Shelane's Fund
Shelane’s Fund provides grants up to $500 to help new mothers and families overcome postpartum depression and other perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.
Funding can be used to cover expenses such as appointments with a therapist or psychiatrist. As of January 2026, funding no longers covers doula support. Funding is currently limited to those who are UNINSURED and/or UNDOCUMENTED.
This fund was created in honor of Shelane Gaydos, a mother of three girls who tragically ended her life while in the grips of severe postpartum depression.
To see if you are eligible to receive Shelane’s Funds, please connect with a Care Coordinator.
FAQs for Families
Shelane’s Fund was created in memory of Shelane Gaydos, a mother of three who tragically died by suicide while struggling with severe postpartum depression. Shelane’s Funds are raised by the Shelane’s Run annually in October. This microgrant is available to Care Coordination clients who need financial assistance to cover mental health support services.
A microgrant is a small financial award to help cover specific needs, such as therapy or psychiatric services. These funds are provided to support individuals who may need assistance accessing important resources, and they do not require repayment.
The Shelane’s Fund microgrant can be used to cover the cost of therapy or psychiatry services, including copayments or the full session fee.
It can cover up to $300 toward mental health counseling, and up to $500 for psychiatric care. If you have questions regarding the microgrant amount, please contact your Care Coordinator.
The Shelane’s Fund microgrant is strictly for mental health services. It cannot be used for the following:
- Personal bills
- Food
- Clothing
- Housing (rent/mortgage/maintenance/household bills)
- Vehicle maintenance
- Other expenses not directly related to mental health services
To apply, you must first complete a Care Coordination form. On this form, you can indicate your interest in applying for the microgrant. Complete the Care Coordination form.
If you don’t yet have a provider, complete the Care Coordination form. One of our Coordinators will work with you to connect you with a provider from our directory who offers a reduced rate and accepts Shelane’s Fund payments.
If you already have a provider, we encourage you to discuss Shelane’s Fund with them directly. Alternatively, you can ask your Care Coordinator to assist in explaining the process and payment options to your provider.
The funds from the Shelane’s Fund microgrant will be paid directly to your provider at the end of each month. It is against our policy to transfer funds to the applicant directly.
The application process is simple and straightforward.
- Fill out the Care Coordination form
- Get assigned to a Care Coordinator
- Your Care Coordinator will send you the application link and assist you in finding a provider who accepts Shelane’s Fund
- Complete and submit the application
- Receive an email within 2-3 business days on whether you are approved or denied
- If approved, your Care Coordinator will refer you to the selected provider
- Get established as a client at the provider’s office and begin scheduling your appointments
Once your microgrant has been fully utilized, you will resume responsibility for paying copayments or out-of-pocket expenses for your services. You can discuss a sliding scale payment plan with your provider to continue receiving support.
Yes, the funds will expire 90 days after approval if not used.
Your donation can help families struggling with perinatal depression and other mental health challenges access vital financial assistance. To contribute, you can donate, or support Shelane’s Run.
If you have further questions, feel free to reach out to our team at Care@postpartumva.org. We’re here to support you through your journey.
