap” between what is required and what the applicant can contribute.