Fertility Resources
Navigating the path to parenthood can be complex and emotionally taxing. We've compiled a comprehensive guide to national organizations, financial aid programs, and emotional support networks — along with practical advice on how to evaluate and use them.
How to navigate fertility resources
The fertility resource landscape can feel overwhelming. There are hundreds of organizations, foundations, and programs — some genuinely helpful, others predatory. Before diving into applications and support groups, it helps to understand what to look for and what to avoid. A credible organization will always be transparent about who funds them, will never guarantee specific outcomes, and will not charge patients fees to access basic educational content or support group meetings. Watch out for programs that require large upfront "application fees" or that steer you toward specific clinics without disclosing financial relationships.
When evaluating a fertility nonprofit, check whether they have 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status (which means their finances are publicly auditable), read their annual reports if available, and look for patient testimonials from people who have actually received grants or services. Organizations listed on this page have been vetted by our team — but we still encourage you to do your own due diligence, especially before sharing personal medical or financial information.
Financial aid for fertility treatment works differently than most other forms of medical assistance. There is no single federal program for infertility like there is for cancer or diabetes. Instead, funding comes from a patchwork of private foundations, pharmaceutical discount programs, clinic-specific scholarship funds, and state-mandated insurance coverage. Most grants require a diagnosed fertility condition, a letter from your reproductive endocrinologist, and a financial disclosure form. Application cycles vary — some are quarterly, some annual, and some accept rolling applications. Applying to multiple programs simultaneously is not only acceptable, it is strongly recommended, because acceptance rates for any single program can be as low as 5–10%.
National Organizations
Leading organizations providing advocacy, education, clinical guidelines, and direct patient support at a national level.
- RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association
RESOLVE has been the leading patient advocacy organization for infertility since 1974. They provide a free HelpLine, host an annual Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill, run a nationwide network of peer-led support groups, and maintain one of the largest libraries of fertility educational content online. Their annual Night of Hope gala raises funds for grants and legislative efforts.
Best for: Anyone beginning their fertility journey who wants both emotional support and a strong advocacy voice pushing for better insurance coverage nationwide.
- ASRM: American Society for Reproductive Medicine
ASRM is the primary professional organization for fertility doctors, embryologists, and researchers in the United States. They publish clinical practice guidelines that most clinics follow, run the largest annual fertility medicine conference, and maintain patient-facing fact sheets that translate complex reproductive science into plain language. Their Ethics Committee opinions shape industry standards on topics from embryo disposition to egg freezing age limits.
Best for: Patients who want to understand the medical evidence behind their treatment plan, or who need to verify that their clinic follows current clinical guidelines.
- Family Equality (LGBTQ+ Family Building)
Family Equality is the only national organization exclusively focused on ensuring that LGBTQ+ families can form, thrive, and be recognized. They provide family-building resource guides for same-sex couples, transgender individuals, and nonbinary parents. They also lead policy work to prevent discrimination in adoption, foster care, and assisted reproduction access across all 50 states.
Best for: LGBTQ+ individuals and couples exploring any path to parenthood who need guidance on navigating legal complexities, finding affirming providers, and understanding state-specific protections.
- SART: Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology
SART is the primary organization that collects and publishes IVF success rate data for virtually every fertility clinic in the country. Their online Patient Predictor Tool lets you estimate your personal probability of success based on age, diagnosis, and treatment history. Every clinic report you see on the CDC website originates from SART's data collection system, and their accreditation program sets lab quality standards.
Best for: Anyone comparing fertility clinics who wants transparent, verified success rate data rather than marketing claims.
- Planned Parenthood — Fertility Services
While best known for contraceptive care, many Planned Parenthood health centers offer fertility awareness education, basic fertility testing (such as hormone panels and semen analyses), and referrals to reproductive endocrinologists. Their sliding-scale fee structure makes initial fertility workups accessible to patients without insurance or with high deductibles.
Best for: Patients in the early diagnostic phase who need affordable initial testing, or those in rural areas with limited access to fertility specialists.
- The National Infertility Association (Fertility Within Reach)
Fertility Within Reach focuses specifically on reducing the financial barriers to fertility treatment through advocacy, education, and direct financial assistance. They maintain a state-by-state database of insurance mandates and publish guides to help patients maximize their existing coverage. Their annual grant program provides direct funding for IVF medications, which are often the single largest out-of-pocket expense.
Best for: Patients who have some insurance coverage but face significant gaps, particularly around medication costs or lifetime dollar caps.
Financial Aid & Grants
Foundations and programs that offer grants, discounted treatment, and financial assistance to reduce the cost of fertility care.
- Baby Quest Foundation
Baby Quest provides grants for IVF, gestational surrogacy, egg and sperm donation, egg freezing, and embryo donation. Their grants typically range from $2,000 to $16,000 and are awarded quarterly. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, have a medical referral, and submit a personal essay. The application is free to submit, and there are no restrictions based on marital status, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
Grant range: $2,000–$16,000Eligibility: U.S. residents with a documented infertility diagnosis, demonstrated financial need, and a letter from a reproductive endocrinologist. No age cap is stated, but the medical letter must confirm candidacy for treatment. - The Tinina Q. Cade Foundation
The Cade Foundation was established in memory of Tinina Q. Cade and awards grants for fertility treatment and adoption. Their annual Family Building Grant provides up to $10,000 per recipient. They also host the Race for the Family 5K each year, which serves as both a fundraiser and a community event connecting families touched by infertility. Their application opens annually in the spring with awards announced in the fall.
Grant range: Up to $10,000Eligibility: U.S. residents with a diagnosed fertility condition and demonstrated financial need. Applicants must be working with a licensed fertility clinic or adoption agency. Both married and unmarried individuals are eligible. - Hope for Fertility Foundation
The Hope for Fertility Foundation awards national grants to help cover IVF treatment costs. They focus on making treatment accessible to a diverse range of applicants and consider both traditional and non-traditional family structures. Their review process evaluates financial need, medical history, and the applicant's personal journey with infertility.
Grant range: $5,000–$10,000Eligibility: Open to U.S. residents who have been trying to conceive for at least one year (or six months if over 35), have a recommendation from a fertility specialist, and can demonstrate that financial barriers are preventing treatment. - The Livestrong Fertility Program
Originally focused on cancer survivors, the Livestrong Fertility Program helps people whose fertility has been affected by cancer treatment access discounted or free fertility preservation services. They partner with over 600 fertility clinics and dozens of pharmaceutical companies to provide reduced-cost egg freezing, sperm banking, embryo freezing, and related medications. For qualifying patients, medication costs can be reduced by 40–80%.
Grant range: Discounted services (40–80% off medications); varies by partner clinicEligibility: Cancer patients and survivors of reproductive age who are facing or have undergone treatments that may impair fertility (chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery). Financial need is considered but the primary criterion is cancer-related fertility risk. - Pay It Forward Fertility Foundation
Pay It Forward Fertility provides financial assistance for IVF and fertility preservation. Founded by former infertility patients, the organization runs on a model where past grant recipients are encouraged (but not required) to contribute back once they are able. They award grants on a rolling basis and have funded hundreds of treatment cycles since their founding.
Grant range: $2,000–$10,000Eligibility: U.S. residents under age 42 at the time of application, with a documented infertility diagnosis and demonstrated financial need. Applicants must have a treatment plan from a board-certified reproductive endocrinologist. - Gift of Parenthood
Gift of Parenthood combines a grant program with an individual fundraising platform. Applicants create a personal fundraising page where friends and family can contribute, and the organization awards quarterly grants that supplement the funds raised. This hybrid model means that even if you don't win the full grant, the fundraising tools can still help offset costs. They also partner with clinics and pharmacies to negotiate discounted treatment rates for their applicants.
Grant range: $5,000–$16,000 (plus funds raised through personal campaigns)Eligibility: U.S. residents who have been diagnosed with infertility by a licensed physician. No age restrictions. Both single parents and couples of any orientation qualify. Active fundraising on the platform strengthens applications.
Other financial options to explore
Fertility financing companies
Companies like CapexMD, Future Family, and Prosper Healthcare Lending offer fertility-specific loans with interest rates typically ranging from 5–15% APR. Some provide shared-risk (refund) programs where you pay a higher upfront fee but receive a partial refund if treatment is unsuccessful after a set number of cycles. Read the fine print carefully — shared-risk programs have strict eligibility criteria, and the "refund" never covers the full amount paid.
HSA & FSA accounts
Most fertility treatments — including IVF, IUI, diagnostic testing, and prescribed medications — qualify as eligible expenses under both Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA). Using pre-tax dollars can effectively save you 20–35% depending on your tax bracket. If your employer offers a Limited Purpose FSA alongside an HSA, you may be able to stack both. Plan your contributions carefully during open enrollment, and keep detailed receipts for every expense.
Clinical trial participation
Fertility clinics and pharmaceutical companies regularly run clinical trials for new medications, protocols, and technologies. Participants often receive free or heavily discounted treatment cycles as part of the study. You can search for active trials at ClinicalTrials.gov using keywords like "IVF," "infertility," or your specific diagnosis. Understand that trial protocols are rigid, and you may not have control over all aspects of your treatment plan.
Emotional Support
Connecting with others who understand the journey can be profoundly helpful. These organizations offer support groups, educational resources, and community for every stage.
- RESOLVE Peer-Led Support Groups
RESOLVE operates the largest network of peer-led infertility support groups in the United States, with both in-person and virtual meetings. Groups are facilitated by trained volunteers who have personal experience with infertility. Sessions cover a range of topics including active treatment, pregnancy loss, donor conception, adoption after infertility, and living childfree. There is no cost to attend.
Type of support: Free peer-led group sessions (in-person and virtual), with specialized groups for different stages of the fertility journey.
- FertilityIQ — Patient Reviews & Courses
FertilityIQ collects verified patient reviews of fertility clinics and doctors across the country, providing transparency that is hard to find elsewhere in reproductive medicine. Beyond reviews, they offer free, doctor-authored online courses covering IVF, IUI, egg freezing, male infertility, and third-party reproduction. Their data on clinic costs, wait times, and communication quality helps patients make informed decisions before committing to a provider.
Type of support: Free online courses taught by fertility doctors, plus the largest database of verified fertility clinic reviews and cost information.
- Postpartum Support International — Perinatal Loss
While best known for postpartum depression support, Postpartum Support International (PSI) also provides specialized resources for pregnancy loss, failed fertility treatments, and perinatal grief. Their trained helpline volunteers can connect callers with local therapists who specialize in reproductive trauma. They offer a dedicated support line and online support groups specifically for people grieving miscarriage, stillbirth, or failed IVF cycles.
Type of support: Crisis helpline, online support groups for pregnancy loss and fertility grief, and referrals to perinatal mental health specialists.
- The Broken Brown Egg
The Broken Brown Egg is a nonprofit that specifically addresses the unique challenges Black, Indigenous, and People of Color face in the infertility space. BIPOC patients experience higher rates of infertility but are significantly less likely to seek or receive treatment, partly due to cultural stigma, provider bias, and financial barriers. The organization provides culturally competent educational content, facilitates connections with BIPOC-affirming fertility specialists, and hosts community events.
Type of support: Community events, culturally affirming educational content, and provider directories specifically for BIPOC individuals and couples navigating infertility.
- Men's Fertility Support — The Male Infertility Guide
Male factor infertility accounts for roughly 40–50% of all infertility cases, yet men's emotional experience is frequently overlooked. The Male Infertility Guide provides medical information about conditions like varicocele, azoospermia, and hormonal imbalances, alongside candid discussion of the emotional toll. Their community forum offers a rare space where men can discuss feelings of guilt, inadequacy, and grief that often accompany a male factor diagnosis.
Type of support: Medical education, community forums, and emotional support resources specifically designed for men dealing with infertility diagnoses.
Types of support and how to choose
Individual therapy
Working one-on-one with a therapist who specializes in reproductive health or perinatal mental health can be especially valuable during active treatment, after failed cycles, or when making decisions about next steps. Look for therapists with credentials in reproductive psychology or those listed in the ASRM Mental Health Professional Group directory. Many offer telehealth sessions, making specialized care accessible even in areas without local fertility therapists.
Peer support groups
Peer-led groups — both in-person and virtual — provide something therapy alone cannot: the experience of sitting with other people who truly understand what you are going through. RESOLVE's nationwide network is the largest, but many fertility clinics run their own patient groups, and religious organizations like Bethany Christian Services offer faith-based support. Virtual groups have exploded in availability since 2020, removing geographic barriers entirely.
Online communities
Reddit's r/infertility and r/IVF communities are among the most active and well-moderated fertility forums on the internet, with strict rules against misinformation and unsolicited advice. Instagram accounts like @theinfertilitysitcom and @fertility_rally provide daily content that normalizes the fertility struggle. While online communities are powerful for connection, be cautious about medical advice from strangers — always verify treatment suggestions with your doctor.
Crisis support
Infertility grief can reach crisis levels, particularly after pregnancy losses, repeated failed transfers, or the decision to stop treatment. If you are in emotional crisis, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988) is available 24/7. The Postpartum Support International HelpLine at 1-800-944-4773 connects callers with trained volunteers who understand reproductive loss. You can also text "HELP" to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 for immediate text-based support.
Understanding fertility financial aid
Fertility grants work on a fundamentally different model than most other forms of medical financial assistance. Unlike hospital charity care programs that discount bills after treatment, fertility grants almost always require you to apply and be approved before you begin the funded cycle. Most foundations operate on quarterly or annual application cycles, and review committees evaluate applicants based on a combination of financial need, medical necessity, and personal narrative. The grant money typically goes directly to your clinic or pharmacy rather than to you, which simplifies the tax implications but means you'll need to coordinate timing between your grant approval and your clinic's treatment schedule.
From a tax perspective, fertility grants awarded by qualified 501(c)(3) organizations are generally not considered taxable income to the recipient when the funds are paid directly to the medical provider. However, if grant money is paid to you directly and you then pay the provider, the IRS treatment may differ. Additionally, out-of-pocket fertility treatment costs (including those not covered by grants) may qualify for the medical expense deduction on your federal taxes if they exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income. Keep meticulous records of every payment, explanation of benefits, and grant award letter. Consult a tax professional familiar with medical deductions before filing.
Beyond grants, one of the most underutilized resources is your employer's benefits package. The number of companies offering fertility benefits has grown substantially in recent years, driven by competition for talent in industries like technology, finance, and professional services. Even if your employer does not explicitly list "fertility coverage" in their benefits guide, ask your HR department directly. Some plans cover diagnostic testing, certain medications, or a lifetime maximum for fertility treatments that isn't obvious from the summary plan description. Companies like Progyny, Carrot Fertility, and Maven Clinic are increasingly contracted by employers to administer dedicated fertility benefits — your company may have added one of these programs without a splashy announcement.
Finally, consider the less obvious funding strategies. Some patients successfully crowdfund through platforms like GoFundMe or Gift of Parenthood's integrated fundraising tools, raising $5,000–$20,000 or more from their personal networks. Military families may qualify for treatment at Walter Reed or other military medical centers at no cost. Patients with certain medical conditions (like PCOS or endometriosis) may be able to have portions of treatment coded under those diagnoses for insurance coverage, even in states without fertility mandates. A knowledgeable billing advocate or fertility financial counselor — many clinics have them on staff — can be worth their weight in gold for identifying every possible dollar of coverage.
Looking for resources specific to your state?
Insurance mandates, local clinic costs, and community support vary widely by location. Check out our state-by-state cost calculator to find resources tailored precisely to where you live.