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Special Grants for Women with Disabilities

Special Grants for Women with Disabilities

Women with disabilities face unique challenges that can make finding financial support crucial for maintaining independence and improving their quality of life. In the USA, various grants are specifically designed to support disabled women. These grants provide essential financial assistance for healthcare, education, housing and other needs. This guide will explore the grant programs available to women with disabilities, the eligibility criteria and how to apply.

The Ethel Louise Armstrong Foundation Grant

The Ethel Louise Armstrong Foundation (ELA) provides grants to women with disabilities who are pursuing higher education. These grants aim to empower women by funding their education and helping them achieve their career goals.

Eligibility Criteria

  • A female with a disability
  • Enrolled in a college or university
  • Demonstrated financial need

Application Process

  • Complete the online application form
  • Submit proof of enrollment and financial need documentation
  • Write a personal statement detailing your educational and career goals

To learn more, visit https://www.guidestar.org/profile/58-2147887. 

The Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation

This foundation offers education support for low-income women, including those with disabilities. The grants can be used for tuition, books and other educational expenses, providing crucial support for women seeking to further their education.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Low-income women, including single mothers with disabilities
  • Enrolled in an accredited educational program
  • Demonstrated financial need

Application Process

  • Submit the application form online
  • Provide proof of income and enrollment
  • Write an essay on educational and career goals

Discover more at www.patsyminkfoundation.org.

The Modest Needs Self-Sufficiency Grants

Modest Needs offers Self-Sufficiency Grants to disabled women, particularly single mothers and elderly women, who are facing short-term financial emergencies. These grants help cover essential expenses like medical bills, rent and utilities.

Eligibility Criteria

  • U.S. citizen or legal resident
  • Income at or below 100% of the poverty line
  • Demonstrated short-term financial need

Application Process

  • Complete the online application
  • Submit income documentation and proof of financial emergency
  • Write a brief description of the financial need

Find out more at www.modestneeds.org.

The Amber Grant for Women

The Amber Grant Foundation awards monthly grants to women entrepreneurs, including those with disabilities. This grant supports women in starting or growing their businesses, helping them to achieve financial independence.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Female entrepreneurs, including disabled women
  • Business idea or existing business
  • Brief description of the business and how the grant will help

Application Process

  • Fill out the online application form
  • Write a brief description of your business and how the grant will help

Learn more at https://microbizinsocal.org/grants/amber-grant-for-women/.

The Soroptimist Live Your Dream Awards

The Soroptimist Live Your Dream Awards provide financial assistance to women who are the primary earners for their families and are seeking to improve their education, skills and employment prospects. 

Eligibility Criteria

  • Female, primary financial support for family
  • Enrolled in or accepted to a vocational/skills training program or an undergraduate degree program
  • Demonstrated financial need

Application Process

  • Submit the online application
  • Provide proof of enrollment and financial need
  • Write a personal statement detailing educational and career goals

Find additional details at www.soroptimist.org.

The Women’s Independence Scholarship Program

The Women’s Independence Scholarship Program (WISP) is dedicated to helping survivors of intimate partner abuse, including disabled women, pursue education. This scholarship aims to promote independence through education.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Female survivors of intimate partner abuse, including disabled women
  • Enrolled in or applying to an educational program
  • Demonstrated financial need

Application Process

  • Complete the online application
  • Provide proof of enrollment and documentation of abuse
  • Write an essay on personal and educational goals

For more information, visit www.wispinc.org.

The National Organization for Women (NOW) Foundation Grants

The NOW Foundation offers various grants and scholarships for women, including those with disabilities. These grants support women in education, career advancement and overcoming financial hardships.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Female, including women with disabilities
  • Enrolled in an educational or vocational training program
  • Demonstrated financial need

Application Process

  • Fill out the application form on the NOW Foundation website
  • Provide proof of enrollment and financial need
  • Write a personal statement

Learn more at https://now.org/now-foundation/. 

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is a federal assistance program for undergraduate students with exceptional financial need. Disabled women who meet the criteria can benefit from this grant to pursue higher education.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Enrolled as an undergraduate student
  • Exceptional financial need
  • U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen

Application Process

  • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
  • Provide financial documentation as required
  • Consult with the office of financial assistance at your institution

For more details, visit https://www.fseog.com/.

The Jeanette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund

The Jeanette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund provides scholarships to low-income women aged 35 and older, including disabled women, to help them return to college. This fund supports women in achieving their educational and career goals.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Females aged 35 or older
  • Low-income
  • Enrolled in or accepted to a vocational/skills training program or an undergraduate degree program

Application Process:

  • Complete the online application form
  • Provide proof of enrollment and financial need
  • Write a personal statement

Learn more at www.rankinfoundation.org.

The Lizette Peterson-Homer Injury Prevention Grant Award

This grant is offered by the American Psychological Association (APA) and supports projects aimed at injury prevention among disabled women and girls. The grant is named in honor of Lizette Peterson-Homer, a prominent psychologist.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Project related to injury prevention for disabled women and girls
  • Demonstrated need for funding
  • Detailed project proposal

Application Process

  • Submit a detailed project proposal
  • Provide evidence of the need for the project
  • Complete the application form online

For further information, visit www.apa.org.

The American Association of University Women (AAUW) Career Development Grants

The AAUW Career Development Grants support women who hold a bachelor’s degree and are preparing to advance or change careers. These grants are particularly beneficial for disabled women seeking to improve their career prospects through education and training.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Female, including women with disabilities
  • Hold a bachelor’s degree
  • Enrolled in or applying to a higher education or vocational training program

Application Process

  • Complete the online application form
  • Provide proof of enrollment and educational history
  • Write a personal statement outlining career goals

Learn more at https://www.aauw.org/resources/programs/fellowships-grants/current-opportunities/career-development/.

Conclusion

Special grants for women with disabilities provide crucial financial support, helping them to overcome unique challenges and achieve greater independence. By understanding and applying for these grants, disabled women can access the resources they need to improve their lives. If you or someone you know could benefit from these programs, be sure to explore the options and apply for the support available.

For additional resources and information, consider visiting the official websites provided for each program.

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