Finding Financial Help

Ideas on Funding to Help Pay for Gemm Learning

Unfortunately, providing clinical software with intensive professional oversight is not cheap and so Gemm Learning is beyond the pocketbook of some families. However, all is not lost. Many resourceful clients have been able to find outside financial aid, either in part or in total.

Some State Governments Will Help

Using A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) For Fast ForWord

Organizations To Approach

Helping a child realize his full potential is an attractive funding idea for many institutions for two key reasons:

1. It is a one-time expense, not an ongoing commitment
2. It potentially connects the local organization to a wonderful success story.

Local Civics, Kiwanis & Similar

There are thousands of local organizations always looking for opportunities to help people in their local community. They will often entertain one-off applications to pay for a program in full or in part. Local groups to check out would include Civics, Special Ed Kiwanis, Lions Club, Roundtable, Junior League, and local churches.

Local Education Focused Groups

Many school districts have Education Foundations whose mission includes helping struggling students in their community. They will also most likely respond to a letter application. Many towns also have Special Interest groups focused on education. Your state may also offer scholarships for supplemental education.

Your School District (or State)

We have had experience with some schools paying for one-off programs. If our program can help your child, it can save the schools thousands of dollars in future special education costs.

Furthermore, some states have funding for specific cases.  For instance, Florida has the Gardiner Scholarship for children with Autism or special needs.  Arizona has an Empowerment Scholarship Account  (ESA) for homeschooled children with learning difficulties.

Ask Local People In The Know

There are people in your community who are immersed in the world of charitable support. This includes all of the local churches, Boys & Girls Clubs, YMCAs, librarians, local council members and community leaders. These people are always on the lookout for worthy causes, and that for sure includes helping a child turn around their school career.

National Interest Groups According to Diagnosis

There are all kinds of groups organized around autism, Asperger syndrome, dyslexia, learning disabilities and other issues. There are also organizations set up to provide financial help. Google is your friend here.

How To Apply – What To Write

When doing your research for each organization, you will need to know the Mission Statement and the name of the President, Chair or Treasurer — if the name is not on a website, try calling to get the name of the right person to contact. Also look to see if there are any student-oriented grant programs already in place that might fit. Note, these kinds of grants often have related application forms that you would use, rather than a letter.

Here is a suggested letter structure. Use a business letter style and start with something like “Dear Mr. Smith”:

Start with a question, something like this:

“Would your organization be interested in helping a child in its community overcome his learning difficulties and get back on a college track?”

Then explain your child’s situation, in relation to this question. For example:
“My child, John, has struggled with reading his entire life. We have tried everything, but nothing has worked. He is falling behind at school, his confidence is eroding, and frankly, I am worried about what the future holds for him.”

Request specific funding, including the amount you need, the dates this will cover and the value you expect. For example:
“I strongly believe that John needs to do the Gemm Learning program. It will cost $1,500 for four months, after which we expect to see significant gains. Gemm Learning is the leading North American provider of Fast ForWord, a cognitive and reading program that has helped 3+ million students around the world. Gemm Learning has a screening process, and only takes candidates they think they can help, which in part explains their very high success rate.”

Explain also why you need financial help. Also, if you have received partial funding from an organization, mention that, as organizations are more comfortable with joint participation.

Closing Statement. Restate your request, but create a vision of how their financial help would make a difference. For example:
“Your funding will help John live up to his potential, complete his education and be a positive contributor to society. Thank you for considering this request.”

End the letter with “Best Regards,” or “Sincerely Yours,” followed by several spaces, then your first and last name.

Add a P. S. Many people read the P. S. of a one-page letter first, so put an important piece of information there to interest the potential donor in reading the letter. This may be a link to the Gemm Learning website, the page that best describes how our program would help your child. Or it may be a personal achievement or noteworthy observation about your child.