LADN Grant Program

How much will grant recipients receive?

A total of $6,000 will be distributed to likely between 6 - 12 grant recipients. The amount awarded to each recipient and the number of recipients will depend on the number of qualifying applicants. 

Who can apply for a grant?

Any individual who meets the following eligibility criteria may apply:

• Has a dysautonomia diagnosis by a licensed healthcare provider. (The Dysautonomia Diagnosis Certification Form can be found here.)

• Resides in California (Applicants can reside anywhere in California, but at least 60% of grant recipients will go to residents in the greater Los Angeles region – LA/Orange/Ventura/San Bernardino/Riverside Counties) 

• Demonstrates financial need, as defined as annual household income at or below 450% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). (This number can be found on line 11 of Form 1040 on either 2022 or 2023 tax return. See FPL calculator here. Ex: 450% of FPL for a household of 1 = $65,610; 2 = $88,740; and 3 = $111,870 etc.) Note: If the applicant is a dependent, then these income requirements apply to the individual(s) claiming them as a dependent. If you are an adult disabled dependent and do not meet the eligibility criteria based on the tax information of the individual(s) claiming you, we encourage you to apply and ask that you explain your circumstance in the optional essay.

• Has a social security number.

• Has documentation of dysautonomia care-related expense(s).

• Participation in the LADN community is not a requirement, but preference may be given to those that are active LADN community members.

Don’t meet the eligibility criteria but feel like you should be considered? Please email us at LADN@la-dn.org!

When can I apply?

Applications will open 12:00am Monday, September 25th, 2023 and will close at 11:59pm on Monday, October 23rd 2023. Applications may close earlier than October 23rd in the event we reach our limit of 100 applicants.

When will I be notified if I was selected as a grant recipient? 

Final determinations about grant recipients will be made by Friday, December 15th. All applicants will be notified by email about final selections.

How do I apply?

The grant application is online via JotForm and can be accessed at this link through Monday, October 23rd, 2023. The application can be saved online in the event you wish to work on it over time.

Can I receive help with my application due to my dysautonomia/disability? 

Absolutely! Someone else may complete the application on your behalf. Additionally, audio/video responses may be submitted as responses to the application’s essay questions. 

How will selections be made about grant recipients?

A selection committee will be responsible for selecting the grant recipients through several rounds of reviewing applications. Demographic information such as age, ethnicity, and gender will be redacted from applications during the selection process to ensure selections are made without bias or discrimination. 

Selections will be made based on the following:

• Financial need: Applicant demonstrates an exceptionally compelling financial need (including documentation).

• Spending Plan: Applicant provides clear and detailed explanation for how the grant award will be spent (including documentation).

• Dysautonomia Impact: Applicant articulates their experience with dysautonomia and the impact dysautonomia has had on their life.

• Dysautonomia Care Plan: Applicant identifies how the grant award will directly support their dysautonomia care.

For final selections of grant recipients, preference may be given to those that are active members of the LADN community. Additionally, at least 60% of grant funds will go to residents of the greater Los Angeles region (LA, Orange, Ventura, San Bernardino & Riverside Counties) with the remainder going to residents across the state of California.

LADN is committed to inclusivity and diversity and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, age, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, comorbid illnesses, political affiliation, or intersectionalities of identity.

What type of dysautonomia care expenses can the grant be applied toward?

Grants can be used toward any dysautonomia healthcare related expenses that are not covered by insurance including but not limited to:

• acupuncture

• copays

• health insurance premiums

• infusion expenses

• inpatient/outpatient medical treatment

• laboratory facility expenses

• mobility aids or other assistive devices

• naturopathy

• nutrition

• prescription costs

• psychotherapy

• PT / OT / cardiac rehab

Who is on the Grant Selection Committee?

The following 7 individuals have volunteered their time to serve on the 2023 Grant Selection Committee:

• Barbara Faze (LADN Board Member & Realtor)

• Danielle Hinde (Dysautonomia Patient & Film Producer)

• Emily Suñez (LADN Co-Executive Director)

• Jo Libaw (Emergency Physician & Community Volunteer)

• Sally Krueger-Wyman (LADN Co-Executive Director)

• Savannah Suñez (JPL Mechanical Engineer)

• Tobi Harper Petrie (Deputy Director of nonprofit Red Hen Press)

Who can I email with questions?

Please email us with questions at LADN@la-dn.org!