More than 1,000 families seek financial assistance as nonprofit launches national "$6 for 1 in 6" fundraising campaign

CHICAGO, Oct. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Stork Foundation for Infertility received a record 1,076 applications for financial assistance during its 2026 grant cycle, highlighting the high cost of fertility treatment for many Americans.

An analysis of applicant data found:

• 85% had no insurance coverage for the fertility treatment they were pursuing.
• $19,149 was the average anticipated cost of applicants' next course of treatment.
• 39% had already spent more than $10,000 out of pocket before applying for assistance.
• Applicants came from all 50 states, underscoring the nationwide demand for support.

In response, The Stork Foundation is launching its "$6 for 1 in 6" fundraising campaign, inspired by the World Health Organization's finding that one in six people worldwide experience infertility. The campaign encourages supporters to donate $6 in honor of a child whose life was made possible through fertility treatment, helping fund grants for families struggling to afford care.

The campaign will run through Giving Tuesday, December 1, 2026, with all funds raised supporting additional fertility treatment grants. The goal is to help more families access treatment through the Foundation's annual grant program.

Supporters can learn more and donate at: https://form-renderer-app.donorperfect.io/give/the-stork-foundation-for-infertility/1in6

The data make clear that cost remains one of the biggest barriers to fertility treatment," said Elizabeth Frattura, founder of The Stork Foundation for Infertility. "Too many families are forced to delay or forgo care simply because they cannot afford it."

The findings reflect a broader national challenge. According to KFF's 2024 Employer Health Benefits Survey, just 27% of large employers offering health benefits reported providing IVF coverage.

More than 100,000 babies were born through IVF in the United States in 2024, yet many families still struggle to afford treatment.

"For those fortunate enough to have built their families through fertility treatment, this is an opportunity to pay it forward," Frattura said. "Every donation helps us say yes to more families."

Founded in 2020, The Stork Foundation for Infertility provides fertility treatment grants of up to $15,000 to eligible individuals and couples facing financial barriers to care. The Foundation is currently reviewing its 2026 applications, with grant recipients expected to be notified in November.

About The Stork Foundation for Infertility

The Stork Foundation for Infertility is a national nonprofit dedicated to increasing access to fertility treatment through financial assistance, education and advocacy. Since 2020, the Foundation has helped individuals and couples overcome financial barriers to building their families. Learn more at storkfoundation.org.

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SOURCE The Stork Foundation