What is the Family Involvement Fund?

I have found that being a parent of a child with a disability means I'm constantly learning. I'm learning how to follow through on therapies, how to advocate for my child, how to balance my different roles, etc. Sometimes that's informal learning, sometimes it's more formal. If you'd like to attend trainings, conferences, etc but need financial help to do so, you need to learn about the Family Involvement Fund. Here is a brief description, with a link to more info and the application:

What is the Family Involvement Fund?
The Family Involvement Fund (FIF) is a reimbursement fund that supports family members of children with disabilities to learn more about their child’s disability and the systems that provide services.

Families may choose to attend conferences, conventions, workshops, public forums or hearings, task force meetings, or other similar activities. Families may also choose to access training and information through online workshops, teleconferences, or webcasts.

In addition, the FIF provides reimbursement for approved purchase of print materials (books, manuals), or other media such as CDs/DVDs, and videos.

Separate funding is also available within the FIF for parents who are asked to participate officially as members on their Local Planning and Coordinating Council (LPCC), its committees, and sponsored activities.

How much is Available from the Family Involvement Fund?
The Family Involvement Fund will reimburse approved applicants up to $250 (for an individual) or $500 (for a family) for the grant year. Awards are per individual or family, not per child. Amounts are subject to change.

What the Family Involvement Fund Does Not Cover
The FIF does not reimburse for therapies or other developmental services, training for specific therapy modalities or academic course work, the purchase of developmental toys, materials, equipment, etc. for specific use by a child or family, and will not reimburse enrolled providers for expenses related to attendance at a training required for credentialing purposes. This fund is not intended for professionals or non-family members to attend trainings on a family’s behalf.

Who Can Apply to the Family Involvement Fund?
The Family Involvement Fund is available to families of children with disabilities, ages birth –through 21 years of age. Family includes parents, siblings, grandparents, and other extended family members, foster parents, legal guardians, and educational surrogate parents.

How do I Apply for the Family Involvement Fund?
You may apply online or print an application from the Family-to-Family website at http://www.inf2f.org/. You may also call or email to request an application form. (See contact information below)

Indiana Institute on Disability & Community
Family Involvement Fund
Attn: Cathy Beard
2853 E. 10th Street
Bloomington, IN 47408
1-800-825-4733/812-855-6508
TT: 812-855-9396
Fax: 812-855-9630
Email: fif@indiana.edu
Web: http://www.inf2f.org