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Support Fund

Purpose

The purpose of the SBHANA Support Fund is to provide financial assistance to SBHANA members or their families who require support for necessary medical equipment and supplies, services, or items that enhance their quality of life. The fund aims to alleviate the financial burden associated with essential needs related to spina bifida and hydrocephalus, ensuring that individuals within the SBHANA community in Northern Alberta (Red Deer North) can access the required resources for their well-being.

The Support Funding Request Program relies entirely on the dedication of volunteers and generous donors. Members, as well as their family and friends who seek funds, are urged to contribute to SBHANA by actively participating in volunteer opportunities such as events, fundraising efforts, or other initiatives. SBHANA may reach out to applicants periodically throughout the year to explore potential volunteer engagements. Your involvement can make a meaningful impact on the success and sustainability of the program.

The Support Fund provides support for the following type of expenses:

Costs associated with essential medical equipment or services that are deemed necessary for individuals with spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus, contributing to an improved quality of life. These expenses would not be essential if the person did not have these specific conditions.

Members claiming under this fund are strongly encouraged to make a commitment of volunteer time to support the SBHANA where possible.   

Applying

To apply for a support fund request fill out all the applicable fields in the Support Fund Application.

Support Fund Application 

Click here to Pay Membership Online Form

Applications will be considered at the meetings of the Board of Directors. Please be advised that there are no meetings in July, August or December.

Funds will be disbursed upon submission of receipts or through direct payment to the supplier. It is essential to provide invoices from organizations involved in adapted recreational programming, as cheques WILL NOT BE ISSUED to reimburse individuals for such expenses.

Support Fund Process

PROCESS
All funding requests must be:

  1. Submitted through our online funding request form below.
  2. All applications must be completed in full and include: up to date membership and  the original receipt and quote (and required copies) must be provided to the association
  3. After all documentation has been submitted, Staff of SBHANA will review the application for eligibility and once applications are completed they will then present the application to the SBHANA Board.
  4. The SBHANA Board reserves the right to require additional information relating to the funding request, including but not limited to a certificate from a doctor or relevant medical professional confirming a member’s diagnosis or the necessity of the request and a member’s special needs.
  5. We strive to have requests reviewed within 30 days of receiving a completed application. ***Please note that the SBHANA Board meets on the 3rd Wednesday of the month. Please submit your support fund application by the 2nd Friday of the month in order to have your application considered at that month’s board meeting. Thank you!
  6. SBHANA reserves the right to close the program at an earlier date due to funding restrictions.
  7. There is a limit of $ 1,000 paid in support of each individual with spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus per annum
  8. RECEIPTS that are submitted need to be from the fiscal year that you are applying to the Support Fund in. In order to be eligible for reimbursement, ALL RECEIPTS need to be in before the January 31st end to our fiscal year! For example, a February 2019 receipt needs to be submitted with a support fund application before the January 2019 Board Meeting at the very latest. Thank you.
  9. The SBHANA will only accept AN INVOICE from the organization that you are doing your adapted sport/recreational programming with. We can no longer reimburse individuals for paying the programming fees.
  10. High level sport programs are no longer covered by the SBHANA Support Fund as of  March 2019
  11. SBHANA Support Fund will cover a maximum of $250 per year out of the total $1000 can be allocated for adapted sport and recreational programming or adaptive equipment. Only equipment that is assistive and supportive will be considered, such as an adaptation to the sled to ensure it aligns with the individual’s adapted body needs.

The SBHANA and the SBHANA Board of Directors neither endorse products nor services and cannot be held liable for any personal or property damage resulting from funded products or services. Repair costs for the product are not the responsibility of SBHANA.

Funds will be disbursed upon submission of receipts, invoices, and/or quotes directly to the supplier or organization. Members will not be reimbursed for items that were not previously approved. Invoices from organizations involved in adapted sporting/recreational programming must be provided, as checks cannot be issued to reimburse individuals for this type of expense. All funds must be disbursed within six (6) months of approval by the board.

Coverage is only applicable to adapted equipment and services purchased after the member has joined SBHANA.

The Support Fund does not cover expenses which would be covered by Alberta Aids to Daily Living (AADL), Family Supports for Children with Disabilities (FSCD), private/public medical insurance, Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH), or any other government or organizational programs.    

Eligibility

To be eligible for the support fund, you must be: