Paul Silver Enrichment Award

The Paul Silver Enrichment Award was created in memory of Paul Silver, an Alport syndrome patient and film and music editor. The award was established to empower young people with Alport syndrome to not let the disease define them and to realize their dreams.

History: Paul Silver was the recipient of an award which helped him accomplish a professional goal. The annual Alport Syndrome Foundation Award proudly continues this "pay it forward" philosophy.

Eligibility:

• Young individuals living with Alport syndrome
• Ages range from approximately 11-24 years old (based on past winners)
• US-based applicants (geographic scope includes all US states)

Award Focus:

• Support for personal and professional goals
• Education and college tuition
• Professional development and career pursuits
• Personal enrichment activities and experiences
• Examples of supported goals: college tuition, technical equipment, travel, professional training, medical equipment, career-related certifications

What They Fund:

• College tuition and educational expenses
• Career-focused equipment and software
• Professional development and certifications
• Educational travel and study abroad programs
• Technical equipment for creative pursuits
• Healthcare and hearing assistive technology
• Personal development activities (e.g., pilot training, athletic training)

Organization:

• Funder: Alport Syndrome Foundation (ASF)
• Location: Scottsdale, AZ 85261-4130
• Status: 501(c)(3) registered nonprofit (EIN: 20-8237159)
• Contact: [email protected] or +1 (480) 800-3510

Award Recipients Process:

• Winners provide short video and write-up showcasing how the award helped accomplish their goals (Awardee Agreement requirement)
• Selection Committee reviews applications and selects winners
• Award announcements typically made in December

Past Award Cycles: 2012-2025 with multiple recipients per year (ranging from 2-5 awardees annually)

Application Process

Detailed application instructions are not provided in the available website content. However, based on the pages reviewed, the following is known:

General Application Details:

• Annual application cycle (typically closing in the fall, with winners announced in December)
• Application involves submitting stories/essays describing personal goals and how the award would help
• Selection Committee reviews applications and is "deeply moved by the stories" of applicants

Required Materials:

• Application essay or narrative describing personal goals
• Information about the applicant's Alport syndrome diagnosis
• Explanation of how award funds will be used
• Connection to career, educational, or personal development goals

Post-Award Requirements:

• Awardee Agreement requires winners to provide:
  • Short video showcasing how the award helped accomplish their personal goal
  • Write-up describing the impact of the award

Note: For specific application instructions, deadlines, and submission details, applicants should contact the Alport Syndrome Foundation directly:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: +1 (480) 800-3510
• Mailing Address: Alport Syndrome Foundation, P.O. Box 4130, Scottsdale, AZ 85261-4130