People who have been diagnosed with cancer face a number of challenges when trying to manage working through treatment, returning to work or finding a job — even years after treatment. Our Professional Development Micro-Grant program offers cancer patients and survivors financial assistance (up to $1,000) for professional development opportunities that will enable them to enhance or build new skills.

What is “Professional Development”?

“Professional development” encompasses any type of course, training, conference, or coaching that is essential in order for a cancer survivor to advance in or maintain his/her current job, shift jobs, or look for a new opportunity, during or after cancer treatment.

Examples

Examples of the kinds of professional development that could be funded by a micro-grant include but are not limited to:

A one-on-one coaching session with a career coach to practice interviewing skills, for a survivor who is nervous about fielding questions regarding his/her diagnosis or who has not interviewed for a while.

An online course on social media, for a survivor who wants to change careers after his/her diagnosis but lacks the social media skills required to secure a position in that new industry.

Registration fees to attend an industry trade conference to learn about current products or services, for a survivor who may not be up to speed on industry essentials as a result of being in treatment.

A certification course that will enable a survivor to obtain or maintain a particular license that is required in order to keep his/her job or qualify for a promotion.

The Professional Development Micro-Grant program is currently closed. If you're in need of financial assistance, please visit our Financial Assistance Grants page to learn more about the program and see if you qualify to apply!

For advice on balancing work and cancer, visit our At Work and Looking for Work sections.