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 detection device, and more.

The Bridge to Independence Fund provides financial support to individuals and families during a time of crisis or unanticipated expense. 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

Eligibility Guidelines:

Submit a completed application
Be an individual living with epilepsy and/or a seizure diagnosis or a caregiver
Must live in the EFMN service area, state of Minnesota

The reason for this financial support is directly related to an epilepsy diagnosis or seizures. The maximum amount of requests is $750 however the amount awarded is based on need and available funds.

Initial response expected within 3 business days. Awards must be made payable to the vendor.

Bridge Fund Application

Who is filling out the form?

Preparer Information

Preparer First Name

Preparer Last Name

Phone Number

Street Address

City

State

Zip Code

What is your relationship to the applicant?

Identify relationship:

Applicant Information

First Name

Last Name

Phone Number

Street Address

City

State

Zip Code

Date of Birth:

Has applicant used EFMN's services before?

YesNo

Please list:

How did you hear about the Bridge to Independence Fund?

Primary Medical Provider/Doctor Contact Information

Clinic Name

Provider First Name

Provider Last Name

Type of Seizures

Financial Assistance Requested

Amount of funding requested:

Please explain your current situation and how receiving this fund will help:

Based on the explanation above, what product/services will you use or need?

Example: Metro transit bus pass

What other funding sources have you applied to? If you have not applied to other source, please enter "None" below.

Name of vendor/company requested funds for:

Vendor Contact First Name

Vendor Contact Last Name

Vendor Contact Email

Vendor Contact Phone Number

Vendor Street Address

Vendor City

Vendor State

Vendor Zip Code

Applicant/Guardian Release

Information and Photos:

By signing this application, I give EFMN permission to use my image and biographical information in photos and promotional materials for the purpose of promoting EFMN and its services.

Assumption of Risk and Release of Liability:

I, for myself and on behalf of the applicant (if applicant’s guardian), am aware of, understand, and assume any and all risks inherent in use of any and all products and/or services received under or in conjunction with funds received from EFMN. I agree to hold harmless and release EFMN, its board, its employees, and others acting on EFMN’s behalf, of all claims, demands, causes of action and legal liability, whether the same be known or unknown, anticipated or unanticipated, due to providing said product and/or services. I further agree that I shall not bring any claims, demands, legal actions and causes of actions against EFMN and its associates, as stated above in the same clause, for any economic and/or non-economic losses due to bodily injury, death, property damage and injury to, or loss by death for use of said products/services. The EFMN makes no warranties or guarantees of any kind, implied or actual, as to the function, suitability, safety, or intended use of said products/services.

By checking box and signing below, I agree to the statements above

Electronic Signature (type name here)

Preparer Electronic Signature (type name here)

For (type applicant's name here)

Submission Date:

Contact Information

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
Be a graduating high school senior attending college in 2023 or currently attending college (2-year, 4-year, graduate school)
Submit a completed application and include one letter 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.

We are no longer accepting applications in 2022. Thank you.

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