FAQs

Any person living in Alberta with a spinal cord injury or related physical disability who can prove financial hardship and that the request is critical to support the individual with adapting, adjusting and ensuring inclusion in their community.

Applicants are encouraged to apply for the amount that will support their need. Each funding cycle is expected to provide a total of $50,000. Funds may be split between multiple applications. 

Applicants are encouraged to express their need and the reason for their application. Some funding requests that will not be considered include ongoing utility bills, laundry or housekeeping services, damage deposits for clients living with family members, travel expenses and hotel rooms, dental expenses, medical expenses covered by AHS/Provincial Health Care, expenses that are covered by a law firm if there is litigation in process, cost share portion of AADL for equipment and supplies.

This fund is available for new issues and is not to reimburse for items or services already paid for.

The review panel will determine with each funding cycle how many applications will be approved. It is possible that applications may receive partial funding. Funding may be provided to one applicant or shared among multiple applications.

There is a review panel that consists of a minimum of 3 reviewers. A scoring scale and a process for review has been developed to guide the decision-making process.

• Demonstration of need – A personal impact statement has been included demonstrating a compelling need for the service/item.
• Financial Need – The applicant has provided ample evidence of their financial need.
• Connection to community inclusiveness – The applicant has clearly expressed how this item/service positively impacts their ability to participate with their community.
• Description of item/service is clearly connected to the demonstration of need.
• Financial Need – The applicant has provided ample evidence of their financial need.
• Alignment with funding priorities
• Sustainability – This is a one-time project and if ongoing, the applicant demonstrates how the need will be sustained.

 Grant applications will be received twice per year. Dates will be advertised on the website and through social media, but typically applications will be accepted between February 15 – March 15 and September 15-October 15 of each year.

Responses should be sent by email to the applicant 6 to 8 weeks after applications are closed. This time may be extended depending on the number of applications received. If your contact information changes in this timeframe, please email your updated information to financialassistance@sci-ab.ca or by calling 403-288-3001

Funds cannot be provided directly to the applicant. Once the services are arranged or the item is purchased, the invoice must be sent to the Director of Finance. Payment will then be arranged and provided directly to the service provider or vendor.

Yes, any appeals may be sent in written form to the CEO of Spinal Cord Injury Alberta.

No you do not, but you will be asked to share a story and/or photo showing how receiving the funds assisted you with achieving inclusion within your community. These will be shared in marketing materials, or on the website.

During the application period, you can submit a handwritten application or typed application by scanning and emailing it to financialassistance@sci-ab.ca or by clicking on this link and filling out the online form. If you need assistance, you can reach out to SCI-AB using the same email address or by calling (403-228-3001). Applicants are welcome to have a care giver, or health care provider support the completion of an application.