Our Mission

About one in six couples has difficulty having a child without medical intervention. If you or someone you love has had difficulty conceiving, you are not alone.

Thanks to advances in medical science, many couples and individuals who were unable to conceive naturally have been helped through Invitro Fertilization (IVF). For too many, the costs of IVF often put the procedure beyond reach. 

The Jaclyn and Evan Williams Fertility Fund, the first of its kind offered through the Summa Health Women’s Institute, provides grants for IVF procedures with genetic testing, helping people achieve their dreams of having a family. 

Application Guidelines 

Couples or individuals in need may apply for the grant by first scheduling an appointment with one of our specialists. Then you will apply through our online application. A selection committee consisting of Summa Health Women’s Institute leaders and other clinical members will review grant requests and award funding to select applicants. Applicants who are selected will receive up to $25,000 of non-covered and out-of-pocket expenses.

Clinical Criteria

Applicants must meet the following clinical criteria and provide verification from the referring physician via a signed medical form:

1. At the time of application, the patient must be 40 years or younger, treating for infertility and whose next step is IVF. If the applicant is using donor eggs, they may be 42 years old or younger.
2. Body mass index (BMI) must be less than 40 and patient must be in good health overall.
3. Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) must be greater than 1 (unless using donor eggs).
4. Patients must reside in one of the following Northeast Ohio Counties: Ashland, Ashtabula, Carroll, Columbiana, Coshocton, Cuyahoga, Erie, Geauga, Harrison, Holmes, Huron, Jefferson, Lake, Lorain, Mahoning, Medina, Portage, Richland, Stark, Summit, Trumbull, Tuscarawas or Wayne.
5. Patients must be willing to fertilize all eggs and cryopreserve all embryos.
6. Patients must be willing to do preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies (PGT-A or PGT-M).
7. PGT-M cases are not excluded, but any chronic diseases must be under control.
8. Patients can have partial fertility coverage and still qualify but should be able to show a need for financial assistance.
9. Grants will be considered only for patients utilizing services at Summa Health.
10. Applicants not selected are able to resubmit during another grant cycle, not to exceed more than two attempts.

Next Steps 

If you meet the eligibility guidelines, please complete the online application. Our selection committee will review your application, make a final decision and notify recipients.  

Information and Forms Required for the Application

• Physician clinical form from the referring specialist that includes the medical criteria listed above
• Clinical application form filled out by the applying patient
• Current employment information, recent W-2(s), 1040 for individual or couple applying
• Medical insurance information for the individual or couple applying
• Financial information including: annual household income, monthly household expenses and retirement plans 

Application Deadlines

Grant requests will be reviewed and awarded quarterly. Please submit your application within one of the application window stated below for consideration.