Definitions
What do you mean by assistive technology?
An assistive technology device is defined by federal law as "any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities."
What do you mean by disability?
We use the same definition as that of the U.S. Census and the Americans with Disabilities Act: a disability is a physical, sensory, mental or cognitive impairment that limits one's ability to participate in one or more common daily activities.
What do you mean by national reach and impact?
Our intentions are demonstrated in a variety of models. Read about grants awarded to the organizations listed below:
- a national organization with a network of chapters or with a national clientele; the funded project will improve service to all (see Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic, American Printing House for the Blind, for example.)
- a national organization with a network of chapters, for a specified project that will impact selected locations (see National Lekotek Center, Epilepsy Foundation, for example)
- documentation and dissemination of a model project to a targeted national audience (see University of Washington, Adaptive Environments, for example)
- national dissemination of a product (e.g., video, manual, CD-ROM) with extended shelf life (see American Youth Policy Forum, Educational Equity Concepts, American Association for the Advancement of Science, for example)
- an organization which draws clients from across the country to its unique service/program (see National Technical Institute for the Deaf, Music & Arts Center for Humanity, for example)
- an organization whose mission includes service to a national audience, albeit remotely, through a web site with topical expertise that is promoted to a targeted audience (see LD OnLine, Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, for example)
What do you mean by universal design?
Universal design, or UD, is the concept of designing environments, products and information that can be used by the greatest number of people, regardless of age or physical ability, and without the need for adaptation or specialized design.
Applying for a Grant
Can I submit a proposal on-line?
We will accept preliminary inquiries of 100 words or less on-line. Include project summary, approximate amount requested, relationship to our funding interests, including essential national reach and impact. Send to
foundation@necfoundation.org
How do I get a brochure or application form?
This web site tells you everything about us! We no longer offer paper brochures. We require no special application form.
About the Grants We Make
Do you cover indirect costs?
As a rule, grants from NEC Foundation of America do not cover indirect costs.
Do I have to return money that remains at the end of the year?
We realize that project timelines will not always unfold as planned in your proposal. That's why we permit our grant funds to be spent over time periods that exceed a 12-month or fiscal year period. We ask that the project be completed
well as opposed to
quickly and that you inform us of significant changes to schedule throughout the life of the project.
Do you make multi-year grants?
The modest scale of our program precludes us from making multi-year commitments.
How often can I apply for a grant?
Due to the large volume of requests we receive, grant seeking organizations are asked to allow twenty-four months to pass between proposal submissions, regardless of the program for which funding is sought. This applies whether a proposal is funded or turned down.
How much do you give away?
NEC Foundation of America is endowed at $10 million. We make grants totaling approximately $460,000 per year (FY06). See
financial statement. Excluding exceptional grants to commemorate our 10th Anniversary, our grants range from $1,500 to $75,000. Our average grant is approximately $36,500.