Can the Specific Needs Initiative Help You?

Are you a caregiver with a specific, unmet need—a piece of equipment, a resource gap, a financial barrier to care—the Specific Needs Initiative was created to help you. What is your need? Maybe it’s a winter coat for your disabled child, a gift card to take your spouse on a date, specialized instruction materials for homeschool, or something else. We review each request and connect caregivers with resources whenever possible.

Male caregiver husband with his wife, who is in a wheelchair. She is wearing a peach skirt and blue sweater. He is kneeled in front of her, holding her hands and looking up at her face. His pants are khaki and his shirt is cream.

How it Works

1. Accept the Possibility of Help

We know asking for help isn’t easy, so we want to streamline the process for you. Currently, we have capacity to meet unmet needs up to $500 per request. We may not be able to meet all unmet needs, and filling out this form does not guarantee assistance. Each request will be reviewed and a response will be given.

The Specific Needs Initiative relies on generous contributions to the Caregiver Resource Fund. This fund makes the Specific Needs Initiative possible. Do you know someone who might want to help meet the needs of caregivers who apply for assistance? Share this page with them and help us spread the word. Donations can be made here.

MAKE A DONATION

2. Fill Out The Form

"*" indicates required fields

Caregiver Information

Address

Care Recipient Information

You don't have to list them all. List the ones that are most impacted by the need.
How long has the recipient lived with this condition?*

Description of Need

Please keep in mind we currently have a cap of $500 per request. Some examples of items that may be helpful to caregivers: adaptive equipment, medical supplies, specialized homeschool curriculum, or something else. Be accurate, clear, and provide as much detail as possible. The clearer you are, the more likely we are to be able to assist you.
How Urgent is this need?

Financial Information

If you know the estimated cost, or even a ballpark idea, that helps us determine of the Specific Needs Initiative could be a help to you and your caregiving situation. All information is confidential and will only be shared with parties directly involved in your request.
Have you obtained quotes, estimates, or invoices?
Certification*
MM slash DD slash YYYY

3. Someone Will Reach Out to You

After completing your form, please allow up to 2 weeks for someone to reach out to you about your need. Understand that during high-traffic times, wait times may be longer.