Financial Assistance Programs
Supporting Families When They Need It Most
Spina Bifida of Western New York offers financial assistance programs to help offset costs not covered by insurance or other sources. Our reimbursement funds are designed to reduce the financial burden on families and individuals living with Spina Bifida, hydrocephalus, and related neural tube defects.
Who Can Apply?
Our programs are available to residents of Western New York’s 8-county service area: Erie, Niagara, Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Orleans, Wyoming, and Genesee counties. While membership is encouraged, we welcome all families in need of support.
Available Reimbursement Programs
Brace & Equipment Fund
Up to $500 per year
Help with costs related to:
Orthopedic equipment (walkers, crutches, braces, RGO’s)
Incontinence supplies (diapers for ages 3+)
Adaptive equipment (ramps, lifts, wheelchair repairs)
Adapted sports equipment (sledges, sports wheelchairs)
Assistive technology for physical and learning disabilities
Eyeglasses
Physical Fitness Fund
Up to $500 per year
Support for physical wellness activities:
Gym memberships and athletic facility fees
Exercise and fitness classes
Adapted sports programs
Therapeutic horseback riding
Weight-loss programs
Other physical fitness activities
Enrichment Activities Fund
Up to $500 per year
Support for activities that enhance quality of life:
Music lessons
Camp fees
Educational classes
Tutoring services
Other enrichment programs
Note: Adapted sports program fees are covered under our Physical Fitness Fund.
Hospitality Fund
Up to $500 per year
Reimbursement for expenses during hospital stays (24-hour minimum):
Parking fees
Meals for immediate family (parents and/or siblings)
Hospital room telephone charges
Television rental
Other direct hospitalization-related costs
Requires discharge order from hospital showing admission and discharge dates.
Respite Reimbursement Fund
Up to $500 per year
Relief for caregivers of individuals over 13 years of age:
Respite care services while caregivers take vacation or leisure time
Reasonable rates ($10-$15/hour guideline, maximum $150 per 24-hour period)
Extra dependent care costs due to extent of disability
Purpose: To give caregivers necessary respite time. Normal childcare for working parents does not qualify.
Scholarship Fund
Amount varies
Financial support for post-high school education:
College tuition and expenses
Vocational training programs
Para-professional training
Other continuing education opportunities
How to Apply
- Download the appropriate application form below
- Complete all required information
- Attach required documentation:
- Original receipts (most programs)
- Original signatures (Respite Fund)
- Hospital discharge orders (Hospitality Fund)
- Mail your application to: Cynthia Carlson
1 West 2nd Street
Westfield, NY 14787
Important Information
- Maximum reimbursement: $500 per fund, per person, per calendar year (except Scholarship Fund)
- Prior year expenses: Applications must be submitted by March 31
- Processing time: Payment issued within 30 days of approval
- Documentation required: Must accompany all applications
- Fund availability: Grants are subject to fund availability and administrative committee approval
Download Application Forms
Choose the form that matches your reimbursement needs:
📄 Brace & Equipment Fund Application – [Download PDF]
📄 Physical Fitness Fund Application – [Download PDF]
📄 Enrichment Activities Fund Application – [Download PDF]
📄 Hospitality Fund Application – [Download PDF]
📄 Respite Reimbursement Fund Application – [Download PDF]
📄 Scholarship Fund Application – [Download PDF]
Have Questions?
If you need assistance completing an application or have questions about eligibility, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help make the application process as easy as possible.
Contact: sbofwny@gmail.com
Phone: (716) 992-6300
Fund eligibility and amounts awarded are at the sole discretion of the administrative committee. The SBWNY Board of Directors reserves the right to amend rules or discontinue funds if depleted. Funds are not guaranteed.