Are you interested in a GRIT Freedom Chair but need financial assistance to purchase one? You aren’t alone. Insurance companies don’t typically cover all-terrain mobility devices like the GRIT Freedom Chair, so grants are often the best way to get financial assistance. GRIT works closely with grant organizations around the USA and the globe to best help each individual find the funds they need to move beyond the pavement.
GRIT offers payment plans and can help connect you with state loan programs, but if you need a little (or a lot) of help purchasing mobility equipment, applying for a grant may be the best option. Below we’ll talk about what grants are, how they work, and what you need to do to apply. Want some assistance? GRIT can help find the right grant for you. Fill out our Funding Finder and we’ll narrow down the search!
What is a grant?
A grant is a distribution of funds from an organization (typically, but not always, a nonprofit) to a recipient that meets certain qualifications. A grant is not a loan. It is awarded to use for a specific purpose and the recipient does not have to pay it back.
Why should I consider applying for a grant?
You could win a full or partial grant for the adaptive equipment you want, of course! Grant organizations will often review an applicant’s full profile—where they are from, what they currently like to do, what they would like to do more of, their household income, their disability or diagnosis, their age, and more.
Does it cost to apply for grants?
No. If an entity is requesting an application fee then it is likely a scam, and you should not complete that application. Any legitimate organization providing a grant to those in need will have a FREE application and will be available to answer questions about their application process.
I know someone who doesn’t like asking for help. Can I fill out a grant application for them to try to get them some funding as a surprise?
Unfortunately, unless that individual is your dependent, it will difficult or impossible to apply on their behalf. Due to the nature of certain personal information, most organizations require that the beneficiary of the grant funding is involved in the application process. This is to protect privacy as well as to make sure the funds awarded will be legitimately used (granting organizations want to know their funds be put to use)!
If you’d like to help a friend apply to a grant, just let them know your plan! They can let you know if this is something they’d like, provide the personal/medical information you’ll need, and you can work together to submit a phenomenal application.
What type of personal information will they ask for?
In addition to basic personal information (name, date of birth, residence, etc.), many organizations will ask for information such as your household income, medical history, and any dependencies. This information helps the granting agencies review applicants and allocate funds to those who need them the most.
It is likely you will also be asked to submit a personal statement telling your story and how the grant will help you. Some organizations may also require letters of recommendation from friends or family members.
Will I be asked to submit private medical information?
Possibly. Because some organizations only provide funding to individuals with specific disabilities, they may ask for medical documentation that confirms your diagnosis and date of injury (if applicable). This documentation could simply be a summary from a previous visit or a note written by your physician. Each granting agency has different requirements—and many will only serve applicants with particular diagnoses or injuries—so it is important to check the specifics for each grant.
Can I apply to multiple organizations to increase my chances of getting a grant?
[Almost always] yes! Many of the grant applications may ask if you received any grant funding recently, but you can most certainly apply to more than one organization to increase your odds of being awarded a grant.
These applications look like a lot of work. Can someone fill out my applications for me?
It depends. If the person the grant will be benefitting is a minor then it is typically allowed for a parent or guardian to apply on their behalf. If your disability prevents you from completing an application, then you are almost always allowed to have a proxy (a friend or family member) fill out the application for you. However, if your disability does not prevent you from completing the application and you are not a minor then most organizations will require you to fill out the application on your own. The organizations wants to get to know YOU! And, after all, this organization may be giving you thousands of dollars, so take your time with the application, even if it is long.
How long does this process take?
It depends! Some grants have rolling cycles and give out awards a few times a year, while others give out grant funds once a year. Sometimes due to the high volume of applicants, it may be a few months before you hear the results. Be patient. If you can’t, try something else like Crowdfunding. For more information about how to set up a fantastic crowdfunding page, check out our post!
How do I find a grant that I qualify for?
While you can search the internet for adaptive equipment grants with keywords such as your disability, your preferred activities, your profession, and even your state, the amount of results that come up can be daunting to search through.
At GRIT, we try to make this process easier on you! By submitting our Funding Finder, you’ll give us all of the information we need to match you with grants and other funding programs you may qualify for.