Family Fund
There are effective therapies, equipment, and learning opportunities not covered by insurance and out of reach financially for many families. The Family Fund was created in 2017, to help fill gaps in providing quality of life enrichment needs for youth under the age of 21. To date, the Family Fund has granted out over $50,000 to local families.
To check out the impact from the last grant cycle of the Family Fund, click here.
Application Timeline
The Family Fund is administered annually in the spring.
Applications Open: March 1, 2021
Application Deadline: April 15, 2021
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
The Arc will make all award decisions by April 30, 2021. You will be notified via email of the acceptance or denial of your request. Grant payments can be delivered by mail or direct deposit. All payments will be initiated by May 10, 2021.
Eligibility & Requirements
By accepting the Family Fund grant, you agree to allow The Arc Central Chesapeake Region to use your story and likeness in future marketing and promotional materials. Click here to see the full terms of the release policy.
To be eligible you must:
- Have a child with a disability, under the age of 21
- Reside in the state of Maryland and live in one of the counties supported by The Arc Central Chesapeake Region
- Complete and submit the online application
Preference will be given to applicants that:
- Do not receive funding from the Developmental Disabilities Administration or Autism Waiver
- Is a current member of The Arc Central Chesapeake Region (to become a member, click here)
- Has not received a grant from the Family Fund previously
Application
Please note: you must complete the entire application to be considered. All applications must be submitted online. Incomplete applications will not be considered for an award.
FAQs
Can I apply for camp funding?
The Arc is not accepting applications seeking to pay for camp fees in 2021.
How much can I ask for?
You can ask for a grant in any amount. But please keep in mind, the Family Fund typically does not fully fund requests above $2,000. If your request is more than $1,000 – we reserve the right to request documentation to support your request (ie: invoice, etc).
Can I apply for more than one of my kids?
Yes. You may apply for each child you have with a disability. Please submit one application per child.
Does the Family Fund award crisis funding?
The Family Fund does not cover emergency requests. No applications for emergency or crisis funding will be considered. If you require emergency funding, please contact resources@thearcccr.org and we will connect you with appropriate resources.
If I receive funding from DDA or the Autism Waiver, can I still receive a Family Fund grant?
Yes. You are still eligible to receive a grant. However, please note that preference for awards will go to families who do not receive state funding.
Can I mail in the application?
No. All applications must be completed and submitted via the online form.
Do I have to share my story if I receive a grant?
Yes. By accepting a grant from the Family Fund, you are agreeing to allow The Arc to use your story and likeness for future marketing purposes of the grant.