What We Fund
The Lavelle Fund for the Blind provides funding to organizations with U.S. 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status or verifiable non-U.S. charitable status (in the case of foreign-based, non-profit organizations without a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) fiscal intermediary).
The Lavelle Fund for the Blind concentrates on providing support earmarked for program creation, expansion, or improvement. Capital support is generally awarded only in connection with specific program support needs. The majority of Fund-supported grants are project-specific.
Funding Limitations
The Fund does not make grants to any of the following:
- Individuals.
- Medical research programs.
- Advocacy efforts to influence legislation or elections.
- Organizations seeking support for deficit reduction.
- Direct service projects beyond the New York Tri-State area.
The Lavelle Fund for the Blind funds the following program areas:
Courtesy of Ace Kvale / Himalayan Cataract Project
Medical Eye Care
Ophthalmic, Optometric, and Public Health Services
Medical (ophthalmic) treatment and surgery for eye diseases and disorders, optometric treatment and eyeglass prescriptions, and public health efforts to control the spread of vision affecting communicable eye diseases. To date, most such support has gone to developing world programs.
Courtesy of Wenzhou Medical College
Vision Rehabilitation & Resources
Independent, Productive Lives
Adaptive training, devices, and low-vision services advancing success and independence in the classroom, workspace, and home.
Related areas of funding include: information & referral services.
Courtesy of Lighthouse Guild
Education
Education Services, Professional Training and Scholarships
K-12, university and graduate-level educational services for students who are blind and visually impaired and professional training for teachers and other professionals or para-professionals who serve and support people who are blind and visually impaired.
Related areas of funding include: the Brother James Kearney Scholarship Program.