Project Grants
We support organizations proposing projects that will advance the mission of the foundation. We are most interested in projects that address largely unmet needs and we strongly encourage innovative thinking that can lead to breakthrough outcomes.
- Project Grants encourage and support the development of innovative programs, services or events that comply with The Foundation's mission statement.
- Continuing Grants provide sustaining funds to organizations that are at least three years old, have received Foundation funding at least once within that time and have received favorable evaluations.
- Contingency Grants are available year-round and are intended to help in unanticipated situations or crises. Applicants must consult with the Foundation's President before submitting an application.
| Project Grants | Continuing Grants | Scholarships | |
| Applications Mailed |
November | May | October - January |
| Applications Due | Due February 1 | August 1 | February 1 |
| Review and Approve |
February - April | August - September | March - April |
| Grantee Notification | May 1 | November 1 | May 1 |
| Grants Begin | June | January | August |
Grant Frequently Asked Questions
How does my group apply for a grant?
Your organization is asked to send a letter outlining the type of grant sought, including amount of money as well as total cost of program that grant will support. If it is decided that your program meets the requirements of our Mission, you will be contacted with details on submitting a full application to be reviewed by the Foundation board of Trustees.
Will anyone from The Foundation visit our program?
Members of the Board of Trustees may feel it appropriate to make site visit to applicant organizations, or to organizations that have received grants.
Can our grant be renewed each year?
Many nonprofits receive ongoing funding from us. But renewed funding always depends on a reapplication and evaluation process.
Can we receive more than one grant in the same year?
Organizations may apply for multiple grants in a single year. The Trustees will consider any grant application that proposes to advance the Mission.
What kinds of organizations can receive funding?
We support organizations that propose to create breakthrough opportunities for people who are blind. The Foundation does not fund religious or sectarian activities or project requests from individuals.
Scholarships
The Susquehanna Foundation for the Blind administers a scholarship program that each year helps students who are blind pursue higher education. We are seeking talented and motivated people who are legally blind and who want to further their education beyond high school or college. This page will provide you with important and helpful information about scholarships available through the Foundation.The Trustees' Scholarship
The Trustees' Scholarship is administered by the Susquehanna Foundation for the Blind. The Trustees' Scholarship is board-discretionary. It can be given to support an applicant's pursuit of an undergraduate or post-graduate degree at a college or university, or for completion of any specialized program intended to generate upward mobility in employment. Because of the open-ended nature of this scholarship both the applicant and the proposed program will be subject to a high level of scrutiny. The amount and performance requirements of the award are at the discretion of the Board of Trustees, but in most cases, additional funding from secondary sources will be required.
Susquehanna Post-Graduate Scholarship
The Susquehanna Post-Graduate Scholarship is administered by the Susquehanna Foundation for the Blind. The intent of the Scholarship is to facilitate the education of a student who is blind and who has financial need and an interest in pursuing a career in rehabilitation services for people who are blind. This scholarship is payable in annual installments for a qualified college student who is legally blind and who wishes to pursue a graduate degree in one of the professional fields serving people who are blind. This includes Rehabilitation Teaching, Orientation and Mobility Instruction, or Teacher of the Visually Impaired, or any combination of these. The scholarship will provide $3,000 per year for up to two years.
The Red Rose Scholarship
The Red Rose Scholarship is administered by the Susquehanna Foundation for the Blind. This is a two-year scholarship of $3,000 ($1,500 annually) awarded to a qualified high-school student (or high-school graduate) who is legally blind and who wishes to attend a two- or four-year college. The scholarship can be renewed after two years for those who are pursuing a four-year degree.
The Patterson Family Scholarship
The Patterson Family Scholarship is endowed by Stephen and Kathy Patterson and is administered by the Susquehanna Foundation for the Blind. This is an annual, one-time award of $500 to any qualified student who is legally blind and who wishes to attend a trade school, technical school, or two- or four-year college or university.
The Lancaster Scholarship
The Lancaster Scholarship is administered by the Susquehanna Foundation for the Blind. This is a GI Bill - supplementary scholarship in the amount of $1,000 per award year. Any qualified veteran who is legally blind and who wishes to pursue higher education at any level is eligible. The student may apply for renewal up to three times for a maximum award of $4,000.
The Foundation expects to develop additional scholarship funds and invites donors to consider making gifts for this purpose. A named fund with a defined purpose can be established for a gift of $10,000. A donor-directed fund can be established with a gift of $25,000.
The donor of the scholarship funds, a committee of board members, and/or other members of the community review each student’s application.
Scholarships FAQ
Who can receive scholarships?
Scholarships are intended to provide post-High School education for persons who are blind. This includes technical school, college, graduate school or post-graduate studies.
Are scholarship funds paid prior to matriculation?
The first scholarship payment is made before classes begin. Subsequent payments are made based upon meeting grade or other performance standards agreed upon at the time of the award.
Calendar
| Project Grants | Continuing Grants | Scholarships | |
| Applications Mailed | November | May | October - January |
| Applications Due | February 1 | August 1 | February 1 |
| Review and Approve | February - April | August - September | March - April |
| Grantee Notification | May 1 | November 1 | May 1 |
| Grants Begin | June | January | August |
