Application Process
Information and Application Packet
Welcome to the Brianna Fund for Children with Physical Disabilities, Inc. We have developed this information and application packet to assist you in the process of applying for a grant from the Brianna Fund. This application, along with a personal interview, will be used to determine your eligibility to receive assistance from the Brianna Fund. The support provided may be monetary, resource identification and/or linkage to appropriate services. Monetary awards are not always possible. Awards may also be in the form of mini-grants, matching funds grants, as well as individualized advocacy, connecting families with services in which they may not have been aware.
Mission and Purpose:
The Brianna Fund was founded in October 1998 to assist children with physical disabilities by eliminating barriers of access to community resources. By providing the necessary resources to solve pressing mobility issues, children with physical disabilities can enhance their capacity for living a full and productive life and be able to participate in all aspects of community life.
Who Makes Up the Brianna Fund?
The Brianna Fund is made up of a dedicated group of people (volunteers) who, in cooperation with others, want to create genuine opportunities for children with physical disabilities. We are committed to assuring that there are resources for children to grow up with physical, emotional and social independence.
Who Is Eligible to Receive Assistance?
Families of children from birth to 22 years of age who have a physical disability, which specifically relates to mobility and access. Awards from the Brianna Fund are not always financially based. The Angel Committee also works to connect families with community-based organizations and agencies, who may be able to provide further support(s).
How Will The Funds Be Administered?
The Brianna Fund is operated under the auspices of the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts. The Community Foundation will assist the Brianna Fund in administering funds to children/families in the Greater Springfield area.
Application Availability:
Applications are available beginning in September and can be picked up at the following locations: Shriners Hospital for Children, Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services, and the Rebecca Johnson Elementary School. Applications can also be acquired by calling Donna Johnson at 413 204-0145.
Application Deadline:
All completed applications should be returned (by mail) to:
The Brianna Fund
P.O. Box 1702
Springfield, MA 01101
Welcome to the Brianna Fund for Children with Physical Disabilities, Inc. We have developed this information and application packet to assist you in the process of applying for a grant from the Brianna Fund. This application, along with a personal interview, will be used to determine your eligibility to receive assistance from the Brianna Fund. The support provided may be monetary, resource identification and/or linkage to appropriate services. Monetary awards are not always possible. Awards may also be in the form of mini-grants, matching funds grants, as well as individualized advocacy, connecting families with services in which they may not have been aware.
Mission and Purpose:
The Brianna Fund was founded in October 1998 to assist children with physical disabilities by eliminating barriers of access to community resources. By providing the necessary resources to solve pressing mobility issues, children with physical disabilities can enhance their capacity for living a full and productive life and be able to participate in all aspects of community life.
Who Makes Up the Brianna Fund?
The Brianna Fund is made up of a dedicated group of people (volunteers) who, in cooperation with others, want to create genuine opportunities for children with physical disabilities. We are committed to assuring that there are resources for children to grow up with physical, emotional and social independence.
Who Is Eligible to Receive Assistance?
Families of children from birth to 22 years of age who have a physical disability, which specifically relates to mobility and access. Awards from the Brianna Fund are not always financially based. The Angel Committee also works to connect families with community-based organizations and agencies, who may be able to provide further support(s).
How Will The Funds Be Administered?
The Brianna Fund is operated under the auspices of the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts. The Community Foundation will assist the Brianna Fund in administering funds to children/families in the Greater Springfield area.
Application Availability:
Applications are available beginning in September and can be picked up at the following locations: Shriners Hospital for Children, Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services, and the Rebecca Johnson Elementary School. Applications can also be acquired by calling Donna Johnson at 413 204-0145.
Application Deadline:
All completed applications should be returned (by mail) to:
The Brianna Fund
P.O. Box 1702
Springfield, MA 01101
To be considered for this years award; the application and all accompanying documents must be received by the Brianna Fund no later than the date in the application.
Process for Applying to The Brianna Fund:
The attached application must be completed in its entirety with questions fully answered. All appropriate requested documentation must accompany your application.
Your application will be reviewed by the Brianna Fund Angel Committee and given prioritization based upon need and availability of funds. Once a completed application has been received, members (1 or 2) of the Angel Committee will come to your residence to personally interview you to assure that all necessary information is collected for processing your application. During the home visit, members of the Angel Committee would also like to meet, as well as take a photo of your child. A determination on the acceptance or denial of your application will be made by the third week in December, and you will be notified in writing as well as by telephone of this decision.
The Brianna Fund for Children with Physical Disabilities adheres to a strict commitment to maintain contact with awardees throughout the entire application process, as well as the various phases of completing the specified project. Thus, the Brianna Fund requires that awardees keep the committee aware of any developments, changes in family status, or set-backs which may affect the overall time-line of the specified project. The Brianna Fund maintains a policy which helps to facilitate this process as effectively and efficiently as possible.
Awardees have 1 (one) year from the date they were first notified in writing of the acceptance of their application, to make significant progress towards the realization of the specified accessibility or mobility project as noted in their original application.
During this time, committee members will work with you to ensure that an effective timeline is set to realize the goals set forth. If significant progress is not made within the given time-line, the Brianna Fund reserves the right to rescind its commitment, and will require awardees to formally re-apply for support during the next award year.
Please note: All applicants must be a resident of Hampden County.
It is the expectation of the Board of Directors of the Brianna Fund that award recipients as well as their family members and friends will support the fundraising efforts of the Brianna Fund by:
Process for Applying to The Brianna Fund:
The attached application must be completed in its entirety with questions fully answered. All appropriate requested documentation must accompany your application.
Your application will be reviewed by the Brianna Fund Angel Committee and given prioritization based upon need and availability of funds. Once a completed application has been received, members (1 or 2) of the Angel Committee will come to your residence to personally interview you to assure that all necessary information is collected for processing your application. During the home visit, members of the Angel Committee would also like to meet, as well as take a photo of your child. A determination on the acceptance or denial of your application will be made by the third week in December, and you will be notified in writing as well as by telephone of this decision.
The Brianna Fund for Children with Physical Disabilities adheres to a strict commitment to maintain contact with awardees throughout the entire application process, as well as the various phases of completing the specified project. Thus, the Brianna Fund requires that awardees keep the committee aware of any developments, changes in family status, or set-backs which may affect the overall time-line of the specified project. The Brianna Fund maintains a policy which helps to facilitate this process as effectively and efficiently as possible.
Awardees have 1 (one) year from the date they were first notified in writing of the acceptance of their application, to make significant progress towards the realization of the specified accessibility or mobility project as noted in their original application.
During this time, committee members will work with you to ensure that an effective timeline is set to realize the goals set forth. If significant progress is not made within the given time-line, the Brianna Fund reserves the right to rescind its commitment, and will require awardees to formally re-apply for support during the next award year.
Please note: All applicants must be a resident of Hampden County.
It is the expectation of the Board of Directors of the Brianna Fund that award recipients as well as their family members and friends will support the fundraising efforts of the Brianna Fund by:
- Attending event committee meetings to plan and implement annual fundraisers.
- Solicit donations, pledges, and/or contributions from family members and friends.
- Providing support to fundraising activities with your time, energy and commitment.
- The Dr. MLK, Jr. Gospel Benefit Concert (Dr. King’s birthday weekend – January)
- The Brianna Fund Winter Gala & Silent Auction (Black Tie Affair – February or March)
- An event to be determined by the BF Event Planning Committee (June)In addition, there is an award presentation which is usually held during the month of May. This is also National Disabilities Month. A Christmas/holiday celebration event is held during the month of December.
The Brianna Fund for Children with Physical Disabilities, Inc.