Financial Assistance and Grant Programs Resources
Rare Caregiver Respite Program
The National Organization for Rare Disorders’ (NORD) Respite Program is for caregivers (parents, spouses, family members, or significant others) of a child or adult diagnosed with a rare disorder. The program provides financial assistance to allow caregivers a break to attend a conference, an event, or have an afternoon or evening away from caregiving.
The Respite Program awards are granted to eligible individuals on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no fee to apply.
For more information about this program, contact NORD at (203) 616-4328 or email CaregiverRespite@rarediseases.org.
Rare Sisters Batten Foundation
The Rare Sisters Batten Foundation (RSBF) supports the development of medical research for treatments and cures for CLN3 Batten Disease and also provides monetary assistance to families with children diagnosed with Batten Disease, a neurodegenerative disorder.
Families with children diagnosed with Batten Disease may apply with RSBF for financial help to cover a wide variety of needs. Funds are awarded on a case-by-case basis and contingent on the availability of funds.
Rattle the Stars Suicide Prevention Services and Training
Rattle the Stars provides community-based suicide prevention services, information and training to the Champaign County area, including:
- Suicide prevention consultations
- Suicide intervention training
- Private training for groups and assistance developing a comprehensive suicide response plan
- Student-led school suicide prevention chapters
- Comfort dog support
- Speaking engagements and workshops
All Rattle the Stars services are free. Visit their website for program information and additional resources.
REACH Learning and Resource Hub
REACH Learning and Resource Hub provides free, virtual training to help educators, clinicians, parents and caregivers better support the mental health and resilience of the children and youth in their lives. The interactive, on-demand resources focus on:
- Trauma-responsive practices
- Personal and professional resilience
- Social-emotional awareness
- Self-care
Reeve Foundation Virtual Support Group for Individuals Living With Paralysis
The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation offers virtual support groups to help individuals who are living with paralysis or caring for a family member who is living with paralysis. The support groups provide an opportunity for members to connect with others who understand what they are going through and to gain support, insight and guidance.
Group meetings are led by a mental health professional and a peer with lived experience and are conducted in an open forum/conversational format. Separate groups are held for individuals living with quadriplegia, those living with paraplegia and family members/caregivers.
RefugeeOne welcomes hundreds of refugees through the U.S. State Department’s Refugee Admissions Program. RefugeeOne provides support and services to help refugees with the resettlement process and becoming self-sufficient. The Chicago-based agency provides a full range of coordinated services that include:
- Resettlement services
- English language training
- Workforce development and sewing studio
- Wellness program and dental clinic
Regional Transportation Authority’s Accessible Transit Information
The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) coordinates the Chicago region’s transportation system. The RTA website’s Accessible Transit page includes information about how the transit system is accessible, how to apply for certification for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Paratransit services, and how to learn to use the system and achieve travel independence.
You can also visit the RTA’s Travel Assistance Digital Library to access documents about these programs in English and Spanish.
RTA’s Mobility Outreach Program also works with organizations that serve and offer programs to people with disabilities and older adults to ensure they are aware of their transit options.
Renaissance Social Services – Solutions to Homelessness
Renaissance Social Services helps prevent and end homelessness for vulnerable Chicagoans, including individuals and families living with disabling conditions. It partners with landlords across Chicago to provide safe and affordable housing for its participants.
Renaissance also provides participants a range of services, including prevention, outreach, rapid re-housing, permanent supportive housing, behavioral health care, and clinical case management.
To find housing placement with Renaissance, you must first register with the Chicago Coordinated Entry System (CES). Learn more and register with CES by visiting the Coordinated Entry System and access points to complete a housing assessment.
For more details about Renaissance Social Services, call (773) 645-8900 or visit the Renaissance contact page.
RentAssistance provides a directory of rental assistance agencies and organizations that will help you pay your rent. Some listings are government organizations other are non-profits and charities that offer rental assistance programs.
Each organization has its own eligibility rules and conditions and you are encouraged to call directly to find out what you need to do.
Renter and Homeowner Resources from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPD) offers a variety of resources for homeowners and renters. Resources include information about tenant rights, assistance for landlords, mortgage assistance, rent assistance, utility assistance and more.