Our Grants
Our grants and awards were founded to honor the memories of loved ones who lost their lives to addiction or dedicated their lives to the cause. Each grant assists with specific areas of recovery where recovering addicts often face financial hardship. While those in active addiction found ways to fund their use, the methods were often unconventional and unethical. Our grants offer a safe and ethical path to easing financial burdens
**Applications will drop once we can receive donations.
The Sandi Boswell Grant
for Tattoo Repair
In loving memory of
Sandra "Sandi" Nicole Boswell
April 04, 1989- September 17, 2012
Sandi was a true free spirit who poured her heart into everything she did. Her love was all-encompassing, yet she took no nonsense from anyone. She lived each day as if it were her last, embracing life with passion and authenticity. Those fortunate enough to be drawn into her world knew they could always count on her. Her deep love for animals reflected this devotion, as she considered her pets part of her family. Though her passing left an undeniable void, her spirit continues to echo in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
The above passage was written by Sandi's brother, Ryan, and her mother, Dolly.
Sandi began doodling as a child and carried her love for art into adulthood. She found joy in expressing herself through both art and music. I still have a small tattoo on my ankle that she gave me at an age when we had no business getting tattoos.
This grant honors Sandi’s creative spirit by providing funds to individuals seeking to cover up tattoos associated with gangs, racism, jail/prison, or sex trafficking—replacing them with new artwork that inspires hope. One person is selected every quarter (every three months) to receive $250 toward their cover-up or, if preferred, tattoo removal.
The funds will be paid directly to the affiliated tattoo shop or artist. If your preferred artist or shop is not listed on the application, they can submit a request to become a partner.
The Matt Fleming Grant
for Trade Education
In loving memory of
Mathew *Matt* Grant Fleming
July 11, 1987 – March 3, 2022
Matt Fleming lived life fast and hard. He always spoke his mind and could make friends just about anywhere he went. Matt loved his family, his friends, and his pets with all his heart. Most of all, he loved the Kansas City Chiefs—he knew, long before many others, that they would be great.
Matt was a complex and lovable guy who was incredibly skilled with his hands. He could fix and build almost anything and held many jobs in the trades throughout his adult life. When sober, Matt was one of the gentlest people on the planet. His spirit and humor are deeply missed.
We created this grant to honor Matt and others like him—those who want to pursue a career in the trades.
Every six months, we will award two individuals with funding that covers 80% of their certificate or tuition costs, helping them take a meaningful step forward. The funds will be paid directly to the institution or certification program to ensure they are used as intended.
The John Lee Coats Grant
for Sober Living
In loving memory of
John Lee Coats
July 22, 1954- April 6, 2021
John Lee Coats was the kind of person who never hesitated to help others. If you needed a place to sleep, he offered his couch. If you needed a shirt, he would give you the one off his back. He stood by those in recovery and his family, especially when they felt the world was against them. No matter what he was going through, John always showed up for others without hesitation.
Those who knew him would describe his charm, his humor, and the steady, calming presence he carried with him. His friends still smile when they think about his famous Wednesday tradition—sharing his well-loved hump day memes that brought laughter to so many.
John Lee Coats passed away with 39 years of sobriety—a remarkable achievement. Yet, if you asked him, he would simply say he did it “one day at a time.”
This grant provides funding for one month’s rent at an approved or certified sober living home. If you are awarded the funds, the payment will be sent directly to the house, with the money order or check issued in the name of the house or organization.
The Sunflower Award
Grow Through What You Go Through
Like a sunflower that stands tall, turns toward the light, and spreads seeds of hope, The Sunflower Award honors individuals, families, organizations, and sober living homes that have shown extraordinary dedication to recovery. Whether by overcoming addiction, supporting a loved one, funding resources, or providing a safe place to heal, recipients of this award have played a vital role in helping others grow and thrive in their journey to recovery.
This award is in loving memory of
Elizabeth *Liz* Ellen Duke
August 19, 1994- February 26, 2023
Nomination Application (opens October 26, 2025 - November 26, 2025)
The winner will be announced on December 19, 2025
The Sunflower Award dinner will be held on December 30, 2025 in the Richmond area, or surrounding burroughs.
The Chris Alvarez Grant
for Mental Health
In loving memory of
James “Chris” Christopher Alvarez
July 04, 1985-December 19, 2021
The world has a funny way of taking shining lights from us, and Chris was no exception. He came into this world running and left us just as fast. To know him was to experience every bit a person can offer. A whirlwind of an adventurous and mischievous spirit, entombed in a small package (mind you, only physically) If you knew him, you know he could seem seven feet tall at any given moment. The world is a little less bright without him, but his spirit lives on in those he loved and the impact he had on all the people he came across. I can’t help but think that if a resource like the Addiction Aid Network had been made available to him, he would have had a much better chance at life. He would be honored to know that his story is helping people get the resources they need to lead a happier, healthier life full of all the fun and experiences it has to offer.
~ The above passage was written by Chris’s best friend, Amy.
This grant was established to honor the life of Chris Alvarez by providing financial support to those in need of assistance with their mental health care.
