The purpose of LVRN grants is to provide financial aid to blind or low vision individuals to improve their quality of life.

Dr. Maureen Powers Quality-of-Life Grants (QOL) are awarded throughout the year with a limit of $5,000 for any single grant. QOL Grants are limited to blind or low vision individuals 21 years old or older who live in Alameda or Contra Costa Counties in California or to organizations that serve blind and low vision individuals in these counties. Applicants can receive more than one grant, however there is a one-year waiting period between receiving QOL grants. There is no income limit. Certification of blind or low vision status by a professional third party is required. Those who have received prior funding will receive lower priority than first-time applicants. Please note that filing an application for a grant is not a guarantee that a grant will be awarded.

The QOL is designed to fund the following needs:

• Smartphones and tablets and related training to enhance accessibility
• Computers – Applicants must have prior computer experience and a demonstrated proficiency with a computer
• Braille equipment and Braille training
• Low vision products, including training
• Equipment that aids in safety at home

The list is meant to be suggestive and not limiting. LVRN 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.

Except for cash grants to organizations or to individuals for research, grant proceeds will not be given directly to an individual. LVRN will purchase the product(s) or service(s), but the grantee will be the owner of any devices and will register the product(s) 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 or testimonial of how the grant was used, the benefits derived from the grant and be willing to have their testimonials used for publicity purposes by LVRN.

The purpose of LVRN grants is to provide financial aid to blind or low vision individuals to improve their quality of life.

Ed Cossart Immediate Needs Grants (IN) are limited to blind or low vision individuals 21 years old or older who live in Alameda or Contra Costa Counties in California and are awarded throughout the year with the purpose of providing financial aid to those individuals who have a demonstrated immediate, but low cost need. 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(s), any warranties or maintenance plan and/or any setup/training expense cannot exceed the $1,500 limit of these grants. Certification of blind or low vision status by a professional third party is required. Please note that filing an application for a grant is not a guarantee that a grant will be awarded.

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. LVRN will purchase the product(s) or service(s), but the grantee will be the owner of any devices and will register the product(s) 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 or testimonial of how the grant was used, the benefits derived from the grant and be willing to have their testimonials used for publicity purposes by LVRN.

Notes about requests for computers

If you are requesting a computer, the type of computer will be determined in a discussion between you and the LVRN computer/technical consultant. The initial setup of the computer, including loading of software, will be done before the computer is either delivered to you or ready for pickup.

Notes about requests for other products and services

For products and services other than computers, phones, iPads, and Apple watches, please cite the source of where the product or service can be acquired and provide a link to a description of each item or service, if possible. This will ensure that the right product or service is obtained.

If you are requesting research funds or funds for an organization, summarize the request and associated costs here as succinctly as possible.

In order to qualify, you must provide evidence of low vision or other visual impairment through a form completed to a professional (doctor or counselor, for example) who knows you. Complete the contact information for the person who will be completing your form following. We'll send the form to them via email and they will need to complete the form and return it to us via US Mail.

Alternatively, you may download the form and mail it or take it in person to a professional.

Download the form

Preview your application

Preview your application answers below to ensure everything is correct. After the preview information, you may sign and submit your application. You'll receive a copy of the application via email.