Grant Writing for a Wheelchair Van

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Grant Writing

Grant writing (grant proposal or grant submission) is the act of preparing an application to receive funding for a project or organization that does not need to be paid back. Monies received from a grant are called grant funding. At the most basic level, grant writing includes preparing and submitting a proposal narrative or application to a grant-making agency. The drafting and formatting steps of the proposal writing process go hand in hand. It may be more helpful to draft the proposal according to the guidelines that proposals require. The structure of a proposal varies according to the type of proposal, the kind of project, and the organization.

Main Digest

There's no question that wheelchair vans and other mobility equipment make a world of difference in the lives of people with disabilities. However, unfortunately, for many individuals and families who have already spent significant money on medical expenses, the cost of a handicap van or power chair may be unreachable. Remember - Loans must be repaid, but grant money does not!

Wheelchair Van Funding: First Things First

• The primary goal of this article is to outline the grant funding process.
• The second goal is to ensure your expectations for grant funding are realistic.

Obtaining grant money takes significant effort in researching organizations that provide grant money, contacting the organizations, and preparing and submitting applications promptly, and it doesn't happen overnight. The likelihood that anyone granting organization will provide all the money required for you to purchase an adapted van is slim to none.

The good news?

You can apply for as many wheelchair van grants as many foundations, non-profits, and other organizations that provide money for people with disabilities as possible and combine them for a single purchase.

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Compile Necessary Information For Your Application Process

Preparation is key.

Have your personal information ready to begin the application process. Typically, a granting organization will request your marital status, driver's license information, financial information, and background about the applicant. (Expect application requirements to differ slightly per organization, so read the applications carefully.)

With your personal information neatly organized and at hand, transference to applications becomes much simpler.

Gather Medical Records and Personal References

It should be no surprise that virtually all state, regional, and federal grant providers and private charities will ask you to submit your medical records. Ask your doctor(s) for copies. Also, ask your doctor for a letter of recommendation, addressing it generically, like "To whom it may concern" or "Dear Madam" or "Dear Sir." Make several copies to have one available whenever you identify a grant opportunity.

With your medical records, reach out for references at least three. They might be colleagues, close friends, neighbors, church members, and anyone else who will attest to your character and your disability, point to individual accomplishments they've personally witnessed, and discuss from their perspective how you deal with your disability.

Determine The Best Grant Funding Sources

An essential part of preparing to apply for a grant occurs on the Internet, researching state, federal, and private organizations locally and nationally that provide grant money for mobility equipment. You might want to start with organizations that support your condition, like United Cerebral Palsy, Muscular Dystrophy Association, and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. The Veterans Administration and other US organizations provide grants for disabled veterans.

If you have a special-needs child, identify organizations that grant money specifically for children.

houses of worship in your community can provide grant money to community members. Because you can combine grant money from several organizations, find as many potential granting sources as possible. (Consider hosting yard sale or car wash fundraisers while you're applying for grant money.

There are many ways to raise money for handicap vans and other mobility equipment, including wheelchair van conversions for your existing vehicle. If you don't get all you require through grants and fundraisers, a small loan to make up the difference is always an option.)

Initiate Communication With The Grant Funding Organization

When you identify an organization that indicates a willingness to provide grant money for your purposes, read their website carefully.

Find the name of the individual at that organization who handles the funding program. Every organization works differently. Some assign you a project officer you'll work with, while others offer little assistance.

If you obtain a contact, always be courteous ad thank them for their time with you. An open line of communication allows you to ask questions about the grant program and keep track of your application's status. If it's not on the website, ask for their timeline for selecting the candidates who are eligible for the assistance opportunity.

Present Your Case to the Grant Funding Resource

Time to make yourself stand out!

On the application, you'll be asked to tell the grant provider your personal story, particularly the impact of your disability on your life.

Be honest, concise, and passionate about your situation. Set yourself apart from other candidates with an inspirational story filled with emotion. If you need help with this, get it from a family member or friend.

Be Organized and Know Submission Dates

There's another way to help you stand out from other candidates. Keep on top of your applications and their status.

• You've already organized your handicap van grant application data to expedite your application process, and, since you might be asked for it at any time, you'll have all your data near at hand for quick reference.
• Show your dedication to your mission - maintain a calendar to remember important deadlines and dates.
• Be persistent and current with the status of your application so the funding organization knows you're determined and committed to obtaining their financial support.
• Don't get discouraged, especially now that you know that getting grant money takes work and time.

Stick with it, and it won't be long before you're looking for wheelchair vans for sale. The first time you take your mobility van for a spin, every moment of time and effort will be well worth it!

Resources That Provide Relevant Information

• Raising Money for Accessible Van and Adaptive Driving Equipment
• Free Wheelchair Vans From All Things Possible
• Vocational Rehabilitation: Purchasing a Wheelchair Accessible Van
• Rear-Entry and Side-Entry Wheelchair Conversion Options for Minivans
• Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles: The Basics
• Selecting the Right Wheelchair Van
• Wheelchair Accessible Van Rentals for Persons with Disability

Attribution/Source(s):

This quality-reviewed article relating to our Private Disability Transport section was selected for publishing by the editors of Disabled World due to its likely interest to our disability community readers. Though the content may have been edited for style, clarity, or length, the article "Grant Writing for a Wheelchair Van" was originally written by Susan Hawkins, and published by Disabled-World.com on 2013/05/17 (Updated: 2022/06/22). Should you require further information or clarification, Susan Hawkins can be contacted at AMSVans.com. Disabled World makes no warranties or representations in connection therewith.

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Disabled World provides general information only. Materials presented are never meant to substitute for qualified professional medical care. Any 3rd party offering or advertising does not constitute an endorsement.