Grants

Types of Grants include:

Operating Grants

MFB provides substantial operating grant support to the lead agencies that provide direct services to blind and visually impaired individuals in Worcester County.

Currently funded are:

  • Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired a MAB Community Program, – provides services to individuals with vision loss to maintain independence and quality of life. These services include in home vision rehabilitation; low vision exams; support groups; 1:1 volunteers for reading, shopping, and clerical tasks; and medical transportation. Referrals are needed for in home training and low vision exams. MAB’s Central MA Office is located at 799 West Boylston Street, Worcester, MA 01606. Telephone (508) 854-0700 or (888) 613-2777 (MA only). Fax (508) 854-0733.
  • Audio Journal – 799 West Boylston Street Worcester, (508) 797-1117. Audio Journal, Inc., a nonprofit radio, cable and online broadcast service, seeks to inform and empower people who are blind, visually impaired or otherwise unable to read print and visual materials. Daily newspaper readings and other programs inform, entertain and connect listeners to their communities. Audio Journal also works to increase employment opportunities for legally blind individuals through training and associated services.
  • The Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation the only guide dog school located in New England, which breeds, raises and trains German shepherd guide dogs to be placed with blind men and women.

MFB does not accept unsolicited proposals for operating grants.

Program Grants

MFB welcomes grant proposals from nonprofit charitable organizations to improve the quality of life and encourage the independence of people with visual impairments. Proposals may include programs to improve access to the arts and culture, employment training opportunities, recreation and leisure time activities, and more. Applicants are encouraged to call (508) 854-9980 and leave a message and a member of our Grants Committee will return your call to discuss your request.

Application Procedure Please send a brief letter of intent describing your proposal idea. If your letter of intent is accepted, we will forward an application summary sheet which must be completed along with a brief narrative and budget for the program or project.

Individual Grants

Legally blind individuals who reside in Worcester County and have a certificate of blindness from the Massachusetts Commission for the blind may apply any time for an individual grant that promotes independence or quality of life. Grants can be made for assistive technology, equipment or reimbursement of fees for employment training or educational programs or other programs to enhance quality of life. Grants are limited to a maximum of $3,000 over a three-year period. Please call (508) 854-9980 and a member of our Grants Committee will call you back to discuss your request, or fill out the form on our Individual Grants Applications page.

Grant Applications

Applications must be received 7 days prior to our monthly meeting in order to be under consideration for that months grant awards.  Most months the Board meets the 4th Wednesday of the Month.  The Board does not meet during the summer.  There is one meeting for the months of November and December which usually takes place the first week of December.  There may be exceptions to these meeting dates due to the weather or the needs of the members of the Board without any prior notice to applicants.  There is no guarantee that your application will be reviewed the month that you apply.

Scholarships

MFB annually grants two scholarships for up to $3,000 per year to Worcester County students enrolled in accredited two or four-year college programs. Call (508) 854-9980 for an application. Applications are due by April 1st.

A brochure containing Information and Guidelines to the above Grants is available in alternative formats such as Braille or audiocassette by calling (508)755-5519.

To apply for a scholarship, please complete the form on the Academic Scholarships Application page.