...enhancing the lives of children with special needs in Michigan 

General Application

Mission Statement

The CSN Fund provides support for children in Michigan with special health care needs not available through any other funding source. The Fund helps with the purchase of equipment and services that promote optimal health, mobility, and development, enhancing the lives of children and their families.

The Michigan CSN Fund is a one of a kind program whose core mission is to enhance the lives of children with disabilities and chronic health care needs.  There is a universal desire to help these children and their families who often have nowhere else to turn.  In these tough economic times, the need is greater than ever.

Michigan is fortunate to have the CSN Fund to serve this population. Making us even more unique, it is the only program of its kind in the nation.

Our relationship with the Michigan Children's Special Health Care Services (CSHCS) program, and the local health departments, enables us to reach thousands of children and their families and provide them with locally based access to the CSN Fund.

Since its inception in 1944, the CSN Fund has helped thousands of children and their families.  Throught the grant process, millions of dollars have been awarded to help families meet their special challenges and needs. Our goal today remains the same; to enhance the lives of children with specail health care needs by providing equipment and support that is not provided by any other resource.  

We are profoundly grateful to have been given the opportunity to serve Michigan families.  We are also very excited about the Fund's growth and potential to help Michigan's children in even more comprehensive and innovative ways.

Lisa Truscott, Executive Director
Gretchen Backer, Chair
Dianna Rigato, Co-Chair
Parent Representative

Historical Perspective

Dr. James T. Pardee, co-founder of the Dow Chemical Company, was a lifetime supporter of children with special needs, contributing his time and financial resources to their charities and activities. In 1944, his generous bequest of Dow Chemical Company stock was the genesis of the CSN Fund (formerly the Crippled Children's Fund).

While this gift comprises the major portion of the Fund, many other organization, businesses, individuals, and families have contributed to the Fund.  Today the Fund's value is over 18 million dollars.

Eligibility

The child must be a Michigan resident to receive benefits from the Fund.

Families with a child enrolled, or medically eligible to enroll, in the Children's Special Health Care Services (CSHCS) Program may apply to the Children with Special Needs Fund.

Coverage Categories for fiscal year 2009

For eligible recipients, the Fund may provide partial or full funding for the following:

• Wheelchair ramps into homes
• Van lifts and tie downs
• Air conditioners
• Therapeutic Tricycles
• Electrical service upgrades necessitated by the eligible child's equipment

Application Process

To apply for assistance from the Fund, contact the CSHCS office in your local health department for an application and assistance with the application process.  You may also contact the Fund directly at (517) 241-7420, or the CSHCS Family Phone Line at (800) 359-3722 or print an application and instructions from our website.

Required Documentation

When applying to the Fund, you must provide the following:

• A letter from the child's family explaining the need and reason for the request
• Three bids for the requested service or equipment
• A letter of medical necessity from your child's managing physician
• Documentation showing other sources have been contacted for assistance (such as your local service organizations, church, insurance company, etc.)
• Depending on the nature of the request, you may be asked to provide additional information.

Make a Tax Deductible Donation

Make a donation online at the Michigan e-store  or mail your donation to:

If you have questions, please contact the CSN Fund at 517-241-7420.

Children with Special Needs Fund Brochure