Being a caregiver for someone with Dravet syndrome can feel overwhelming. It’s easy to feel like no one else understands our day to day experiences or the challenges we face but connecting with others who get it, and live that shared experience can make a HUGE difference. This is where a Caregiver Connect Grant can help!
Caregiver Connect Grants are available from $100-$400 and can partially or fully fund a local Dravet family gathering or an ongoing Dravet support group in your area. Some of the events our grants have funded in the past include a family BBQ hosted at someone’s home, a moms brunch out a restaurant, a dads dinner and a family gathering at a park. These grants often cover space reservations, food for the event and fun activities.
The goal of these grants is to allow our community members to connect and receive support from one another without concern of a financial burden.
One of our past awardees had this to say about the event she hosted, “Parents chatted without fear of judgment. Our children with Dravet syndrome dazzled us with their charm and warm smiles. I, for one, can’t wait to do it again!”
A parent who attended a dinner for moms said, “I did not realize how much I needed this chance to connect with other parents who understand what our life is like. We had so much fun sharing stories about our kids, venting about our frustrations, and just being around other moms in an environment where we don’t feel so different. The fact that the cost of our meals was covered was a huge help for everyone to attend.”
If you have been wanting to connect with other families in your area, this is your chance! Even if you have no idea who may be nearby, you can use the regional support group to share information about the gathering to see who else may want to participate. Many families would love the opportunity to meet others, but just need a little nudge to make it happen.
Applying for a grant is easy! Just go to the DSF website and submit an application telling us what type of event you plan to host, how many other caregivers and/or families will attend and the proposed date of your event. We ask that you allow for up to two weeks for application review and approval.
At this time, applicants may only apply for a grant once each calendar year and grants are only available for events within the United States.
To apply for a grant, you must be a member of the DSF Family Network. If you are unsure if you are a member of the DSF Family Network or you have any questions, you can email karen@dravetfoundation.org.
This program is sponsored by an unrestricted grant from:
