General overview
The Grandview Kids Family Support Fund provides short-term, needs-based financial assistance to families of clients who are actively receiving services at Grandview Kids (including school-based rehabilitation and Purchased Services). The Family Support Fund exists to help bridge funding gaps for essential, specialized equipment not fully covered by other sources, easing financial pressure so families can focus on their child or youth’s health, inclusion and well-being.
Table of contents
What does the Family Support Fund support?
Purpose and breakdown of funding
The Family Support Fund is intended to cover equipment and tool costs recommended by a Grandview Kids clinician to improve a child or youth’s daily functioning, independence and inclusion.
The Grandview Family Support Fund offers financial support for the following equipment* after the Assistive Devices Program and private insurance have been accessed (if applicable):
- adaptive bikes
- ramps
- bathroom equipment
- supportive chairs
- adjustable tables
- custom orthotics
- serial casting materials
- post-operative hospital expenses (e.g., knee mobilizers and wedges)
- short-term need for equipment (e.g., post-operative equipment)
- mobility aids and positioning equipment (e.g., specialized seating and gait trainers)
- safety and transfer devices
*This list is not exhaustive.
How to access the Family Support Fund
1. Speak with your Grandview Kids clinician to receive a “Recommendation Form”
- If your Grandview Kids clinician recommends equipment for your child or youth, they can advise you about Family Support Fund eligibility and provide you with a Recommendation Form that explains the need and expected benefit of the equipment.
- Receive a quote or invoice from a vendor.
- Receive a detailed cost estimate or invoice for the item(s) you are requesting from a reputable vendor.
- Examples of acceptable documents include vendor quotes, estimates, receipts and invoices.
2. Complete the application form online
- Eligible families must complete the online Family Support Fund application form and attach the Recommendation Form and vendor quote or invoice noted above.
3. Submission and review
Once we receive your completed application form, Team Grandview will add it to a queue for review and processing.
4. Decision and next steps
You will receive an email from Grandview Kids once your application has been processed. If your request is approved, Grandview Kids will confirm how the funds will be released and any required next steps. If declined, families will receive information and, where possible, alternative resources or referrals.
Support to apply
Peer Navigators on the Family Engagement Team can help families complete the form in person at the Family Resource Centre (located in The Jerry Coughlan Building). You may visit the Family Resource Centre during operating hours or email the Family Engagement Team at familyengagement@grandviewkids.ca to get the process started.
If you have further questions about the Family Support Fund, please see our Frequently Asked Questions below.
Additional resources
Eligibility criteria
To be eligible to apply for the Family Support Fund, a child or youth must:
- Be actively receiving clinical or medical services from Grandview Kids, including Purchased Services.
- Families must first access available insurance and government funding (e.g., Ontario’s Assistive Devices Program) before applying to the Family Support Fund.
- Applicants will be required to provide supporting documentation at the time of applying to the Family Support Fund (see “How to apply” below).
Funding limits
A maximum grant of $2,000 per child or youth is available through the Family Support Fund over a two-year period. Eligibility resets after two years. Installation and labour costs associated with the child or youth’s equipment are not funded.
Before you apply: a quick checklist
Please ensure you have the following items ready before submitting:
- Received confirmation from your Grandview Kids clinician that a Recommendation Form was completed on your behalf.
- Received a vendor quote or invoice for the requested equipment.
- Completed the Family Support Fund application form online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply?
Clients, legal guardians or parents/caregivers of children, youth or clients who are actively receiving services at Grandview Kids.
What kinds of expenses are eligible?
The Family Support Fund supports essential, clinician-recommended specialized equipment not fully funded by other sources (see “What the Family Support Fund supports” for a list of some of the eligible equipment).
Is there a maximum amount I can request?
Yes. A maximum grant of $2,000 per child or youth over a two-year period. Eligibility resets after two years.
Do I need a Recommendation Form from my Grandview Kids clinician to apply?
Yes. A signed Recommendation Form from a Grandview Kids clinician is required to confirm your child or youth’s need for the equipment you are seeking financial support to buy. Please speak with your Grandview Kids clinician to request that they complete a Recommendation Form on your behalf. If your clinician recommends that you purchase equipment to support your child or youth’s daily functioning, independence or inclusion, they will prepare a Recommendation Form for you and submit it to the Family Support Fund team at Grandview Kids. Your clinician will update you once the form is complete.
Do I need a vendor quote or invoice for the equipment my Grandview Kids clinician recommends before submitting my application?
Yes. A detailed quote or invoice from your vendor for the recommended equipment is required to submit your application.
How do I find a reputable vendor in the community to get a quote or invoice for the equipment my Grandview Kids clinician recommends?
It is recommended that each family discuss this topic with their clinician.
How long does it take to receive a decision email from Grandview Kids?
We will review your application and reach out to you within 1-2 weeks. This timeframe does not apply to the issuing of a cheque.
How will I receive funds if my application is approved?
If your application is approved, you will have the option to have your funds paid to your family via cheque, electronic funds transfer (EFT) or have the funds paid directly to your preferred vendor.
What if my application is denied?
Clients and families will be informed if their application is denied and will receive a brief rationale to support the decision. Where possible, families will be directed to other resources, supports or funding alternatives.
Is my online application confidential?
Yes. The application process is confidential, secure and responsive. Only members of Team Grandview will have access to the information you submit in your application.
Can Team Grandview help me complete the form?
Yes! Peer Navigators on Grandview Kids’ Family Engagement Team are available to support clients and families in person and virtually in completing their application. Please visit the Family Resource Centre at our Ajax-based headquarters, The Jerry Coughlan Building, during operating hours or email familyengagement@grandviewkids.ca to get the process started.
Tips for a successful application
- Confirm your Grandview Kids clinician completed the Family Support Fund Recommendation Form on your behalf before submitting your application.
- Receive a quote or invoice detailing the cost incurred by the equipment
,ready before submitting your application.
- Provide a detailed, itemized vendor quote to reduce processing delays.
- Access our Family Engagement supports (in-person or virtual) if you need assistance completing the form online.
Contact us
For help with the application or to ask questions, please contact Grandview Kids’ Family Engagement Team located within the Family Resource Centre at The Jerry Coughlan Building.
Family Engagement Team contact email: familyengagement@grandviewkids.ca.
Donor acknowledgement
The Grandview Kids Family Support Fund has been established thanks to an initial gift from the Jeremiah F. Coughlan Foundation.
