Grant Programs

At the Epilepsy Foundation, our primary goal is to help people affected by epilepsy achieve their fullest potential in any way possible. While the majority of our programs and services do this through support and information, we are also fortunate enough to offer small financial grants in the form of educational scholarships and crisis management funds.

The Bridge to Independence Fund is designed to help individuals and families with a one-time grant for unexpected expenses, and the Elam Baer & Janis Clay Educational Scholarship awards ten $1,000 scholarships every year to students with epilepsy.

Bridge to Independence Fund

Seizures can have an unpredictable impact on lives. For some, being diagnosed with epilepsy can mean the temporary loss of a driver’s license, a change in child care needs, the need for a seizure predictive device, and more.

The Bridge to Independence Fund provides financial support to individuals and families during a time of crisis or unanticipated expenses. Like a bridge, the financial support is intended to provide a path from one situation to the next. This fund is a one-time gift to those who receive it. EFMN established the Bridge to Independence Fund in 2017.

A young woman with red hair smiles at the camera while hugging her seizure dog, a yellow lab wearing a red "Can Do Canine" working vest

A woman wearing a maroon sweater kneels by her son's wheelchair and gives and interview to a news reporter.

Eligibility Guidelines:

Complete Application
Be an individual living with epilepsy and/or a seizure diagnosis
Must live in EFMN service area, Minnesota and eastern North Dakota
Able to provide proof of need, when applicable
Be able to fulfill all expectations and/or completion of ask
Willing to promote the benefit of support
The maximum amount of request is $1000
If partial support granted, must be able to raise remaining funds

Response expected within 5 business days. All awards must be made payable to the vendor, not the individual. Amounts vary on the type of need and funds available.

Thriving with epilepsy

Meet Josh Rahman

Josh Rahman likes being part of things bigger than himself. He played football in high school and is now doing the same in college. He was one of ten students awarded a scholarship thanks to the Elam Baer & Janis Clay Scholarship fund.

Josh's Story

Elam Baer & Janis Clay Educational Scholarship

The Elam Baer & Janis Clay Educational Scholarship is a perfect extension of our vision, which is to work towards a world in which those with seizures realize their full potential. Ten $1,000 scholarships are awarded to students each year, and funds are intended to be used for school-related expenses only. Students who have shown courage in dealing with epilepsy, a commitment to their education, and perseverance in eliminating the obstacles that epilepsy presents are encouraged to apply for the Elam Baer & Janis Clay Educational Scholarship.

Nine college students posing with scholarship fund donor

A woman with curly brown hair and sunglasses leans against a fence.

Eligibility:
• Have a diagnosis of epilepsy
• Live in Minnesota or eastern North Dakota
• Be a high school senior or high school graduate
• Submit a completed application and two letters of recommendation
• Provide proof of acceptance to a post-secondary academic or vocational program

Selection Factors:
• Strong career goals
• Personal achievements
• How applicant overcame obstacles related to epilepsy
• Involvement with the Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota and/or the community

Opportunities are provided solely on the individual merit of applicants related to scholarship requirements and without regard to religion, creed, race, national origin, gender, or sexual orientation.

Application opening March 2022

Make a difference for people with epilepsy

These grant programs are made possible by the support of our generous donors. If you would like to make a financial contribution, visit our donation page and select "grant programs" as your designation. Thank you!

Make a gift