How to Apply for a BFF Grant

What Does the Foundation Fund?

The Blanche Fischer Foundation funds whatever will foster independence for the recipient. We have funded hearing aids, wheelchairs, ramps (residential and mobile), construction related to accessibility (bathroom modifications, etc.), vehicle modifications, non-tuition educational expenses, adaptive software and hardware, adaptive toys, skills training equipment and employment-related assistance. Note: The last item should not be confused with mandated ADA compliance and reasonable accommodation issues, which are required by law.

During the foundation's first 10 years, an average of 44 percent of grant monies went toward hearing aids and an additional 18 percent went toward mobility devices (chairs, walkers, scooters, bikes). Over the last decade, and particularly the last few years, grant dollars have been expended across a broader spectrum of assistance types, including advocacy (includes grants to independent living centers), transportation (bus passes, cab fare, car insurance), employment-related expenses (uniforms, licenses) and non-tuition expenses related to education (assistive devices, books and miscellaneous). In short, the foundation is fulfilling its mandate and the terms of Ms. Fischer's trust in greater breadth and depth. Take a look at typical BFF grants on this site under Recent Grants.

One more comment: The foundation seldom funds 100 percent of a grant request. Why? We seek to help as many individuals as possible, which wouldn't be possible if we paid qualifying requests in full. Further, in keeping with Blanche Fischer's spirit of independence, it is appropriate to require applicants to help themselves to some degree.

How to Apply

Who May Apply?

Any individual who (a) has a disability of a physical nature, (b) can demonstrate financial need and (c) resides in Oregon. Anyone who cannot meet all these criteria is ineligible.

How Do I Apply?

1. First, complete an application form, which is available below, or you may call us at (503) 819-8205 or e-mail us at bff@bff.org to request one. Even if you choose to complete the application form online (Adobe .pdf English version), you must print it out when done.
2. Make sure your application is complete and signed.
3. Attach verification of your disability (letter from your health care professional).
4. Attach a copy of the quote you received from the vendor or service provider.
5. Finally, mail your application to the foundation.

Following these steps will speed your application's processing tremendously.

There are no deadlines or set review periods for applications; they are reviewed as soon as received. Please allow us one month to review your application. Often a decision will be made more quickly, but this will take longer if the application is incomplete or if we require additional information.

We notify all applicants in writing of the outcome of their applications. If yours is approved, the foundation will write you with the amount awarded and pertinent details.

Any grants awarded are paid to the vendor or provider of services for which you are requesting assistance. Payments cannot be made directly to applicants.

Application Forms

You may choose from whichever of the following formats best suits your needs. The content of each is identical, but the specific formatting of each will result in significantly different printed document length. The approximate printed length of each version appears in parentheses ( ) following the keyboard access code.

• Adobe PDF (Portable Document Format) version (4 pages; requires Adobe® Acrobat® Reader, which is available FREE from Adobe [see next section]). May be completed on line, but must be printed out to submit.
• HTML version (5-7 pages; fully scalable to your browser or device. Many newer browsers even allow you to print it whatever size you specify)
• Spanish-language version (Adobe PDF format; 4 pages)

Adobe® Acrobat® Reader Download Information

This program is a free download from Adobe's Web site and is available in several configurations. We have also included a link to the accessibility section of Adobe's site for other software users may find useful.

• The basic Acrobat Reader: http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html.
• Accessible versions of Acrobat Reader: http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/alternate.html.
  Note that these are specific to computer type (PC or Mac), operating system (Windows or Mac OS) and language.
• Adobe's general accessibility page: http://access.adobe.com.

Special Note to Organizations

We do not encourage applications from organizations, as we are one of only a few foundations in the United States that makes direct grants to individuals and we wish to preserve our resources toward this end. However, if an organization seeks our assistance, it must be able to demonstrate that a substantial majority of its clients have disabilities of a physical nature and that serving this clientele is its primary focus. Although we have done so in the past, we will no longer provide assistance to any organization that does not meet these criteria.