Lions Vision Resource Network Grants for the Blind and Visually Impaired
We provide access to financial assistance to the blind and visually impaired community by way of grants. Grants are not loans and do not need to be repaid. Individuals interested in applying for our grant should fill out the application below. More information on our grants and programs is available simply by contacting us.
Application for a Grant
The purpose of LVRN grants is to provide financial aid to blind and visually impaired individuals in order to improve their quality of life, broadly defined. Certification of blind, low vision, or visual impairment status by a professional third party is required.
There is no age limit or income requirement. Applicants must live in Alameda or Contra Costa County or provide services for individuals who are blind or visually impaired in Alameda or Contra Costa County.
LRVN offers two different types of grants:
1. Quality of Life Grant
These grants are awarded annually in July and the limit for any single grant is $5,000. Grants can be to individuals or to organizations that serve blind and visually impaired individuals. Only one award per year per person/organization will be given. Those who have received prior funding will receive lower priority than first-time applicants.
The Quality of Life Grant is designed to fund the following types of needs:
- Equipment that aids in accessibility or travel or safety at home
- Computers, iPhones, and related training
- Employment training
- Travel training
- Research on blindness, low vision, or vision impairment
The list is meant to be suggestive and not limiting. We will consider any request, but those that fill gaps in funding provided by the state or other means, or those that are not available through other means, will receive priority.
2. Ed Cossart Immediate Needs Grant
These grants, named in honor of a past Lions Blind Center President who has dedicated years of service to helping blind and visually impaired individuals, are awarded throughout the year with the purpose of providing financial aid to blind and visually impaired individuals who have immediate but low cost needs. The maximum amount to be awarded is $1,500. Computers are not a part of this program. Smart phones, iPads or Apple watches may be considered, but the cost of the item, any Apple Care or maintenance plan and/or any setup/training expense cannot exceed the $1,500 limit of these grants and a case must be made for immediate need.
The Ed Cossart Immediate Needs Grant is designed to fund the following types of needs. The list is meant to be suggestive and not limiting.
- Medical Aids (e.g. Talking Blood Glucose Monitor)
- Seeing Aids (e.g. Canes or Repair of a Braille Machine)
- Transportation (e.g. Transit to Medical Appointments, Work Conference or for a Family Emergency)
Except for cash grants to organizations or to individuals for research, grant proceeds will not be given directly to an individual; instead, LVRN will purchase the product or service. However, the grantee will register the product so that any warranties will be in their name. Any warranty issues will be handled between the grantee and the vendor. LVRN will not participate in that process.
Awardees must give a final accounting of how funds were used and be willing to have their testimonials used for publicity purposes by LVRN.
How to Apply
You can apply for a grant right here on our website. To get started, head to the Application Form.