2025 Individual Giving Guidelines

Supporting Independence. Empowering Possibility.
The Blanche Fischer Foundation provides financial assistance to Oregonians with permanent physical disabilities 
by funding items that promote greater independence, accessibility, and quality of life.

Rooted in the Independent Living Philosophy, this program reflects
​the heart of Blanche Fischer’s legacy: to make everyday life more possible, personal, and empowered.

​Eligibility Criteria & Application Requirements
Applicants must meet all of the following eligibility criteria and submit the corresponding documentation:

• Residency: Must be a permanent resident of Oregon.
• Disability: Must have a permanent physical disability, confirmed by a Disability Verification:
  • Written by a qualified healthcare provider - must be different than the advocate
  • On official letterhead and signed
  • Confirms a permanent physical disability and connects it to the requested item or service
• Financial Need: Must demonstrate financial hardship through income and expense documentation for all household members.
• Purpose: The requested item or service must directly enhance independence, mobility, or quality of life.
• Funding Request Description: Applicants must explain how the item/service supports independence or quality of life and note any personal contribution toward the cost.
• Quotes or Invoices: Required for the requested item(s) or service(s).
• Demonstration of Engagement (NEW): Applicants are encouraged to show active efforts to improve their situation—such as:
  • Participation in rehabilitation, education, employment, or volunteer opportunities.
  • Engagement with support programs or health management plans.
• Advocate Letter: A letter of support from a social service professional or advocate is now required, especially when addressing engagement and need.

Funding Priorities
Preference is given to applicants who demonstrate:

• Significant Financial Need
• Essential Independence Needs
• Active Commitment to self-improvement or community engagement

Grant Amount: Up to $1,500, available once every three years.
Payments are made directly to vendors; no funds are disbursed to individuals.

WHAT WE FUND

• Assistive Devices and Technology:
  • Wheelchairs, scooters, hearing aids,  adaptive technology.
• Accessibility Modifications:
  • 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 costs
  
• Routine or Ongoing Medical Care: Including doctor visits, mental health care, physical therapy, prescriptions, or co-pays
  
• Reimbursements: For items already purchased or received
  
• Items Covered by Insurance: Or reasonably accessible through other funding programs
  
• Non-Disability-Related Items: Requests not directly tied to a permanent physical disability
  
• Capital Campaigns or Endowments
  
• Political or Religious Activities
  
• Out-of-State Residents
  
• Conditions resulting from personal choices or unmanaged chronic illness, without documentation of current health engagement or rehabilitation
  

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

PDF links below
- Individual Giving Program Application
- Eligibility Guidelines
​- Instructions for Qualified Health Care Providers

Individual GIVING PROGRAM APPLICATION ​

Eligibility Guidelines

Disability Verification

DOWNLOAD ADOBE READER

Copyright ©2025 Blanche Fischer Foundation. All rights reserved.
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