This grant program supports individuals with permanent physical disabilities in Oregon by providing financial assistance for items that improve their quality of life and independence. The program aligns with BFF’s mission and the Independent Living Philosophy.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Residency: Applicants must be permanent residents of Oregon
Disability: Applicants must submit a letter from a qualified health professional (on official letterhead) confirming a permanent physical disability. The letter must explicitly link the disability to the requested grant items, demonstrating the necessity and impact of the requested support
Financial Need: Applicants must demonstrate financial need through income and expense documentation.
Purpose: The requested item or service must directly support independence, mobility, or quality of life.
Demonstration of Engagement (NEW): Applicants are encouraged to provide details demonstrating active efforts to improve their independence or quality of life, such as:
Participation in rehabilitation, education, employment, or volunteer opportunities.
Engagement with support programs or health management plans.
Advocacy Support (NEW): Applicants are encouraged to work with a local social service agency or advocate to assist in preparing and submitting their application. The advocate should address the applicant’s active commitment to improving their situation.
FUNDING PRIORITIES The Blanche Fischer Foundation prioritizes funding for requests that align with its mission to support independence and mobility. Preference is given to applicants demonstrating:
Significant Financial Need: Applications where household income clearly reflects financial barriers.
Essential Needs: Requests addressing fundamental independence, mobility, or rehabilitation challenges.
Demonstrated Commitment: Applicants actively engaged in improving their situation through work, community involvement, rehabilitation programs, or self-management of their disability.
Grant Award Amount - Up to $1,500 with funding available once every three years. APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS Applicants must submit the following:
Applicant Information: Full details about the individual and household, including income and expenses.
Funding Request: A clear explanation of the requested item or service, including:
How it will improve independence, mobility, or quality of life.
Any efforts to contribute personally to the cost (e.g., partial funding).
Documentation:
Income: Proof of income and expenses for all household members.
Quotes or invoices: For the requested item(s) or service(s).
Advocacy and Support Verification
Medical Verification: Proof of permanent physical disability from a qualified health professional (on official letterhead).
REVIEW PROCESS
Evaluation Criteria: Applications are evaluated based on:
Eligibility and alignment with funding priorities.
Financial need.
The potential impact on the applicant’s independence or quality of life.
Demonstrated commitment to active self-improvement.
Timeline: Applications are reviewed quarterly, with funding decisions made within 6 months.
Payment Process: Approved grants are paid directly to the vendor providing the requested item or service. No grant payments are made to applicants.
Home adaptations (e.g., ramps, bathroom modifications).
Vehicle modifications (e.g., wheelchair lifts).
Medical Equipment:
Durable medical equipment (e.g., hospital beds, walkers).
Therapeutic Tools:
Items supporting physical rehabilitation or independent living.
Programs and Services:
Nonprofit programs providing direct services, such as accessible transportation, vocational training, or recreational activities.
WHAT WE DO NOT FUND
Ongoing Living Expenses:
Rent, utilities, food, or general household expenses.
Routine Medical or Healthcare Costs:
General doctor visits, prescriptions, or co-pays.
Reimbursements:
Expenses for items purchased prior to applying.
Items Covered by Insurance:
Requests reasonably be fulfilled by other funding sources.
Non-Disability-Related Items:
Items not directly tied to improving independence or quality of life for a permanent physical disability.
Capital Campaigns or Endowment Funds:
Contributions to construction, property acquisition, or fundraising campaigns.
Political or Religious Activities:
Activities or programs promoting a political agenda or religious purpose.
Non-Oregon Residents:
Only Oregon residents
We Do Not Fund chronic conditions resulting from personal choices or ongoing lack of self-care without evidence of active engagement in rehabilitation or health management