The Bellows Fund

Q: What is the UCP-Elsie S. Bellows Fund?
A: The UCP Elsie S. Bellows Fund is a national program operated by UCP that provides funds to individuals with disabilities for assistive technology equipment. Individuals are recommended by UCP affiliates. UCP affiliates submit an application on behalf of an individual to the UCP national office. Applications are reviewed for funding by the Bellows Committee.

Q: What is the amount of funding available to UCP affiliates?
A: Each fiscal year, the total is derived from the income of the fund. Each UCP affiliate is eligible to receive funding from the UCP-Elsie S. Bellows Fund based on a formula established by the Board of Trustees.

Q: When will UCP affiliates get information on their specific allotment for the Bellows Fund?
A: Each year, this information will be distributed to UCP affiliate executive directors by December of the fiscal year.

Q: How can I receive information about the program or a Bellows Fund application and guidelines?
A: The Bellows Fund application is distributed to UCP affiliates when the annual allotment is declared. UCP affiliates may also download an application or contact at 305-757-8989 for more information.

Q: How do I submit a Bellows Fund application?
A: After completing the application, UCP affiliates can mail, fax or e-mail the application to UCP National (noted on application). Each application submitted must contain the signature of the UCP executive director. In lieu of a signature when the application is submitted via e-mail, the e-mail should originate from the UCP executive director’s e-mail or the executive director can e-mail a separate e-mail confirming knowledge of the application.

Q: Is there a deadline for applications?
A: There is no deadline to submit an application. However, it would be wise to submit an application by the end of the fiscal year (October 1 – September 30). Any funds unspent at the end of the first fiscal year may be carried over for one year only.

Q: What is the approximate turnaround time for Bellows Fund grants?
A: Once an application is submitted, it will take approximately 10–15 working days—if no questions are raised about the application.

Q: How can I get confirmation that my application has been approved?
A: UCP affiliates having submitted an application should contact Jack Schillinger via .

Q: Can an affiliate submit more than one application during the year that adds up to the total available annual allotment?
A: Yes, an affiliate may submit as many applications as possible that add up to the total available annual allotment that year. For example, an affiliate eligible for an allotment of $2,250 can submit three applications in the amount of $700 each for a total of $2,100. However, any remaining funds from the first year will be carried over for only one fiscal year.

Q: Can an affiliate use these funds to match dollars from another program?
A: Yes, an affiliate can use Bellows Fund monies as a match for other programs so long as the Bellows Fund monies are used to purchase assistive technology equipment.

Q: Are individuals with disabilities who are NOT represented by a UCP affiliate able to participate in the program?
A: No, only individuals with disabilities who are represented by a UCP affiliates can participate. This is because the "certification" that the individual receiving the grant meets the Bellows Fund Guidelines can be accomplished most efficiently through a direct relationship with a UCP affiliate.

Q: I understand that the Bellows Fund applicant must be in financial need. What are the parameters for "financial need?"
A: UCP is entrusting the UCP affiliate with certifying that the individual or family is in financial need. UCP believes the affiliate staff are in the best position to judge "financial need."

Q: Are the Bellows Fund grants given only to individuals with cerebral palsy?
A: No, the Bellows Fund award can be given to any individual with a disability.

Q: Is it appropriate to request assistive technology that will be used by more than one individual at the UCP affiliate?
A: No, the assistive technology equipment must be owned by an individual who meets the requirements established by the bequest—an individual with disabilities who is in financial need.

Q: Can the funds be utilized to repair assistive technology equipment?
A: Yes, that is an allowable cost.

Q: Will the check for the Bellows Fund grant be made payable to the individual or to the UCP affiliate?
A: The check will be made payable to the affiliate. It will contain the information that it is a Bellows grant and will list the last name(s) of the nominee(s).

Q: Does the assistive technology equipment have to be from a vendor? My UCP affiliate produces assistive technology equipment that our consumers use and the Bellows Fund grant would go to the UCP affiliate to purchase the assistive technology. Is this appropriate?
A: As long as the funds are used to purchase assistive technology equipment that will be owned by an individual, that would be allowable. It does not matter that the UCP affiliate would be the vendor in this scenario.