The Brighter Tomorrow Grant
Aug. 18th, 2008 12:21 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
msf_staffWe're in the middle of the application cycle for one of my favorite programs - the Brighter Tomorrow Grant. The purpose of this grant is to provide funding for things that aren't normally covered by our other programs. But it's not just meant for needs, the beauty of it is that you can ask for wishes, too. The name says it all: through this grant, you can ask for whatever will make your tomorrow brighter.
What that is - what makes tomorrow a better day for you - is different for every person. We've seen requests for everything from riding lawn mowers to a trip to be on The Price is Right; from new drapes to a new blow-torch for an Alaskan sculptor.
Can a lawn mower change a life? You bet. Absolutely. For a person who has lost the ability to take care of this basic chore using a conventional lawn mower, a riding lawn mower gives them their independence back. It's one less thing that MS can take from them.
And some people use their wishes on behalf of others. I'll never forget the artist with MS who asked for supplies to help her give pottery classes to terminally ill children. Her story had the entire grant committee in tears.
And that's what I love about the program - each story is unique, each grant is special. It's a joy to be involved with.
If you're interested in learning more or applying for a grant, visit http://www.msfocus.org/programs_grants_bwmg.php. (Unfortunately for any international folks, you do have to be a U.S. resident.)
And to help you out, here are some inside tips about your application:
1. Pay close attention to the guidelines. If your request is for something over the $1,000 cap, it won't be considered. Nor will requests for cash or medications.
2. Be familiar with our programs. Requests that are covered by other programs aren't eligible for the grant.
3. Do your homework. If you're asking for, say, an adaptive easel that allows you to paint from a reclining position, let us know where they sell it, what it costs, and what model you are interested in. The same thing would apply whether you were requesting a new dishwasher or tuition to a yoga class. Whatever the item or service, the more information you can provide us, the better. And if you are awarded the grant, you'll be assured of getting exactly the item or service you meant in your request!
What that is - what makes tomorrow a better day for you - is different for every person. We've seen requests for everything from riding lawn mowers to a trip to be on The Price is Right; from new drapes to a new blow-torch for an Alaskan sculptor.
Can a lawn mower change a life? You bet. Absolutely. For a person who has lost the ability to take care of this basic chore using a conventional lawn mower, a riding lawn mower gives them their independence back. It's one less thing that MS can take from them.
And some people use their wishes on behalf of others. I'll never forget the artist with MS who asked for supplies to help her give pottery classes to terminally ill children. Her story had the entire grant committee in tears.
And that's what I love about the program - each story is unique, each grant is special. It's a joy to be involved with.
If you're interested in learning more or applying for a grant, visit http://www.msfocus.org/programs_grants_bwmg.php. (Unfortunately for any international folks, you do have to be a U.S. resident.)
And to help you out, here are some inside tips about your application:
1. Pay close attention to the guidelines. If your request is for something over the $1,000 cap, it won't be considered. Nor will requests for cash or medications.
2. Be familiar with our programs. Requests that are covered by other programs aren't eligible for the grant.
3. Do your homework. If you're asking for, say, an adaptive easel that allows you to paint from a reclining position, let us know where they sell it, what it costs, and what model you are interested in. The same thing would apply whether you were requesting a new dishwasher or tuition to a yoga class. Whatever the item or service, the more information you can provide us, the better. And if you are awarded the grant, you'll be assured of getting exactly the item or service you meant in your request!