Preparation is top priority when applying for a grant for your wheelchair van. Having the information ready and available can save you from headaches and hiccups later on in the process. Generally, the information these applications ask for will vary among the individual’s circumstances along with grant requirements. Usually the applications want personal information (i.e. driver’s license, marital status, and financial information) and some background about the individual applying. Having all your personal information neatly organized on one page makes transferring it onto applications as seamless as possible.

At this point you get to let the grant provider understand your personal story and what impact any hardships have had on your life. You’ll want to be honest, concise and sell your story to the funding organization. Include clearly defined statement of how you intend to use the funds received and the way it will improve your life. Be sure to separate your story from the other grant candidates by writing an inspirational, emotion-filled piece.

Almost all grants, regardless if they are state, federal or private charities, will require the applicant to submit their medical records. In addition, getting a doctor to write a letter of recommendation can be very beneficial for applicants. Having the doctor address the letter to a generic source (i.e. “Dir Madam or Sir”, “To Whom it May Concern”) is a good idea. This way you can make copies of the letter to simultaneously apply to multiple grant opportunities. Once you have the proper medical records it is time to establish at least three references. These could be close friends, colleagues, church members, neighbors or anyone else that can provide quality feedback about your character and disability. Most donation funding institutions want to know about individual achievements they have witnessed personally or how you deal with your disability from their perspective. Allow them to explain how the free money to buy a wheelchair van would benefit your current conditions.

Now, you’ve reached the point in the funding application process where you have the basic information, and you need to begin researching sources for your financial assistance. The AMS website provides a list of credible foundations and institutions under the About > Financing Wheelchair Vans section, or just visit the wheelchair vans grants page. Make sure to keep in mind not to limit yourself to one funding source because money from multiple aid programs can be applied to a single accessible vehicle. Before contacting a grant source, read their mission statement. In a cover letter, try to combine your needs with their goals. The purpose behind this is to educate the grant funder of how you can further their institution's aspirations. This information will be critical to the financial aid foundation.

Do a little research to find the person in charge of the funding program you’re seeking. Some financial assistance programs will assign a project officer that can be contacted, while others offer no technical assistance. If you do find an available contact, remember to be courteous and always thank them for spending time to help you. This can prove to be invaluable because opening a direct line of communication is a great way to inquire about financing proposal reviews and requirements. Any questions or concerns that you may have about the grant program can be addressed at this stage. For each program, get a contact name and number of a person that can update you on your applications status. Ask them to give you a timeline of when they will be choosing the candidate for the assistance opportunity if it's not clear on their website.

Organizing your handicap van grant application data is a must. You will need to refer to this information numerous times throughout the application process. Having a set method for remembering important dates and deadlines is a necessity. Staying persistent and up-to-date with your applications status can make you stand out from the others. It shows the funding institution that you are serious and interested in receiving their monetary support.