Program Overview
The Ari Foss Foundation was created to help parents and families with financial assistance for cremations or funerals when there is a stillbirth (intrauterine fetal demise 20+ weeks) or neonatal demise.
Currently, we only provide financial assistance to South Carolina residents when the cremation/funeral services are provided within South Carolina except when there is a referral from the MUSC Palliative Care Program or Roper St. Francis Healthcare.
“Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world.“
Howard Zinn
The Breakdown
Assistance Amounts
For Cremations up to $500:
- For the cremation and/or other professional services (including, but not limited to cremation, paperwork fees, urn or other cremation container and professional services).
- For the remembrance jewelry/merchandise, similar items or additional money for a specialty urn.
For Funerals up to $1,200:
- For the burial (including, but not limited to, gravesite purchase, opening/closing gravesite, funeral home and professional services)
- For the casket (including, but not limited to, casket, transportation of casket (hearse) and professional services)
- For the headstone
Program Process
Here’s how the Ari Foss Foundation’s Cremation and Funeral Financial Assistance Program works—from application to support.
Step 1
Parent(s) submit the completed Financial Assistance form (referrals from MUSC can use the shortened form) within 30 days of fetal or neonatal demise.
Step 2
AFF reviews the form.
Step 3
AFF notifies the Parent(s) of the request submission status.
Step 4
If approved, the Parent(s) notifies AFF which facility/service providers they intend to use, so AFF can have the provider complete our Vendor form and notify the provider of how much financial assistance AFF will pay.
Step 5
The Parent(s) must send invoices to AFF via email within 30 days of approval for payment.
Step 6
AFF pays the facility/service provider directly after the services are provided/completed.
Submit a Funding Request.
Are you looking to submit a funding request? Whether you’re filling out the form for yourself, a loved one, a patient, or someone in your care—we’re here for you. The Ari Foss Foundation is committed to helping families navigate the unthinkable with compassion and dignity. If you or someone you know has experienced a stillbirth or neonatal loss, we encourage you to reach out.
The process is simple, and we’re here to help every step of the way. You are not alone—and your story matters. Click the button below to be redirected to our Financial Assistance Request Form and take the first step toward receiving support and care.