Additional Funding Programs
Sometimes individual needs may be met through funding from private companies, grants and foundations. They each have their own eligibility requirements that may be tied to income or medical need.
The Center for Infants and Children with Special Needs at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center provides information to help families and health care providers identify sources of financial assistance.
Assistive Technology, Housing and Home Modifications, Home Care and Durable Medical Equipment (DME), and Food and Nutrition offer specific funding options to consider.
Aubrey Rose Foundation awards grants to eligible families to help pay outstanding medical bills that are not covered by insurance.
Building Blocks for Kids has the goal of improving the well-being and quality of life for children whose parents cannot financially meet a particular medical need. Needs can range from a hearing aid to a wheelchair to life-saving surgery. Applications are available online.
Center for Independent Living Options (CILO) is the oldest center for independent living in Ohio serving individuals with disabilities in Greater Cincinnati / Northern Kentucky. They can assist with affordable, accessible housing, emergency shelter, provide help for the homeless, independent living skils and personal assistance.
Challenged America has an online grant application to apply for products and services for children under age 18 who have physical challenges.
Child Wellness Fair is a nonprofit health organization that connects families and healthcare professionals to identify and address community needs. Their If Only I Had A... program assists families with a variety of needs to help make the life of a child with medical needs easier. The Child Wellness Fair also operates a Vehicle Donation program to assist families and organizations. Their Second Home program facilitates the donation of medical equipment and supplies and helps connect families with needed resources.
Cincinnati Benefits and Resources is a comprehensive web site linking to financial assistance in a variety of areas including healthcare, housing, education and community resources.
Directory of Community Resources has been developed by CareStar.
DisabilityInfo.gov is a comprehensive web site for assistance programs and disability-related resources available on federal, state and local levels.
Families USA has information on public and private sources of health insurance.
First Hand Foundation provides grants for eligible children whose clinical, health care needs are not adequately covered by insurance and state aid. They can assist with treatment, equipment, displacement and vehicle modifications. The child must be 18 years of age or younger (a child 18 – 21 can be considered if under the care of a pediatrician and in a child-like state) and the family must meet financial guidelines.
For Kids Foundation provides financial aid to children in Nevada and Northern California, with medical, dental, mental health, or educational needs for which other resources are insufficient. They serve as a safety net for children who have “fallen through the cracks” of existing agencies and charitable organizations.
Freestore Foodbank in Cincinnati has an online Community Resource Directory.
GovBenefits.gov connects users to federal, state and local government benefits and assistance programs. Users can find programs organized by state, by subject, or by answering a detailed online questionnaire. Comprehensive eligibility and agency contact information is provided.
Hear Now Program, a division of the Starkey Hearing Foundation, offers assistance in acquiring hearing aids to those with limited financial resources.
IPump provides free insulin pumps, and critical, temporary assistance to people of any age, with any form of diabetes who legally reside in the U.S.
Jessica's Hope Chest offers financial assistance to families of critically ill children under the age of 18, who have no other means to meet the extra burdens challenging them as a result of the child's illness. The foundation helps with costs that are not covered by insurance policies or government aid programs.
The Loyalty Fund is a non-profit foundation designed to help children with special needs live more comfortably, by paying for much-needed therapy and equipment.
Modest Needs has grant funding opportunities for financial assistance.
Special Kids Special Needs provides links to financial and information resources in Ohio for children with chronic and special health care needs.
Special Kids Therapy provides funding assistance to Ohio children for alternative therapies that are not covered by insurance. They will also assist eligible families with the purchase of special medical equipment such as wheelchairs, communication devices and auditory equipment.
Special Needs Foundation will try to link specific needs with donations.
United Healthcare Children's Foundation offers assistance grants for children's medical services not fully covered by health insurance.
The Wheelchair Foundation is an international nonprofit organization that assists children and adults with financial needs obtain wheelchairs. You can also subscribe to their free newsletter.
Wish-granting organizations may also provide funding for eligible children.
If your questions are not fully answered by our Special Needs Resource Directory and its links, please contact us via email.
Rev. 8/09
