FAQ
Q: Do you provide grants to organizations?
A: Yes, depending on the organization. For more information, contact Rosemarie at [email protected].
Q: Where are your grants available?
A: Our grants are available to residents of the continental United States and Canada.
Q: Do you only provide grants for BraunAbility products?
A: No, Ralph Braun created this foundation to provide assistance for mobility products that best meets the needs of the consumer. We will provide grants to selected individuals for any automotive mobility product that is a NMEDA manufacturer product and sold by a certified NMEDA dealer. Mobility products may include the conversion of a full size or minivan, wheelchair/scooter lifts, transfer seats, wheelchair securement systems, driving aids, etc.
Q: What is NMEDA?
A: NMEDA is the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association.
- As an association, NMEDA works to establish industry standards on the safety, reliability and accessibility of adaptive mobility equipment and raise awareness of the variety of options available to those living with disabilities. Each NMEDA member is required to adhere to the safety standards of Transport Canada and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and to follow the guidelines set forth by NMEDA. Additionally, all NMEDA dealer members are required to participate in the Quality Assurance Program™ (QAP).
The Quality Assurance Program is a recognized accreditation program for the mobility equipment industry developed to promote quality, dependability, and safety within the industry. QAP is the only program of this nature developed for the mobility equipment industry and participation ensures mobility equipment installation is consistent with the highest guidelines of professionalism available in the industry.
You can learn more about NMEDA at http://www.nmeda.com/.
Q: How do I know if my dealer is certified by NMEDA?
A: Please visit the NMEDA website at http://www.nmeda.com/ and enter your zip code into the dealer locator on the home page.
Q: What if I am working with a dealer who is not listed on the NMEDA dealer site?
A: Unfortunately, your application will not be eligible if your dealer is not listed on the NMEDA dealer site. Please try increasing the search radius or enter only the state to look for your dealer if you are unable to find them with your zip code. If your dealer is not a certified NMEDA dealer and you still wish to apply for a grant from The National Organization for Vehicle Accessibility, you will need to select a NMEDA dealer in your area to make your purchase in order to be considered.
Q: Can I apply the grant to the cost of the actual vehicle/chassis?
A: No, our grants may only be applied toward the cost of the vehicle modification.
Q: Do you offer assistance toward repair or parts for mobility products (i.e. ramp, lift, transfer seat, hand controls, driving aids, etc.)?
A: No, our funding program is available only for the purchase of needed mobility products.
Q: If I have already purchased mobility equipment, can I apply for a grant to help with payment of the loan?
A: No, we are unable to award grants for purchases or projects already completed.
Q: Am I eligible for a grant if another agency (i.e. Vocational Rehabilitation Services, VA, Medicaid Waiver, etc.) is paying the cost of the vehicle modification and the only balance remaining is for the actual vehicle/chassis?
A: No, as we are unable to apply funds to the vehicle purchase price. If the agency is only partially funding the vehicle modification, you would be eligible to apply for a grant to assist with the remaining balance of the mobility product(s).
Q: Am I eligible for a grant if another organization or agency is awarding a portion of the mobility product cost and I still have a balance for my vehicle modification?
A: Yes, we encourage individuals to apply to other organizations or agencies to help secure all funds needed for the cost of the mobility products.
Q: Can I mail the application to you? Is there a paper copy of the application available?
A: No, we can only accept applications that are completed online through our website. If you do not have access to a computer or have difficulty with completion or submission of the application, please consider asking your mobility consultant, friend/family member, or a case worker for assistance. You may also check with your local library regarding free use of their computers.
Q: Do I need to provide proof of income for everyone in the home?
A: Yes, we must receive proof of income for all members of your household. This includes employment income, disability or social security income, retirement, child support, etc.
Q: What proof of income documentation must be submitted?
A: You may submit the most recent copy of your completed tax forms (please only include the summary pages and mark out your social security number), bank statements (most recent two months), paycheck stubs (most recent two months), or letter from government agency documenting amount of benefit.
Q: Do I need to list all other agencies to which I have applied?
A: Yes, you must provide information regarding the other organizations or agencies to which you have applied as well as the response you have received from them. If you are or will be receiving financial assistance from other organizations or agencies, please indicate the amount of the award for each.
Q: Can I send the inventory listing from the dealer website as a quote?
A: No, the quote provided must come directly from your NMEDA dealer mobility consultant on official company letterhead and provide a detailed prospectus of the mobility product recommendations made specifically for you. The equipment cost must be included on this quote. Your name must also be listed indicating that this is a personalized quote.
Q: Can I just call the dealer and ask them to send a quote if I have not yet met with them in person?
A: No, you must be referred to us by your NMEDA dealer mobility consultant who has already met with you and completed a thorough needs assessment regarding the mobility equipment they are recommending.
Q: Can I apply if I am just beginning to raise funds for the purchase of mobility products?
A: No, this program is designed for individuals who have already secured the majority of the funds needed for the purchase of their mobility product and are seeking the remaining balance to bridge the funding gap. Once the majority of the funds are secured (approximately 75% of the cost of the mobility product), you may apply for a grant for the remaining 25% of the vehicle modification.
Q: When is the application open and available online?
A: We operate in quarterly funding cycles. The application may only be found on our website during an open funding cycle which takes place in February, May, August and November.
The application will open at 8:00am ET on the first day of the funding cycle and close at 5:00pm ET on the last day of the funding cycle. We are unable to accept applications before the application is open or once it is closed.
Q: When are decisions made?
A: Decisions will be made approximately four weeks following the close of each funding cycle.
Q: How will I be notified?
A: You will be notified by e-mail at the address provided on your grant application.
Q: If I am selected, what information needs to be provided for payment of the grant?
A: Awarded grant recipients and their NMEDA dealer must provide the following documentation in order for the grant to be fulfilled:
- Copy of the final invoice from the dealer indicating amount due from The National Organization for Vehicle Accessibility
- Copy of title or application for title transfer of vehicle purchased from NMEDA dealer (if applicable)
- Letter or paragraph from the grant recipient explaining how this award and mobility product has impacted his or her life
- Photo of grant recipient(s) with the mobility product
The grant recipient is responsible for ensuring that all documentation is submitted to the foundation office prior to the award expiration date. If all documentation is not received by the date indicated, he or she may be responsible for payment of the balance.
Q: Will the payment be made to me?
A: No, payment of the grant will be made directly to the NMEDA dealer.
Q: How long do I have to complete my purchase if awarded?
A: The grant recipient will have 60 days from receipt of the award to complete the purchase.
Q: Are there exceptions to the grant award deadline?
A: If you are unable to complete the purchase within the allotted 60 day time period due to the product being on order or the vehicle modification still being completed by the manufacturer, you or your mobility consultant must contact the foundation office PRIOR TO THE AWARD EXPIRATION DATE to request an extension. Considerations will be made only in this instance.
Q: Do you offer grants for wheelchairs/scooters, home modifications, or vehicles?
A: No, our grant program is designed to assist toward vehicle modifications and adaptive automotive mobility products only.
Q: What is the amount of the grant and how is this calculated?
A: Awarded applicants may receive up to 25% of the cost of the adaptive automotive mobility equipment with a cap of $5,000. In the case of a van, ONLY the conversion or wheelchair lift may be considered for funding. For a used accessible van the blue-book value of the vehicle is subtracted from the total cost and 25% of the remaining balance is eligible for National Organization for Vehicle Accessibility funding.
Q: If I am not selected during this funding cycle, can I reapply during another funding cycle?
A: Yes, eligible applicants may apply as often as they want.
Q: Help! I am trying to submit my application online and have received an error message.
A: Please try opening the application in a different browser (i.e. Chrome, Internet Explorer, etc.) and resubmitting.
Q: Is my donation tax deductible?
A: The National Organization for Vehicle Accessibility is a 501(c)3 nonprofit and your gift may qualify as a charitable deduction for federal income tax purposes. Please consult with your tax advisor in regard to your eligibility.
Q: Where does The National Organization for Vehicle Accessibility receive its funding?
A: We are a public charity and rely on the generosity of our individual and corporate donors to support our organization. Every dollar donated will help bring someone closer to life-changing mobility and freedom!