Jett Giving Fund - Accessible Vehicle Fund

Geographic Scope: United States

Focus Areas: Financial assistance for purchasing accessible vehicles, van conversions, and hand controls for individuals and families affected by Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Program Description

The Accessible Vehicle Fund is a branch of Jett Foundation's Jett Giving Fund (JGF), a financial support program for families in the Duchenne community. The program operates on a matching basis where applicants must raise at least 50% of the funds needed to purchase their requested accessible vehicle. Once their fundraising goal is reached, Jett Foundation purchases the vehicle directly from the vendor and gifts it to the recipient outright.

Eligibility Requirements

• Who: Individuals or families affected by Duchenne muscular dystrophy
• Location: Residing in the United States
• Documentation: Proof of Duchenne diagnosis (physician's letter, IEP, genetic report, etc.)

What the Fund Covers

• Purchase of accessibility vehicles
• Van conversions
• Hand controls for disabled drivers

What the Fund Does NOT Cover

• Monthly vehicle payments
• Replacement parts or repairs to vehicles already purchased

Award Mechanism

• Applicants raise minimum 50% of vehicle cost
• Jett Foundation covers remaining costs
• Payment made directly to dealership/vendor (not to applicant)
• If vehicle cost increases more than 10% from original quote, participant responsible for excess above 10%

Program Impact

Since 2017, Jett Giving Fund has distributed over $1.8 million in accessible equipment and emergency assistance to families across the country.

Contact Information

Address: Jett Foundation Inc, 390 Circuit Street, Norwell, MA 02061

Application Process

1. Check Application Dates: Applications open January 3 at 9:00 AM ET and close February 18 at 11:59 PM ET (annual cycle)
2. Submit Online: Visit jettfoundation.org/jett-giving-fund during the open application period to complete the application
   • Note: You can save and resume your application
   • Jett Foundation only accepts electronic applications through the website
   • No paper applications accepted
3. Required Documentation: For your application to be considered complete, you must:
   • Answer all questions on the application
   • Provide proof of diagnosis (physician's letter, IEP, genetic report, etc.)
   • Include personal information and detailed background narrative clearly demonstrating need for financial assistance
   • Submit three quotes from three separate certified dealership/vendors on company letterhead

Quote Requirements

• Quotes must come from certified dealers/vendors
• Must be on official company letterhead
• Must include make, model, year, and price of equipment
• Must list salesperson name and contact information
• Must include your name and address
• Must be specific quotes drafted for your child/family (not generic inventory listings)
• Equipment cost must be clearly stated

Selection Criteria

Acceptance decisions are made by a committee of Jett Foundation staff, community members, and board members. Committee reviews applications based on these criteria:

• Individual has a documented case of Duchenne muscular dystrophy
• Individual or caregiver submitted completed application by deadline
• Individual has documented significant and immediate need for the vehicle
• Individual indicated in application they are highly motivated to raise funds needed to reach their goal

Timeline

• Determination Announcements: Sent via email on March 17 (following year)
• All applicants notified whether accepted or denied by email

Recipient Responsibilities

If selected:

• Goal is to raise 50% or more of funds needed to purchase accessible vehicle
• Reaching or exceeding fundraising goal ensures program longevity and continued support to future families

Reapplication Policy

• Eligible applicants may apply once per calendar year
• If not selected in one calendar year, may apply again in following year

Important Notes

• No deadline exceptions: Given significant interest, cannot provide exceptions to application deadline
• Complete applications only: Incomplete applications will not be considered
• Anti-kickback compliance: Applications implying funding from applicant's own 501(c)3 will be rejected; Jett Foundation reserves right to remove participants violating anti-kickback statutes
• Questions: Email [email protected]

For Other Funding Needs

For emergency assistance and other funding needs beyond vehicles, visit jettfoundation.org/jett-giving-fund to learn about other branches of Jett Giving Fund