Lori Ann Fishel Special Needs Fund
Grant Opportunities
"A lot of times the smallest things, being able to go to a concert, go to an event, are really tremendous..."
- James Fishel
Lori Ann's Father & Co-Founder of The Lori Ann Fishel Special Needs Fund​
The Lori Ann Fishel Special Needs Fund was established by the Fishel Family to honor Lori’s independent spirit. Lori’s life was enriched by many opportunities. The family wants others to have the same opportunities that Lori had in life that provided her access to and acceptance in the community. Her family will remember Lori as a woman who loved life and made friends with everyone she met.
​She seized every opportunity to live her life to the fullest. The Lori Ann Fishel Special Needs Fund was established for individuals with disabilities. Through this fund, the Jewish Federation and Jewish Foundation want to ensure the continued existence of a dynamic, diverse, and inclusive Jewish community. It is our intent to better serve individuals with disabilities and their families.
In order to make this possible, the Lori Ann Fishel Special Needs Fund of the Jewish Foundation will provide incentive grants to foster a more inclusive community in three distinct areas of funding opportunities:
Individual Grants (Up to $1500)
Organization Small Grants ($500 or less)
Organization Large Grants ($500 or more)
All grants are awarded based on the applicant’s needs, motivation, and completion of the application form.​
Lori Ann Fishel Special Needs Fund Organization
Individual Grant Application
The goal of the Lori Ann Fishel Special Needs Fund is to provide incentive grants (to offset costs) to help individuals with disabilities, travel, participate in programs, or pursue hobbies and interests to enrich their lives and encourage independence. The incentives may be used to attend camps, retreats, concerts, lectures, conferences, and other enriching experiences. The incentive grant is designed to help defray costs of travel, registration, and meals, as well as provide an aide or companion if needed. All incentive grants will be paid as a reimbursement of costs. Projects that have been funded through this grant include:
• Private aide for a college-level trip
• Assistance for a therapy-oriented program
• Private aide assistance for a member of the community
Lori Ann Fishel Special Needs Fund Organization
Small Grant Application
The Federation and the Lori Ann Fishel Special Needs Fund are pleased to introduce an exciting opportunity to receive a small grant from the Lori Ann Fishel Special Needs Fund. Organizations can apply for a small grant of $500 or less. Projects that have been funded through this grant include:
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Educational materials for children in an early childhood setting
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Large print prayer books
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Inclusion assessment of a facility
To learn more about the details of this grant and how to apply, contact Becky Gunn.
Lori Ann Fishel Special Needs Fund Organization
Large Grant Application
The Lori Ann Fishel Special Needs Fund allows organizations to apply for projects that are above $500 in cost. In past years, projects that have been funded have been in the $2,000 - $10,000 range, including:
• Internal hearing loop device
• Inclusion director at a school
• Assistance to make a playground friendly for people with special needs.
• Assistance for a program that provides housing and employment assistance for adults with special needs
For more information about all these grants, individuals and organizations can contact Becky Gunn.​
Contact
Becky Gunn
Chief Financial Officer