Funding Resources

ATLFA: Commonwealth of VA state authority created with public funds to help Virginians with disabilities obtain AT. They provide affordable financing alternatives (loans with below-market interest rates, no down payments, longer repayment terms, etc.) to help make AT a possibility for individuals who might not otherwise be eligible for borrowing. Any type of equipment can be financed as long as it relates to an individual’s disability; examples include recreational equipment, vision aids, communication and hearing devices, and vehicles with modifications. Regardless of income, any VA resident with a disability, or a caregiver of a person of any age with a disability, can apply for a loan. Credit history, income, and debt are considered in loan approval. Individuals with no credit history or poor credit history are considered; special consideration given to disability and medically related credit issues.

Website: https://www.atlfa.org/
Phone: 1-866-835-5976
Gofundme: Offers a platform for individual fundraising through crowdfunding. Their website offers easy-to-follow instructions to set up an account, and offers instructions specifically for medical-based fundraisers. There is no fee to create a fundraiser, but 2.9% + $0.30 is automatically deducted from each donation to cover credit and debit charges, safely delivering donations, and offering more ways to donate. All you have to do is set your fundraiser goal, tell your story, share through emails, messages, and social media, and accept donations and withdraw the funds. VATS employees recommend having family and friends donate to a fundraiser to purchase equipment instead of sending flowers!

Website: https://www.gofundme.com/
Lions Club: Lions Clubs are service clubs composed of volunteers headed by an international organization. Lions Club International has five global causes that they voted on as a service focus: diabetes, environment, hunger, vision, and childhood cancer, and each local Lions Club has its own service focus. Each local Lions Club organizes service projects such as eyeglass and hearing aid collections and food pantries, as well as fundraising events. Each Club also provides donations to various local and national charities and organizations. Members can also be a part of units within their local organizations, such as the Mobile Health Unit. Clubs in the Richmond, VA area include Goochland County, Richmond West Breakfast, Richmond James River, Chesterfield, Brandermill and Midlothian, Bon Air-Manchester-Midlothian, Mechanicsville, Powhatan, Richmond Battlefield Park, Varina, Chester, Amelia, Louisa County, and Colonial Heights.

Website: https://www.lionsclubs.org/en
VATS: Although not a direct funding resource, their representatives guide patients in locating various funding sources. Their goal is to improve access to and acquisition of AT statewide for Virginians of all ages and disabilities. They provide AT demonstrations, short term equipment loans, adult and children’s DME reuse, training, technical assistance, information and assistance, and public assistance. Referral: Qualified patients at SAI can be referred to VATS by staff

Website: https://vats.org/
Private Fundraising: Various other fundraising ideas are available through religious, school, or other local organizations. These organizations can host events such as cookouts, raffles, bake sales, car washes, and much more to raise money for a specific item. Additionally, these organizations can facilitate a donation campaign and spread the word through social media or organization-specific newsletters. This can allow more people to be informed than a single individual or family could reach on their own

Contact: Utilize the best method of communication for your local school, religious, or other local organization.
Help Hope Live: A nonprofit designed to cover medical expenses not typically covered by insurance. The individual or their family sets up a page to raise funds for the device of their choosing, and the Help Hope Live team provides help and guidance on best practices for fundraising. Simply submit an application with your request, receive tailored one-on-one support and exclusive resources from an expert fundraising coordinator, and engage your community online and offline with your fundraising campaign. In addition, contributions are tax deductible to the person making the donation, and the funds go through the organization for the individual to access through submitting invoices and bills, decreasing the risk of fraud. Website: https://helphopelive.org/
Phone: 1-866-835-5976