A grant is money given for financial assistance, which the recipient is not required to pay back. Grant money for children of disabled parents helps ease the financial burden that often comes with paying for higher education. Grants ensure that children whose disabled parents have serious monetary needs have an equal opportunity to pursue their educational goals, regardless of their financial situations.
According to Through the Looking Glass, a nationally recognized center for helping families deal with disability, there are many types of grants available to children with disabled parents. There are grants based on your ancestry, faith, economic status and sports played, just to name a few. You can also find grants directly related to your parent's disability, such as multiple sclerosis, cancer, paralysis, vision loss and impaired hearing (see Resources).
Grants come in many different forms and dollar amounts. There are grants that offer monetary, housing and many other kinds of assistance. Grants can range from a few hundred dollars to many thousands of dollars, depending on what each individual organization can offer based on your needs. Thoroughly research all of your options to find which ones will most benefit your child.
New grants and scholarships for a child with a disabled parent are continuously being added to databases and listings. With children pursuing higher education in record numbers, the immense need for financial aid is evident, especially for those whose parents have disabilities. As a result of this growth, grants being offered for children with disabled parents will continue to rise, as well.
Applying for grant money can be a long process. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to research what is available and to complete the applications. There are websites that can help you get started (see Resources). Careful planning will ensure that your child receives the funding that he needs to pursue his dreams.