Vocational Rehabilitation Fund Accepting Grant Applications

Vocational Rehabilitation Fund Accepting Grant Applications

The Allen Speiser Memorial Fund for Vocational Rehabilitation is accepting grant applications from programs that promote the placement and retention of employees with disabilities in the workforce. The application deadline is March 18, 2011. Eligibility is limited to 501(c)(3) nonprofit, human service organizations that serve people with disabilities in Onondaga, Madison, Oswego, Cortland and Cayuga Counties.

Formerly the C.I.G.S. Foundation, the Allen Speiser Fund has been in existence for more than a decade. The Fund offers grants to support special projects, make new investments, provide additional staff training – filling in the gaps that aren’t covered by government sources or other private funding. The Fund provides grants of up to $2,000, or $4,000 for collaborative projects involving two or more organizations, to agencies that support education and employment opportunities for people with disabilities and raises awareness of the employment potential of people with disabilities.

Programs that address job placement and retention through one or more of the following methods will be considered:

· Training for auxiliary personnel - training or technical assistance for professionals, employers, or other individuals who provide workplace oriented services to individuals with disabilities.

· Equipment and assistive technology - any items or pieces of equipment that will be used to enhance functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities in the workplace.

· Materials for building and enhancing job readiness – materials that professionals or employers can use to enhance the employability skills of individuals with disabilities.

· Work supports promoting job accommodation - may include assistance preparing for work, getting to and from work, meeting personal needs in the workplace, and performing job functions.

Visit www.cnycf.org/grants for guidelines and an application form. Questions may be directed to Danielle Gill at 315.422.9538 or DGill@cnycf.org.

The Allen Speiser Memorial Fund, a component fund of the Central New York Community Foundation, supports efforts that advance and have a positive impact on vocational rehabilitation services. Vocational rehabilitation is the process of assisting people with any disabling condition to acquire the social, educational and work skills that will lead to employment.

The Central New York Community Foundation has served Central New York for over 80 years, receiving, managing and distributing charitable funds for the benefit of nonprofit organizations. Grants are awarded for programs in the areas of human services, arts and culture, education, environment, health, economic development and civic affairs. The region’s largest endowed philanthropic foundation, the Central New York Community Foundation awards more than $5 million in grants to nonprofit organizations annually. The Community Foundation, of 431 East Fayette Street, Syracuse, NY 13202, can be reached at (315) 422-9538 or www.cnycf.org.

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