Since 2003, the IFOPA, through the Harold and Elaine Kaplan Qualify of L.I.F.E. Awards program, has offered any individual with a confirmed FOP diagnosis a grant* that can be used to help purchase adaptive equipment or other items that improve living with FOP.
As our work with the global FOP community continues to grow, so does the number of applications we receive for L.I.F.E. Award requests. In order to make sure this valuable program is able to continue for years to come, the IFOPA's Board of Directors has approved changes to the grant program that will start July 1, 2023.
Here's what you need to know:
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There will be two opportunities to submit grant applications per calendar year: January and July.
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The L.I.F.E. Awards program will be closed for applications during June 2023 as we transition to this new grant funding cycle and will re-open on July 1, 2023, and accept applications through July 31, 2023. This will be the last opportunity for applications in 2023. The next opportunities will be January 1-31 and July 1-31, 2024.
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The application form will remain the same, but all fields must be completed, including a picture and link to the item requested and contact information (i.e. email and WhatsApp) for the seller.
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Once each application period closes, applications will be reviewed and prioritized based on need.
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The L.I.F.E. Awards Committee will approve appropriate applications from the prioritized list and will fulfill as many awards as funds allow.
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If your application is unable to be fulfilled due to a lack of funds, you are able to re-apply during the next application period.
We appreciate your patience as we transition this program during the month of June, but please stay tuned to our social media and website for the launch of our new L.I.F.E. Awards webpage with additional details and a link to the application.
If you have further questions or need assistance preparing your application for the July 2023 or January 2024 periods, please contact Karen Kirchhoff, Family Services Coordinator, at [email protected] or through WhatsApp +1 (913) 558 1879.
* The lifetime amount of the grant is $1,800 USD.
