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FAQs

If you have questions about applying for a grant to fund your wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV), making a donation in support of our cause, or anything else, please take a look at the FAQs below.

How do I apply for a grant from Bridge to Mobility?

1

Find a National Mobility Equipment Dealer Association (NMEDA) dealer near you. They will be able to assist you in applying for a grant. Find the dealer nearest you.

2

Meet with a local dealer. Your dealer will be able to apply on your behalf. The NMEDA dealer will perform a needs analysis and ensure your vehicle has the necessary equipment and is the correct vehicle for your needs. The analysis includes things like the following:

  • Your financial capacity to own, insure, and maintain a WAV
  • The type of vehicle you need
  • How the vehicle will be used
  • Annual miles to be driven
  • Needed equipment such as driving aids, occupant securement systems, payload, etc.

3

The dealer will assess what resources might be available to assist you and available financing given down payment, trade equity and your income and credit. If there is a gap in funding, your dealer will submit a grant application to Bridge to Mobility directly on your behalf. Applicants are notified by their NMEDA dealer of the grant application outcome.

What is the level of the grants, and why?

Our grants are currently limited at $5,000 each and are meant to serve as last-dollar funding. This amount generally represents approximately 10 percent down on a used WAV.

The reasoning behind this is that grant applicants are capable of making monthly car payments and paying for maintenance, gas, and insurance, but often lack the funds needed for a down payment on a WAV. The 10 percent down figure contributes to affordability with both lower financing costs and ideally a shorter loan duration.

How do I find out what funding is available in my state based on my circumstances?

Use the NMEDA dealer map to search for funding resources in your state.

How often are grants awarded?
Grants are awarded quarterly.
Who is my contact in this process?
You should work closely with your NMEDA dealer representative.
How do I donate?

You can donate through our website.

Can my donation be directed to a specific purpose?

You can designate your donation to specific causes such as supporting veterans or supporting the cause of reducing student absenteeism. However, you cannot direct funds to a specific individual.

If you wish to support a specific individual, we encourage you to support an individual charitable funding campaign through our partner, Help Hope Live.