Grant FAQs


Application Process

How do I apply for and submit a grant application?
The grant application is available on the website.   Click the application button download.  You can print the application and fill out by hand.  You can also fill out the application digitally.   Mail the application and all required materials to the address below or email the application and all required materials to grants@avoicediscovered.com
A Voice Discovered
Attn: Grant Committee
PO Box 7389
Ventura, CA  93006


What is the deadline to apply for a grant?
Applications are accepted at anytime and are reviewed on a first come first serve basis once a month as long as grants are available. 

How frequently may I apply?
You may apply once each calendar year. 


How many times can a person receive a grant?
A person may receive 2 grants maximum.  No more than one grant per year. 


If my grant application is denied may I reapply?
You may apply once per calendar year.

When will I find out if I have been awarded a grant?
Applications are reviewed and awarded monthly by the grant committee.  The person applying for the grant will be notified by letter or email within 30 days after the application is received whether or not the grant has been awarded.

 Who and What we Fund?

Who is eligible to receive a grant?
People with complex communication needs of all ages are eligible to receive a grant.  However, grant applications are considered only from Ventura County residents from January 1st through May 31st of each year.  If grant money is still available, A Voice Discovered will consider grant applications from other Southern California counties from June 1st through December 31st each year. 


What can I apply for?
A Voice Discovered provides grant money to help people with complex communication needs who require AAC receive services (e.g., AAC assessments, therapy and training) and equipment (e.g., iPads with communication apps, speech generating device accessories such as mounts, switches, etc.).
A Voice Discovered does not fund dedicated speech generating devices but a grant can be used to fund an AAC assessment by a licensed SLP which is necessary to pursue funding for a speech generating device through insurance, Medicaid, and/or Medicare. 


How much can I apply for? OR How much is the average amount of an awarded grant?
An applicant can apply for up to $1500. 

May I use a grant award for therapy that has been received or for assistive technology that has already been purchased?
No.  All grants must be used for future therapy sessions and technology/equipment purchases. 

Can grant money be used to attend AAC camp?
Yes.  We will fund 1 week of AAC camp up to $1500. 

Can I apply for an iPad with communication app?
Yes.  However you must submit an AAC Evaluation report completed by an ASHA certified speech and language pathologist preferably with AAC experience within the last year along with the application.  The Evaluation must follow insurance and Medicare/Medicaid guidelines including a 4-6 week trial and documentation of progress during that trial with the recommended communication app. 
If an AAC evaluation has not been completed, you may request funding for an AAC evaluation as part of your grant application.

Do you award grants to pay for insurance deductibles?
Yes as long as the services are for an AAC evaluation, therapy and/or training.

 My speech therapist is not ASHA certified, can I use them as a provider?
No.  You must use an ASHA-certified therapist to be eligible for consideration.  It is also recommended that if you are receiving grant money for an AAC evaluation, therapy and/or training that the SLP providing the evaluation has experience with AAC. 

How do I find a local service provider?
A Voice Discovered has a list of Speech and Language Pathologists who specialize in AAC who practice in Ventura County and Los Angeles County. 

Grant Award Distribution

How is the grant award paid once the grant is received?
If the grant is for services (e.g., AAC evaluation, therapy, training), a contract and work order will need to be completed by the SLP providing services prior to services beginning.  The SLP will then submit invoices to AVD and AVD will pay them directly. 
If the grant is for an iPad with communication app, AVD will purchase the recommended iPad and case as well as iTunes cards for the family to use to purchase the communication app. 
If the grant is for equipment (e.g., wheelchair mount, switches, etc.), AVD requires a quote from the company and will pay the company directly. 


How long do I have to use funds once a grant is awarded?
Grants must be used within 12 months of award notification.  If more time is required please contact grants@avoicediscovered.com to discuss an extension.

Is there a limit to the number of grants a child can receive from A Voice Discovered?
There is a 2 grant maximum on the number of grants an individual may receive. 

Are grants renewable?

No.  Grants cannot be renewed.  A separate application must be submitted for each grant request. 

How You Can Help


How can I support A Voice Discovered?
You can make a direct donation on our organization’s website www.avoicediscovered.com  You may also select A Voice Discovered as your charity of choice on Smile.Amazon.com   Employee match donations and Facebook fundraisers are other ways people have donated.  A Voice Discovered is an all volunteer organization.  We appreciate all contributions as well as volunteer support!

Are donations tax-deductible?
Yes.  All donations are tax-deductible.  A Voice Discovered is a 501 (c) 3 organization.  Tax ID – 46-3641066

A Voice Discovered
PO Box 7389
Ventura, CA 93006
(805) 651-3906
info@avoicediscovered.com