The Sadie McCann Fund

​About Our Grant Program

The Sadie McCann Fund is here to support families caring for a child with Aicardi syndrome. We know that the financial needs your family faces can vary greatly — from a single large purchase that changes daily life, to smaller recurring expenses that add up over time. That is why we now offer two types of grants designed to meet families where they are.

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Who Can Apply? 

To be eligible for either grant tier, all of the following must be true:
•    Your child has been diagnosed with Aicardi syndrome.
•    Your family meets our Financial Eligibility Guidelines.
•    The grant funds must be used directly for the benefit of your child with Aicardi syndrome.
 

If you are unsure whether your family qualifies, please reach out to us at info@sadiemccannfund.org — we are happy to help.
 

Grant Overview

We offer two grant tiers. Here is a quick comparison: 

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Tier 1: Up to $5,000 | Large One-Time Expense Grant

This grant is designed for families facing a significant, one-time expense that will make a meaningful difference in your child's life and your family's ability to care for them. Examples of how grant funds can be used include (but are not limited to): wheelchair accessible vehicle purchase or conversion, home accessibility modifications (such as ramps, widened doorways, or bathroom modificiations), other large adaptive equipment or assistive technology purchases. 

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Guidelines for Tier 1 Grants

• Each family may apply for a Tier 1 grant only once. This is a lifetime limit per family. 

• If the grant does not cover the full cost, it may be combined with personal fundraising, insurance reimbursement, or other grants. In general, we will provide the grant as the final funds needed for a purchase.

• Grant payments are made directly to the vendor or service provider. 

 

Tier 2: Up to $2,000 | General Grant

This grant supports a broad range of needs related to caring for your child with Aicardi syndrome, whether a one-time purchase or an ongoing expense you are working to offset. Examples of how grant funds can be used include (but are not limited to): specialized equipment and seating (including wheelchair accessible vehicles, if needed again), home accessibility modifications, therapeutic services (physical, occupational, or speech therapy), respite care, travel to/from the Aicardi Syndrome Family Conference, out of pocket medical expenses. 

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Guidelines for Tier 2 Grants

• Families whose Tier 2 grants are awarded must wait two years before applying again in either tier.  

• If the grant does not cover the full cost, it may be combined with personal fundraising, insurance reimbursement, or other grants. In general, we will provide the grant as the final funds needed for a purchase.

• Grant payments are made directly to the vendor or service provider. 

 

How to Apply

1. Review these guidelines and the FAQs below. Confirm your family meets the eligibility requirements, including financial eligibility.

2. Complete the Grant Application Form found at the link below. 

3. Submit your application before the next dealine. Applications are typically reviewed three - four times per year.
    

The next deadline is May 15, 2026. 

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​If you are seeking emergency funds due to a job loss, natural disaster, or another emergency situation, please email info@sadiemccannfund.org. 

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