Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for a grant?
Any student, age birth to 18 years, who lives in — or attends a school in — Guilford County, North Carolina, can apply for a grant. Grants help students who have disabilities gain better access to their school classroom.
Can I apply for a grant if I already have health insurance and/or Medicaid?
Yes, but we encourage applicants to exhaust all insurance, Medicaid and state grant avenues before applying for a grant from the Callie Golden Foundation.
Does my child have to be in a public or private school in order for me to apply?
Students in public, private, or charter schools can apply for a grant.
What if I don’t know what school my child will attend?
Our Foundation has no say in whether a child can or should attend a specific school. That decision belongs to students, parents, and school leaders. At the same time, we understand a grant may be a factor in whether a student can attend a specific school. The board will consider those types of conditional applications on a case-by-case basis, and fulfillment of approved grants will be contingent upon the student gaining admission into the school.
What if my child is home schooled?
Students who are home schooled may apply for a grant if it enables them to participate with other peers in an educational setting such as a local co-op.
What sort of things does the grant money pay for?
Grants can help pay for tuition, classroom accommodations, staffing, medical equipment, adaptive equipment or any other need that will give the student better access to his or her learning environment.
How do you decide who gets a grant?
First, our eight-member board of directors reviews each application to make sure the request aligns with the Foundation’s mission. Next, with permission from the applicant, our board checks with medical providers and school officials to confirm needs, diagnoses, enrollment, and other details. Then, based on available funds, the board decides which applications to fund and how much the funding will be. Motions for grants are passed by a simple majority vote by the board.
When is the deadline to apply for a grant?
April 1 is the priority deadline for the following school year; July 1 is the final deadline for the upcoming school year. Grant applications received after July 1 may be considered based on available funds.
The deadline has already passed. Can I still apply?
Yes, you can apply any time. However, applications received after July 1 may not be processed and considered in time for the upcoming school year.
I’m already receiving a grant from the state, can I still apply?
Yes, you can still apply even if you’re receiving a state grant. But we encourage applicants to seek state and/or insurance funding before applying for a Callie Golden Foundation grant.
Do I have to reapply every year?
Yes. All grants from the Callie Golden Foundation apply to one school year. Current recipients can re-apply for a grant for the next school year, but no preference can be given to existing grant recipients. All requests are considered equally.
How do I apply?
Apply using this Google form or by printing and returning this paper application (pdf).
Do you pay or reimburse parents for expenses?
No, we do not make payments to individuals. The Callie Golden Foundation will disperse funds only to a school or company that is providing the accommodations. This policy ensures that the funds are being used for their intended purpose.
Do you pay for transportation?
We might. The Callie Golden Foundation seeks to help classrooms welcome children who have disabilities. If unresolved transportation needs prevent a student from attending school, we would consider a grant request for transportation. However, it is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to arrange the transportation.
Do you help pay for wheelchair-accessible vehicles?
Possibly. If a child is unable to ride a school bus or transportation isn’t offered and it is preventing a child from accessing an ideal school setting, we will consider helping pay for a wheelchair-accessible vehicle.
How can I support the Foundation?
By giving or volunteering. Donations from individuals fund all Callie Golden Foundation grants. Donating money helps our Foundation fulfill its mission of welcoming children who have disabilities into the life of the classroom. All donations are tax deductible. Learn more on our Donate page. If you’re interested in volunteering for an upcoming Callie Golden Foundation fund-raiser, let us know.
Who do I contact if I have questions?
Contact board chair and co-founder Christy Golden, 336-843-3675 or hello@calliegoldenfoundation.org.
Who is Callie Golden?
Callie Golden lived in High Point, North Carolina. Attending school enriched Callie’s life while also enriching the lives of her classmates and teachers. Callie had spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a muscle-wasting disease that caused her body to slowly lose physical strength. When she was born there was no treatment or cure for the disease. She died in April of 2021. In 2023, Callie’s parents launched the Callie Golden Foundation with the goal of helping other children who have disabilities attend school in their ideal settings.