The Families First Fund

The Families First Fund is a charitable fund administered by Tri-State Multiples, Inc. (TSM) that assists families of Higher Order Multiple Birth Children (triplets or more) experiencing extreme financial need. In the past, TSM has assisted families with such needs as therapy expenses, wheelchairs and other equipment, special care formula, and burial expenses.

Between 1989 and 2003, the number of higher order multiple births increased four fold according to the National Center for Health Statistics¹. Since then it has continued to rise annually. This is credited not only to an increase in the use of fertility assistance but also the fact that more women over 30 years old are having babies, and women in this age group are more likely to conceive multiples. This increase in multiples brings with it an increase in the number of premature infants. More than 90% of triplets and virtually all quadruplets and higher multiples are born preterm. This can sometimes lead to medical issues - both short term and long term - and dealing with these can prove costly even to families with decent health insurance. The stress this puts on a family is difficult enough without adding financial strain. As a result, Tri-State Multiples feels our job is even more important in today's world than ever before! 

Tri-State Multiples Members as well as partners in the community work hard throughout the year to increase the value of this fund in order to help those families in need. 100% of all profits from the Annual Raffle Ticket Sales as well as a portion of other fundraising efforts constitute The Families First Fund. Additional fundraising activities that contribute to the Families First Fund include our Annual Golf Outing, the Spring and Fall Used Clothing and Equipment Sales, and the TSM Scrap-a-thon.

On an annual basis in December, the Executive Board accepts and reviews nominations and vote on distributions. Upon request, nominees would be considered at other times during the calendar year if the need is immediate.

ELIGIBILITY:

• Applicant MUST BE a parent or guardian of higher order multiples (including surviving or deceased children)

• Have an extreme financial need

• Complete an application for assistance

• Submit the application by the application deadline

• NOTE: MEMBERSHIP IN TRI-STATE MULTIPLES IS NOT A REQUIREMENT

The Deadline for 2009 has passed.

The application deadline for the 2010 disbursements is December 4, 2010.

Printable Application for The Families First Fund

DONATE NOW

We gladly accept direct donations to the Families First Fund. Donations are 100% tax deductible. 100% of these donations will go to help families of higher order multiples in need.

If you have any further questions regarding the Families First Fund please contact the Fund Administrator, the President of Tri-State Multiples, at president@tristatemultiples.com.

¹  The March of Dimes; Multiples: Twins, Triplets and Beyond;

    http://www.marchofdimes.com/professionals/14332_4545.asp