There are
many programs available to assist with disaster preparation. Most
of these resources are federally funded; however, some resources are
community based and some are specifically for federal entities. This
page summarizes some of the available options.
Grants/Loans | Community | Federal Entities
GRANTS/LOANS
A number of
public organizations and private non-profit foundations/programs do
provide grants and loans for a wide range of activities in the areas
of health, employment, and independence of individuals with disabilities.
ADA Mini-Grant Program
The program is designed to help nonprofit cultural organizations in
becoming proactive in efforts to improve their accessibility. Developed
through a joint effort between the Massachusetts Cultural Council
and Very Special Arts Massachusetts, money is distributed to local
organizations for a wide range of accessibility projects. More information
can be obtained by accessing the program's Web site at http://www.mass.gov/portal/index.jsp.
Department of Health
and Human Services
The Department of Health and Human Services is the United States government's
principal agency for protecting the health of all Americans and providing
essential human services, especially for those who are least able
to help themselves.Detailed information can be accessed through the
Department's Grant Web site at: http://www.hhs.gov/grants/index.shtml.
Disasterhelp.gov
The Disaster Management e-Government Initiative is one of 24 initiatives
established by the President’s Management Council. The Office of Management
and Budget (OMB) is sponsoring this initiative. An integrated team
of partner agencies and organizations that perform Disaster Management
activities will accomplish program delivery. The Disaster Management
e-Government Initiative initially will focus on providing information
and services relating to the four pillars of all-hazards disaster
management: preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation. Later
phases will incorporate delivery of integrated, cross-agency processes
and services to citizens, governments, and NGOs with emphasis on First
Responder needs. More information can be obtained by accessing the
Web site at https://disasterhelp.gov/portal/jhtml/index.jhtml.
Foundation Center
Founded in 1956, the Center is the nation's leading authority on philanthropy
and is dedicated to serving grant-seekers, grant-makers, researchers,
policymakers, the media, and the general public. The Center's content-rich
Web site provides some 27,000 visitors daily with information on grant-makers
and their giving, education in grant-seeking and nonprofit management,
and news and research on philanthropy. The Center provides the public
with free access to its print, CD-ROM, and online resources in five
professionally staffed libraries located in Atlanta, Cleveland, New
York, San Francisco, and Washington DC, and at 225 cooperating collections
nationwide. More information can be obtained by accessing the Center's
Web site at http://fdncenter.org/.
Grants.gov
Grants.gov allows organizations to electronically find and apply for
competitive grant opportunities from all Federal grant-making agencies.
Grants.gov is THE single access point for over 1000 grant programs
offered by the 26 Federal grant-making agencies. The US Department
of Health and Human Services is proud to be the managing partner for
Grants.gov, an initiative that will have an unparalleled impact on
the grant community. More information can be obtained by accessing
the Web site at http://www.grants.gov/.
Rural Information Center:
Funding Resources and Program Assistance
Contains information on a variety of funding resources, including
federal and state funding databases, community initiatives, disaster
assistance, research and private funding, and surplus property. More
information can be accessed through the Web site at http://www.nal.usda.gov/ric/ruralres/funding.htm.
Small Business Administration
The mission is to maintain and strengthen the nation's economy by
aiding, counseling, assisting and protecting the interest of small
businesses and by helping families and businesses recover from national
disasters. Every state has at least one SBA district office, with
multiple resource partners to support the needs of the small business
community. It provides financial, technical, and management assistance
to help people start, run, and grow their businesses. More information
can be accessed through the Web site at http://www.sbaonline.sba.gov/.
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
Many organizations,
which are national as well as international, provide valuable services
for the betterment of their communities.
Elks of the USA
Elks of the USA, which is a fraternal organization, serves the people
and communities through benevolent programs. The programs include
scholarships, veterans' services, drug education, and youth activities.
More information can be obtained by accessing the organization's Web
site at http://www.elks.org/.
Hadassah, The Women's
Zionist Organization of America, Inc.
Founded in 1912, Hadassah is a volunteer women's organization, whose
members are motivated and inspired to strengthen their partnership
with Israel, ensure Jewish continuity, and realize their potential
as a dynamic force in American society. Details may be accessed through
the organization's Web site at: http://www.hadassah.org/.
Kiwanis International
Kiwanis International is a thriving organization of service- and community-minded
individuals who support children and young adults around the world.
The organization evaluates both children's issues and community needs
on an ongoing basis, conducts service projects to respond to those
identified needs, and maintains an active membership roster of professional
business people who have both the desire and the ability to serve
their communities.
More information can be accessed through the organization's Web site
at http://www.kiwanis.org/.
Knights of Columbus
Headquarters
Knights of Columbus, a Catholic men's fraternal benefit society, formed
to render financial aid to members and their families. Mutual aid
and assistance are offered to sick, disabled, and needy members and
their families. Some of their charitable endeavors include Special
Olympics, health programs, civic involvement, and substance abuse/educational
programs. More details can be accessed through their Web site at http://www.kofc.org/.
Lions Club International
The Lions Club was established in 1917 and is recognized for service
to individuals who are blind and visually impaired. This service began
in 1925 when Helen Keller challenged the Lions to become "knights
of the blind in the crusade against darkness." The Club collects and
assists with funding for eye glasses and hearing aids for individuals
in need. Lions are also involved in a variety of other activities
to improve their communities such as assisting the hearing impaired,
providing diabetes awareness and education materials, working on environment
projects and developing youth programs. Information can be accessed
through the Club's Web site at http://www.lionsclubs.org/
Odd Fellows
Odd Fellows were the first fraternal organization to establish homes
for their senior members and for orphaned children. Programs include
education foundation, visual research foundation, youth programs,
arthritis advisory board, hunger and disaster relief funds, and community
service. More information on these programs can be obtained by accessing
the Web site at http://www.ioof.org/.
Rotary International
Rotary is a worldwide organization of business and professional leaders
and provides humanitarian service, encourages high ethical standards
in all vocations, and helps build goodwill and peace in the world.
Approximately 1.2 million Rotarians belong to more than 30,000 Rotary
Clubs in more than 160 countries worldwide. Specific and relevant
information can be accessed through the organization's Web site at
http://www.rotary.org/.
FEDERAL RESOURCES
There are
several Federal funding sources available to promote accessibility
of electronic and information technology and in the use of assistive
technologies.
Assistive
Technology Program, U.S. Department of Education
The Program was established for (1) an assessment of individual needs
to determine what barriers to information and information systems
exist and the technologies available to assist in removing or reducing
those barriers, (2) the identification of technology sources, (3)
acquisition assistance, (4) technology installation, (5) technology
training, (6) one-on-one individual problem resolution, (7) guidance
to application internet system developers and vendors, (8) technology
demonstrations, and (9) the review of information systems to determine
accessibility to people with disabilities. This program is considered
a model and is emulated by many other federal agencies. Details about
the Program can be accessed the Web site at http://www.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/assistivetech.html
Center for
IT Accommodations
The Center is recognized as government wide policy resource for information
and assistive technologies. More information can be obtained through
the Center's Web site at http://www.gsa.gov/Portal/content/offerings_content.jsp?contentOID=22804&contentType=1004&PMKC.
Central Office
for Assistive Technology and Services (COAST)
The COAST is a source for information on assistive technology. Though
the Web site of this office can be accessed only by the employees
of the Department of Labor, information can be obtained by calling
direct (202) 693-7765 or TTY (202) 693-7755.
Computer
Electronics/Accommodations Program, Department of Defense
CAP provides assistive technology and services to people with disabilities,
Federal managers, supervisors, IT professionals, and Wounded Services
Members. Web site at http://www.tricare.osd.mil/cap/.
Disability
Resource Center, U.S, Department of Transportation (DOT)
The Resource Center is a comprehensive Department-wide program for
DOT employees and supervisors. The Center opened in 1999 to ensure
that employees with disabilities can participate fully in all aspects
of the Department's work, programs, and services. More information
through the Web site at http://www.drc.dot.gov/.
Federal Communications
Commission (FCC)
The FCC promotes and insures equal employment opportunity for all
persons regardless of race, color, sex, national origin, religion,
age, disability or sexual preference. Detailed information can be
accessed either through the Commission's Web site at http://www.fcc.gov/.
Target Center-Technology
Accessible Resources
The Target Center-Technology Accessible Resources was established
to provide information resources and technology demonstrations to
assist USDA employees in locating and selecting equipment adapted
to the needs of disabled employees. The Center can be accessed through
its Web site at http://www.usda.gov/oo/target/.