(Please note exceptions.)

Financial assistance may be provided for a North Carolina Pre-K through 12 public school student for the following once during a school year. Requests are considered on a case-by-case basis, therefore, there are times when exceptions are made.

• Eyeglasses –  We will ask the provider to work with us as a non-profit to offer the best cost-saving products available. We do not pay for non-medically required enhancements and we do not pay for two pair per student when there is a discount on the second pair unless total cost is under $100. We do not pay for eyeglasses when Medicaid will pay for them upon need. (Exceptions: when Medicaid-covered eyeglasses will be slow to process in times of end-of=grade and exam testing.) Walmart Vision Centers offer low-cost eyeglass options for children. Please help us by asking parents to choose low-cost providers. America’s Best, Target, and MyEyeDr are other low-cost options. Lens Crafters is on the more expensive end. *Please view our Children’s Fund Partners for more cost effective options in your area.
• Medicaid-Eligible Exceptions: We will consider eyeglasses for Medicaid-eligible students when the situation is urgent and on a case-by-case basis. (Example: student breaks or loses eyeglasses two weeks before EOG testing.)
• Eye Exams – We now pay for eye exams WHEN ONE IS REQUIRED.  Students on Medicaid should have a prescription on file if an eye exam was administered less than a year from request date. If the student has a prescription on file that is less than a year old, we will pay for a new exam only if it is documented medically necessary.
• Dental Expenses – Assistance may be provided  in emergency situations to alleviate pain caused by dental issues. Requests are considered on an individual basis and in consideration of our Children’s Fund budget once we receive an itemized cost summary from the provider.  Assistance typically covers extractions and anesthesia but funds are not available for routine dental exams, braces,, veneers, cosmetic, and measures to repair or save “baby” teeth. We do not pay for dental services that your local health department provides. Check with your health department about what they provide before submitting your request.

• Medical Equipment –  Only when it impacts their school attendance and performance – but not when the public school system is required to provide for the need. Please call or email if you have questions.
• Medical Expenses – Physicals, EC assessments, other situations that directly impact school attendance and performance.
• Prescriptions (30-day supply) – We will pay for one 30-day supply per student per academic year while waiting for Medicaid or other resources. We are unable to pay for ongoing prescriptions.
• Educational fees – We do NOT fund student and school fees that are required for all students in your school and when a fees waiver is available to families who cannot pay. We do not pay for fees that can be funded by PTA, PTO, other resources, or another budget within your school or school system.
• Learning devices – Hearing aids and visual aids are approved on a case-by-case basis.
• School supplies.
• Musical Instruments for Band classes.
• Food – ONLY when no other organization or food pantry is available.
• Other – If a student has a need that is not listed yet it is impacting school attendance and/or performance, please let us know. We will consider other needs on an individual basis and in consideration to our Children’s Fund budget.

PLEASE NOTE POLICIES BELOW:

• * Field Trip Fees – Educational Field Trip Applications are considered on an individual, student-by-student basis. NCFPSC does not fund field trips for large groups or entire classes. To submit an application please complete a Field Trip Request Form.  
• *Graduation Fees, Caps and Gowns:  Many graduation supply vendors will donate caps and gowns to students who cannot afford them if you make a request to the vendor. If you submit to us a request for caps and gowns, please email us a copy of your request to the vendor and the vendor’s response. We will pay for caps and gowns if your school administrator confirms no other resources are available and the student will NOT be allowed to participate in the graduation ceremony. We are unable to pay for graduation invitations.