Financial Resources

Resources listed are not endorsed by DSAWM, but are a list of options that are available. If you know of additional West Michigan resources, please let us know at director@dsawm.org.

General

DSAWM offers Financial Assistance to members for expenses related to the following when relating to support, care, or treatment of person with Down syndrome: adoption, respite care, and educational, medical, therapeutic, and adaptive services or devices. DSAWM members are also eligible for our Meal Voucher Program which offsets meal expenses for families whose child with Down syndrome is, or will be, experiencing an overnight stay in the hospital.

Aubrey’s Warriors Foundation provides financial assistance to special needs families going through hardship
Heart of West Michigan United Way provides financial assistance for daily living expenses and operates several local food pantries
Maggie Welby Foundation provides grants to families in need
Michigan 2-1-1 connects callers with local community-based organizations across the state that provide support and assistance to those in need
Modest Needs provides short term financial help for families in crisis situations

Medical/Therapeutic/Adaptive

AMBUCS provides AmTrykes, therapeutic tricycles for children with disabilities, including children with low muscle tone
Angel Flight provides free medical and compassion flights
Aubrey Rose Foundation assists families with medical expenses related to a life-threatening illness that are not covered by insurance
Children’s Special Health Cares Services (CSHCS) of Michigan provides low or no cost supplemental health insurance for a variety of covered medical diagnoses. Contact your local county health department for questions
Different Needz Foundation provides grants for medical equipment and/or services, including developmental therapies
Family Hope Foundation offers financial assistance for therapy that is not covered by insurance
First Hand Foundation provides financial assistance for medical care, medical devices, vehicle modification, and travel
Friends of Man assists with medical and mobility equipment and prosthesis
Friendship Circle’s Great Bike Giveaway provides an opportunity to win an adaptive bike as well as provides a fundraising platform to purchase a bike at a discounted price
iPads for Apraxia awards iPads and protective cases to aid in communication
Kya’s Krusade provides grants for therapies and adaptive equipment
McLindon Family Foundation provides adaptive bicycles for children with special needs
The Montana Melin Foundation provides financial assistance to the families of children with Down Syndrome that are facing medical hardships
My Gym Foundation provides grants for medical equipment and therapy equipment for families with special needs
Needy Meds provides discounted and free medication programs and other services for low income families
Parker Lee Project provides medical supplies and equipment to children at no cost to the families, including enteral supplies, formula, and incontinence supplies
Sharing the Weight provides free weighted blankets to children who could benefit from one
Small Steps in Speech grants funds for speech and language disorder therapies for people 3-22 years old
UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation offers grants for kids 16 years old or younger for services health insurance does not cover
Wheelchairs 4 Kids provides mobility devices and equipment to families in need – including AFOs (ankle-foot orthosis)

Other

Gifts From the Heart For Downs grants wishes for children with Down syndrome
Microsoft provides scholarships to promising high school seniors with disabilities who plan to attend a vocational or academic college and target a career in the technology industry
NDSS provides scholarships to individuals with Down syndrome in the areas of post-secondary education, entrepreneurship, and self-advocacy
Project Angel Fares provides all travel expenses to visit Morgan’s Wonderland – an ultra-accessible theme park
Ruby’s Rainbow provides scholarships to individuals with Down syndrome who are pursuing post-secondary education, enrichment, or vocational classes
Special Kids Photography of America provides grants for family pictures
Stepping Stones for Stella provides buggies for children with special needs to enjoy outdoors to its fullest