Frequently Asked Questions

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - GRANT PROGRAM

❓General Questions

When can I apply for a grant?
We plan to open applications in January 2026, once we have raised at least $10,000 to launch our grant program. After that, applications will likely be accepted monthly or quarterly.  We are new and will determine our cadence based on supply of funds and demand of requests.

Each submission window will remain open for a defined period of time or until we reach the application cap, which is determined by the total funds available.

Where do I need to live to apply?
Applicants must be legal residents of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.

Who is eligible to apply?
The application must be submitted by the legal guardian of a person with a diagnosed developmental disability. Priority will be given to:
Families with incomes under $100,000 per year
Families with multiple dependents who have developmental disabilities
How long are awarded grant funds available?
Funds must be used within six months of the grant being awarded. If unused, the funds will be returned to the foundation to support other families.

📋 Application & Review Process

How are applications reviewed?
Applications are reviewed using a combination of objective and subjective criteria.

Will applications be reviewed in the order they are received?
No. All applications submitted during a quarterly cycle are reviewed after the deadline, not on a rolling basis.

Who reviews the applications?
An Advisory Board reviews all eligible applications and makes final decisions on approval, funding amount, and priority.

If I don’t receive a grant right away, do I need to reapply?
Not necessarily. If your application meets criteria, but we don’t have enough funds, we will let you know next steps.

If it's determined that I do not qualify for a grant or funds have run out, what support can the foundation offer me?
Every grant applicant will receive some level of support in the form of outreach, guidance, resources, or support. No medical advice, products, or professional services will be provided.

💵 Funding Details

How much can I receive?
Grant amounts vary depending on the type of request, available funding, and need. Awards are based on both the amount requested and review board recommendations.

How are funds distributed?
Therapy Grants: Funds are paid directly to the approved provider.
Activity & Recreational Access Grants: Funds are typically paid directly to the vendor, but reimbursement is possible with proper receipts and approval.
We do not issue payments to individuals or families directly.

Can I apply again in the future?
Yes, but recipients must wait three years after receiving a grant before reapplying.

🧠 Therapy Grant FAQs

What therapies are eligible for funding?
Eligible therapies must relate to developmental disabilities. Some examples are below, but are not limited to this list. We understand that every child is different and responds to different types of therapy. Please reach out to us if you are unsure the type of therapy for which you are applying will be covered. We are happy to answer any questions.
Equine/hippo-therapy
Art or music therapy
Feeding therapy
Aquatic therapy
Sensory or auditory integration therapy
Occupational Therapy
Physical Therapy
Mobility & Orientation Therapy
Speech Therapy
Vision Therapy
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
Applied Behavioral Analysis Therapy (ABA)
Therapies not covered by insurance or offered by providers who don’t accept insurance
Do I need insurance denial documentation?
Yes. We require proof of insurance denial or a statement of non-coverage for the therapy for which you're requesting support.

Will you help me find a provider?
If awarded a therapy grant and you don’t have a provider yet, you will have six months to select and get one approved. We may be able to help you find a provider if needed. Please reach out to discuss.

🧸 Activity & Recreational Access Grants

What kinds of activities or supports qualify?
This grant covers funds for equipment, training, or paid support to access mainstream recreational activities with or without peers. A non-exhaustive list of examples includes:
Specialized swim lessons
Social skills groups
Camps and sensory-based classes
1:1 support for mainstream recreation
Adaptive equipment (e.g., uniforms or sports gear)
Visual aids or training for coaches/staff
We consider any request that broadly fits into these categories, not just items on our sample list.

Can I be reimbursed for an expense I already paid for?
Possibly. While we prefer to pay service providers directly, reimbursement may be available if discussed in advance and supported by proof of payment.

🧾 Application Requirements

What documents do I need to submit?
You’ll be asked for:
Proof of the applicant’s diagnosis
Proof of residency in Montgomery County
Income details (if selected, we may request your latest tax return)
Description of the therapy, activity, or support requested
Explanation of how the grant would impact your child
Optional: Any additional background or family story you wish to share

Is the application long or hard to complete?
No. We’ve worked to make the application as simple and supportive as possible. In the future, we plan to offer application guidance to help reduce barriers and administrative challenges.

Have another question?
📬 Email us anytime at info@thebravelittlebearsfoundation.org or check back as we add more FAQs.