The Blanche Fischer Foundation (BFF) provides financial assistance to Oregonians with permanent physical disabilities to support their independence and quality of life. This Frequently Asked Questions section answers common questions about our individual grant program, including eligibility, application requirements, funding details, and review processes. Please review the information carefully before applying. If you have additional questions, please contact us at [email protected].
ELIGIBILITY
Who is eligible to apply for an individual grant?
Applicants must:
✔ Be permanent residents of Oregon
✔ Have a permanent physical disability, verified by a qualified health professional
✔ Demonstrate financial need
What types of disabilities qualify for funding?
The program supports individuals with permanent physical disabilities. Applicants must provide medical verification from a qualified health professional on official letterhead.
How much funding can I receive?
Applicants may receive up to $1,500 per grant and are eligible to apply again every three years.
How often can individuals apply?
The program accepts applications year-round, and there is no deadline for submission.
FUNDING DETAILS
What if the item I need costs more than $1,500?
✔ If approved, the Blanche Fischer Foundation will contribute $1,500 toward the item after the remaining balance has been paid.
✔ The applicant must provide proof that the balance of the item has been covered before BFF disburses its portion.
✔ Payment will still be made directly to the vendor.
What kinds of items or services can the grant cover?
Eligible funding includes:
✔ Assistive devices & technology (e.g., wheelchairs, scooters, hearing aids)
✔ Accessibility modifications (e.g., ramps, vehicle wheelchair lifts)
✔ Durable medical equipment (e.g., hospital beds, walkers)
✔ Therapeutic tools or programs (e.g., rehabilitation equipment)
What is NOT funded by this program?
The program does NOT cover:
❌ Rent, utilities, or ongoing living expenses
❌ General healthcare costs (e.g., prescriptions, routine doctor visits)
❌ Items purchased before the application is submitted
❌ Non-disability-related items or services
❌ Political or religious activities
Can I apply for reimbursement for a past purchase?
No, grants do not reimburse items purchased before the application submission.
How are grants paid?
Funds are paid directly to the vendor providing the item or service. Applicants do not receive direct payments.
APPLICATION PROCESS
How do I apply for a grant?
Applicants must complete the 2025 Individual Grant Application available at [insert link]. Applications must include all required documentation.
What documents are required with my application?
✔ Proof of Oregon Residency
✔ Proof of Income & Expenses (for all household members)
✔ Medical Verification Letter (on official letterhead)
✔ Quotes or Invoices for the requested item or service
✔ Advocacy Verification
✔ Demonstration of Engagement Supporting Documentation
What is advocacy verification?
Advocacy ensures applications are accurate, thorough, and reflect genuine needs. An advocate helps applicants effectively communicate their request and verify the necessity of the assistance.
Who can serve as an advocate?
✔ A professional (e.g., Center for Independent Living representative, caseworker, rehabilitation counselor)
✔ A family member familiar with the applicant’s situation
What does an advocate need to provide?
✔ Their name, relationship to the applicant, and contact information
✔ A brief statement explaining the necessity of the requested assistance
✔ Confirmation that they have reviewed the application for accuracy
✔ Their signature (official letterhead preferred but not required)
Do I need to work with a social service agency to apply?
✔ Yes, applicants must work with a social service agency or advocate. Applications without advocacy verification will not be considered.
Can I apply for more than one item?
✔ Yes, as long as the total request does not exceed $1,500, and each request aligns with program priorities.
REVIEW & DECISION TIMELINE
When will I know if my application is approved?
✔ Applications are reviewed quarterly, and funding decisions are made within six months of submission.
What criteria are used to evaluate applications?
✔ Eligibility & alignment with funding priorities
✔ Financial need
✔ Potential impact on independence & quality of life
✔ Demonstrated commitment to self-improvement
✔ Complete application
✔ Submission of all required documentation, including Advocacy Letter and Medical Verification
DENIED OR INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS
What happens if my application is incomplete?
✔ All required documentation must be submitted with the application
✔ Incomplete applications will not be processed, and applicants will be required to resubmit the entire application with all necessary documents
✔ We do not accept additional documentation after the initial submission
What happens if my application is denied?
✔ Applicants will receive a written notification explaining the reason for denial.
✔ We provide general feedback to help applicants understand why their request was not approved.
✔ You may reapply in the next grant cycle if your situation changes or if missing documentation is addressed.
✔ Note: Receiving feedback does not guarantee future approval.
✔ Applicants will receive a written notification explaining the reason for denial.
✔ You may reapply in the next grant cycle if your situation changes or if missing documentation is addressed. ✔ We encourage applicants to request general feedback to strengthen future applications.
✔ Note: Receiving feedback does not guarantee future approval.
Can I appeal a denial decision?
✔ No, funding decisions are final. However, you are welcome to submit a new application with additional documentation in a future cycle.
DEMONSTRATION OF ENGAGEMENT
Why is Demonstration of Engagement Required?
The Blanche Fischer Foundation values applicants who actively work to improve their independence and quality of life. Demonstration of Engagement ensures that grant recipients are taking steps to enhance their well-being, making the grant assistance a meaningful and impactful resource.
What is Considered Demonstration of Engagement?
Applicants can show engagement through:
✔ Participation in rehabilitation programs (e.g., physical or occupational therapy)
✔ Enrollment in educational programs or job training
✔ Active involvement in employment or volunteer work
✔ Participation in support groups or community programs
✔ Compliance with medical or therapy plans to improve mobility or independence
How Do I Show Engagement in My Application?
Applicants must provide documentation or a brief statement explaining their engagement efforts, including:
✔ A description of their activities and how they contribute to independence or quality of life
✔ Supporting documents such as letters from providers, program enrollment confirmations, or advocacy statements
Demonstration of Engagement helps ensure that grants go to individuals who are actively working towards self-improvement and making the most of available resources.
MEDICAL VERIFICATION
Why is medical verification required?
Medical verification ensures that:
✔ The requested assistance is medically necessary
✔ The applicant has a permanent physical disability
Who can provide medical verification?
✔ Physicians (MD, DO)
✔ Nurse Practitioners (NP)
✔ Physician Assistants (PA)
✔ Licensed Occupational/Physical Therapists
✔ Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) (if familiar with the applicant’s condition)
✔ Psychologists/Psychiatrists (if disability impacts physical function)
What should the medical verification letter include?
✔ Confirmation of patient-provider relationship
✔ Statement confirming a “permanent physical disability”
✔ Description of the disability’s impact on daily life
✔ Explanation of why the requested item is medically necessary
✔ Letter must be on official business letterhead
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
What if I cannot provide all required documentation?
✔ Incomplete applications will NOT be processed. If you need help obtaining documents, contact us for guidance.
For more details or assistance, contact [email protected].
ELIGIBILITY
Who is eligible to apply for an individual grant?
Applicants must:
✔ Be permanent residents of Oregon
✔ Have a permanent physical disability, verified by a qualified health professional
✔ Demonstrate financial need
What types of disabilities qualify for funding?
The program supports individuals with permanent physical disabilities. Applicants must provide medical verification from a qualified health professional on official letterhead.
How much funding can I receive?
Applicants may receive up to $1,500 per grant and are eligible to apply again every three years.
How often can individuals apply?
The program accepts applications year-round, and there is no deadline for submission.
FUNDING DETAILS
What if the item I need costs more than $1,500?
✔ If approved, the Blanche Fischer Foundation will contribute $1,500 toward the item after the remaining balance has been paid.
✔ The applicant must provide proof that the balance of the item has been covered before BFF disburses its portion.
✔ Payment will still be made directly to the vendor.
What kinds of items or services can the grant cover?
Eligible funding includes:
✔ Assistive devices & technology (e.g., wheelchairs, scooters, hearing aids)
✔ Accessibility modifications (e.g., ramps, vehicle wheelchair lifts)
✔ Durable medical equipment (e.g., hospital beds, walkers)
✔ Therapeutic tools or programs (e.g., rehabilitation equipment)
What is NOT funded by this program?
The program does NOT cover:
❌ Rent, utilities, or ongoing living expenses
❌ General healthcare costs (e.g., prescriptions, routine doctor visits)
❌ Items purchased before the application is submitted
❌ Non-disability-related items or services
❌ Political or religious activities
Can I apply for reimbursement for a past purchase?
No, grants do not reimburse items purchased before the application submission.
How are grants paid?
Funds are paid directly to the vendor providing the item or service. Applicants do not receive direct payments.
APPLICATION PROCESS
How do I apply for a grant?
Applicants must complete the 2025 Individual Grant Application available at [insert link]. Applications must include all required documentation.
What documents are required with my application?
✔ Proof of Oregon Residency
✔ Proof of Income & Expenses (for all household members)
✔ Medical Verification Letter (on official letterhead)
✔ Quotes or Invoices for the requested item or service
✔ Advocacy Verification
✔ Demonstration of Engagement Supporting Documentation
What is advocacy verification?
Advocacy ensures applications are accurate, thorough, and reflect genuine needs. An advocate helps applicants effectively communicate their request and verify the necessity of the assistance.
Who can serve as an advocate?
✔ A professional (e.g., Center for Independent Living representative, caseworker, rehabilitation counselor)
✔ A family member familiar with the applicant’s situation
What does an advocate need to provide?
✔ Their name, relationship to the applicant, and contact information
✔ A brief statement explaining the necessity of the requested assistance
✔ Confirmation that they have reviewed the application for accuracy
✔ Their signature (official letterhead preferred but not required)
Do I need to work with a social service agency to apply?
✔ Yes, applicants must work with a social service agency or advocate. Applications without advocacy verification will not be considered.
Can I apply for more than one item?
✔ Yes, as long as the total request does not exceed $1,500, and each request aligns with program priorities.
REVIEW & DECISION TIMELINE
When will I know if my application is approved?
✔ Applications are reviewed quarterly, and funding decisions are made within six months of submission.
What criteria are used to evaluate applications?
✔ Eligibility & alignment with funding priorities
✔ Financial need
✔ Potential impact on independence & quality of life
✔ Demonstrated commitment to self-improvement
✔ Complete application
✔ Submission of all required documentation, including Advocacy Letter and Medical Verification
DENIED OR INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS
What happens if my application is incomplete?
✔ All required documentation must be submitted with the application
✔ Incomplete applications will not be processed, and applicants will be required to resubmit the entire application with all necessary documents
✔ We do not accept additional documentation after the initial submission
What happens if my application is denied?
✔ Applicants will receive a written notification explaining the reason for denial.
✔ We provide general feedback to help applicants understand why their request was not approved.
✔ You may reapply in the next grant cycle if your situation changes or if missing documentation is addressed.
✔ Note: Receiving feedback does not guarantee future approval.
✔ Applicants will receive a written notification explaining the reason for denial.
✔ You may reapply in the next grant cycle if your situation changes or if missing documentation is addressed. ✔ We encourage applicants to request general feedback to strengthen future applications.
✔ Note: Receiving feedback does not guarantee future approval.
Can I appeal a denial decision?
✔ No, funding decisions are final. However, you are welcome to submit a new application with additional documentation in a future cycle.
DEMONSTRATION OF ENGAGEMENT
Why is Demonstration of Engagement Required?
The Blanche Fischer Foundation values applicants who actively work to improve their independence and quality of life. Demonstration of Engagement ensures that grant recipients are taking steps to enhance their well-being, making the grant assistance a meaningful and impactful resource.
What is Considered Demonstration of Engagement?
Applicants can show engagement through:
✔ Participation in rehabilitation programs (e.g., physical or occupational therapy)
✔ Enrollment in educational programs or job training
✔ Active involvement in employment or volunteer work
✔ Participation in support groups or community programs
✔ Compliance with medical or therapy plans to improve mobility or independence
How Do I Show Engagement in My Application?
Applicants must provide documentation or a brief statement explaining their engagement efforts, including:
✔ A description of their activities and how they contribute to independence or quality of life
✔ Supporting documents such as letters from providers, program enrollment confirmations, or advocacy statements
Demonstration of Engagement helps ensure that grants go to individuals who are actively working towards self-improvement and making the most of available resources.
MEDICAL VERIFICATION
Why is medical verification required?
Medical verification ensures that:
✔ The requested assistance is medically necessary
✔ The applicant has a permanent physical disability
Who can provide medical verification?
✔ Physicians (MD, DO)
✔ Nurse Practitioners (NP)
✔ Physician Assistants (PA)
✔ Licensed Occupational/Physical Therapists
✔ Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) (if familiar with the applicant’s condition)
✔ Psychologists/Psychiatrists (if disability impacts physical function)
What should the medical verification letter include?
✔ Confirmation of patient-provider relationship
✔ Statement confirming a “permanent physical disability”
✔ Description of the disability’s impact on daily life
✔ Explanation of why the requested item is medically necessary
✔ Letter must be on official business letterhead
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
What if I cannot provide all required documentation?
✔ Incomplete applications will NOT be processed. If you need help obtaining documents, contact us for guidance.
For more details or assistance, contact [email protected].
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