...enhancing the lives of children with special needs in Michigan
Mission Statement
A Message from the Co-Chairs and Executive Director
Historical Perspective
Eligibility
Coverage Categories for fiscal year 2008
Application Process
Documentation
Make a Tax Deductible Donation
Application for Assistance packet
Summer Camp Scholarships
***Please note that funding for 2008 Camp Scholarships has been EXHAUSTED***
Mission Statement
The Children with Special Needs Fund (CSN Fund) provides support for children in Michigan with special health care needs that
is
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.
There is a universal desire to help children with disabilities and serious illness. The CSN Fund is the most direct, comprehensive and innovative opportunity to help Michigan's special needs children. Because of our unique relationship with Michigan's Children's Special Health Care Services (CSHCS) program and the local health departments, we are able to reach hundreds of children and their families, providing them with easy, locally based access to the Fund.
Since its inception in 1944, thousands of children and their families have benefited from the Fund with millions of dollars in grants. Our goals remain the same - to assist children and their families, by providing support that
is not provided
by other programs.
We are profoundly grateful to
have been given
the opportunity to serve Michigan families through our role on the advisory committee and as staff to the Fund. We are also very excited about the Fund's growth and potential to help Michigan's special children in even more comprehensive and innovative ways.
Lisa Truscott, Executive Director
Gretchen Backer, Chair
Dianna
Rigato
,
Parent Representative
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.
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.
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
-
Electrical service upgrades necessitated by the eligible child's equipment
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.
When applying to the Fund, you must provide:
-
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 donation online at the Michigan e-store
or mail your donation
to:
Children with Special Needs Fund
320 S. Walnut
Lansing
,
MI
48910
If you have questions, please contact the CSN Fund at 517-241-7420.
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