Financial Assistance Criteria & FAQ
Program Priorities
Medicine Wheel Ride’s highest priority is supporting families directly impacted by violence or MMIP. Although MWR is not an emergency service, we work hard to walk alongside families and support immediate needs whenever possible.
Although we are not an emergency response team, MWR understands that families sometimes face urgent needs. When possible, we may be able to help with emergency funding related to violence or MMIP, based on need, documentation, and available funding.
While MWR does not have a search-and-rescue team, we do our best to support families by assisting existing search efforts and working with trained local partners when possible. We believe in walking alongside families and communities. Whenever possible, we partner with local organizations to help ensure families have access to culturally grounded support and resources.
When funding allows, MWR may support community-led prevention, healing, and wellness efforts.
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Support is short-term, based on verified need, and limited by available funding.
The maximum amount MWR can provide is $3,000 per incident.
• Urgency of the situation
• Direct impact on the family or individual
• Mission alignment
• Documentation provided
• Available funding at the time of the request
Who Can Apply
• The person directly impacted.
• A direct family member.
• A spokesperson chosen by the family.
What We Support
• Short-term needs directly connected to violence or MMIP.
• Emergency financial assistance (when possible).
• Assistance for search efforts already in progress.
• Travel
• Lodging
• Meals
• Printing flyers
• Ceremony support
• Advocacy-related needs
• Funeral or burial expenses connected to violence/MMIP
• Requests for community or awareness events (must be submitted 30 days in advance)
Prevention-Focused Support
• Legal costs directly related to violence or MMIP cases.
• Substance use treatment support tied to safety, healing, or recovery.
• Community abuse and violence prevention activities.
• Education costs for becoming a community advocate or health worker.
• Healing and wellness activities that strengthen safety, recovery, or cultural connection.
Community Visibility & Promotion
• MWR can share approved prevention, healing, or wellness events on our social media. • Events may be included in our monthly newsletter. • MWR may highlight follow-up activities from supported work. • Families or advocates are encouraged to send flyers or event details.
What We Cannot Support
• Long-term or ongoing financial support.
• General hardship not related to violence/MMIP.
• Expenses unrelated to the situation.
• Emergency response services.
•Direct search-and-rescue services or deployment of search teams.
Required Documentation
• A brief explanation of the situation.
• Case number, flyer, advocate letter, or medical/court/funeral documents (as available).
• Documentation must clearly show a connection to violence or MMIP.
• Cost estimates, invoices, or receipts.
• Event requests must include date, time, location, goals/purpose, and include MWR’s logo.
• Contact information for the family spokesperson.
Review & Decision Process
• Responses may take up to two weeks.
• Support amounts vary based on need and available funding.
• Submitting an application does not guarantee approval.
• Priority is given to families directly impacted by violence or MMIP.
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Apply online at www.medicinewheelride.org
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the maximum amount of assistance available?
MWR can provide up to $3,000 per incident. Amounts vary based on need, documentation, and available funding.
Does MWR assist with search efforts?
MWR does not conduct searches or deploy search teams. However, we may support search efforts already in progress and collaborate with trained local partners when possible.
Can MWR help with emergency needs?
Although we are not an emergency response team, we may be able to help with emergency funding when possible, based on need and available funding. How long does the review process take?
Most requests are reviewed within two weeks.