Our goal is to provide the support and connection to resources that allow caregivers to attend to their own needs, too.

Guidelines

· The caregiver must be the caregiver of an individual with a medically diagnosed SCI. Other conditions are not eligible for our grant programs, including (but not limited to) spina bifida, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, post-polio, Guillain-Barre, Strohl Syndrome, ALS, all other neuropathies, and all other conditions causing disability.

· The caregiver must be an informal caregiver. Informal caregivers are individuals who provide unpaid care to family, friends, or neighbors. Family members who get paid under the state waiver program are informal caregivers for our purposes.

· The caregiver and individual with SCI must currently reside in Pennsylvania, Ohio, or West Virginia. 

· All awards will be paid directly to vendor or provided in the form of a gift card. No money will be directly rewarded or distributed to the caregiver. 

· Please be sure to include examples of how funds can be best used to support the caregiver. We will consider paying for various services and supports including but not limited to: 

o Co-pays and out of pocket payment for mental health support (therapy sessions, wellness apps, etc).

o Payments to professional caregivers for respite care

o Meal planning services and food delivery services.  

o Health and Wellness activities (massages, yoga, gym memberships, etc.)

o Overnight hotel stays, transportation, and entertainment.

o Family organization tools (skylight calendar, etc.)

o Cleaning Services

· The Fund reserves the right to modify, terminate, or withhold the distribution of funds, and the decision to do so is at the sole discretion of the Fund. 

· If you receive an award, we may use your first name, state of residence, photos, and answers to specific questions for marketing purposes. If you do not agree please email cslayton@ryanshazierfund.org and indicate that you decline to participate in any marketing or promotional materials.