Rob Schorling Memorial Fund

The Rob Schorling Memorial Fund is a charitable grant program administered by the Greater Salina Community Foundation, located in Salina, Kansas. This fund was established in memory of Rob Schorling, who passed away following a bone marrow transplant. His family created the fund in 2002 using remaining community-donated resources originally raised to support Rob’s treatment. Their intent was to help other individuals and families confronting the challenges of leukemia, lymphoma, and related medical treatments, such as bone marrow or stem cell transplants. In 2003, memorial donations in honor of Rob’s father, Red Schorling, were also directed to the fund, expanding its impact. The purpose of the Rob Schorling Memorial Fund is to assist with expenses associated with the treatment of leukemia, lymphoma, and transplant-related medical procedures. The fund provides modest grants, typically no more than $2,000 per applicant, to help defray costs not covered by insurance. These may include out-of-pocket medical expenses and essential travel or lodging arrangements required for accessing treatment. Because the fund is limited in scope and resources, all grants are distributed on a first come-first served basis, and applicants are encouraged to inquire with the Foundation about the availability of funds prior to submission. Eligibility for this grant is geographically specific. Applicants must be residents living within a 25-mile radius of Saline County, Kansas. This local focus reflects the fund’s community-oriented mission and intent to serve families similar to the Schorling family in proximity and circumstance. Applications must be submitted through the Foundation’s online grant portal by clicking the “Apply for a Grant” link. While the program accepts applications on a rolling basis throughout the year, awards are subject to fund availability and timeliness of submission. To apply, individuals must complete an online grant application and provide several key pieces of information. Required documentation includes a brief medical history detailing the patient’s condition, a statement of financial need with details on insurance coverage, a letter from a medical doctor confirming the diagnosis and necessity of treatment, a listing of specific expenses being requested for support, and a timeline for the anticipated use of funds. This information ensures that the Foundation can evaluate the urgency and appropriateness of each request while adhering to the fund's original intent. The Foundation does not specify a review committee or evaluation rubric, but grants are awarded based on need, eligibility, documentation, and available funds. Given the fund's size and localized purpose, awards are expected to be disbursed relatively quickly following submission, provided all required documentation is complete. The Foundation emphasizes that all grant awards are made as funds allow, reinforcing the importance of early application and communication with Foundation staff. For further information or questions about the Rob Schorling Memorial Fund, applicants may contact Jessica Fuller, Director of Grants and Scholarships at the Greater Salina Community Foundation. She can be reached by phone at (785) 823-1800. The Foundation's office is located at 119 W. Iron, 8th Floor, Salina, KS 67402. Office hours are Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Fridays from 8:00 a.m. to noon, with afternoon appointments available by request. Applications are accepted year-round, but due to limited funds, early inquiries are strongly encouraged.