Can your organization apply for the AT Reuse & Repair Fund?

By Shannon Coe, CFILC’s Reuse & Finance Coordinator

Does your organization receive donated assistive technology devices?  And do the devices only need simple repairs such as new batteries, footrests, wires, tires, etc. to get them working again?  But your organization does not have enough funding to repair the devices.  You wish there was some money out there that could help repair all the broken devices in your AT storage room so you can give them to new individuals who need them.  If these thoughts have crossed your mind, then the Repair and Reuse Fund may be of interest to your organization.

The Repair and Reuse Fund gives organizations money to fix up second-hand AT devices for new consumers.  It is important to note that the fund cannot be used to pay for repairs on devices that already have owners.  For instance, I received an application from an organization requesting funds to repair a scooter already owned by an individual.  Although I understand her dilemma, funds can only be applied towards devices that are going to be reassigned to another consumer.  Thus, the devices must have already been donated to the organization.  The goal of the Repair and Reuse Fund is to support and increase the reassignment of repair devices to new consumers.

Established nonprofit organizations that are members of the AT Network and accept donated AT devices in California can apply for up to $1000 for the Repair and Reuse fund once a week.  Currently, a few organizations have applied for the Repair Fund, and some of them have submitted an application more than once.  As of April we still have over $16,000 left in the fund to be used until it gets exhausted or until June 30^th, 2011.  Many of the repaired devices have been power wheelchairs and scooters.  However, we would like to encourage organizations to apply for funding to repair other durable medical equipment and communication devices.

The application process is easy to complete.  In addition to submitting an application, a photo of the device and a 501(c)(3) letter can be e-mailed to shannoncoe@cfilc.org.  Once the application has been reviewed, the organization will be contacted as to whether their application has been approved for funding.  Upon approval, the organization can proceed to make repairs.  When repairs have been completed, invoices and receipts will need to be submitted in order to get reimbursed for the purchased parts, repairs, and labor. The reimbursement process thus far has taken less than 30 days to process.  Our goal is to get the funding out before the end of June 2011.

Click here to find out more details about the Repair and Reuse Fund. The information online will list the eligible activities and uses, funding criteria, and timeline.  Don’t miss out this great funding opportunity!

What devices do you have in storage that needs repairing?