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Grants for Purchasing FM Systems

A FM system is a wireless assistive listening device (ALD) that can be used with or in place of a hearing aid. There are a number of grants and financial assistance programs statewide and nationally that will assist anyone who fits the financial and physical criteria for needing a FM ALD. There are a few national programs that assist with the financial burden of purchasing a FM system. The references link is a website that lists more than 65 state and national organizations that provide financial assistance to those in need of hearing aids, corrective surgery or an assistive listening device.

  1. Travelers Protective Association of America

    • This program has scholarships and grants for children and adults who display clinical deafness. The scholarship covers hearing aids and all types of assistive listening devices. Each applicant has to prove financial hardship. The organization is located in St. Louis, Missouri, but it services the entire United States. There is an application on their website that can be downloaded.

    Alexander Graham Bell Association

    • The Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing offers financial assistance in four key areas---parent-infant financial aid, preschool financial aid, school age financial aid and college scholarships for undergraduate and graduate programs. The criteria must be met in each category to be awarded financial assistance.

    Bill Daniels Center for Children's Hearing

    • This foundation has a branch called the Widex Pediatric Hearing Assistance Program Loaner Network. It loans hearing aids and other hearing devices to children while they are waiting for approved funding for permanent hearing devices.

    Corporate or Employee Assistance

    • The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) stipulates that you may qualify for financial assistance through a federal health plan if the FM system is needed to perform your job. You must inquire through your employer health insurance provider about the application process. You can also go to the website for general guidelines.

    Disabled Children's Relief Fund

    • People up to 18 years old can apply for a small grant to assist in purchasing a FM system. You can apply for more than one grant, but each grant request requires a new application. Application guidelines are strict. Applications are available online at dcrf.com and must be mailed.

    First Hand Foundation

    • This global nonprofit organization helps children up to the age of 18 who cannot afford to purchase hearing aids or other assistive listening devices. Money is not distributed directly to the family. Applications and eligibility requirements are online at cerner.com.

    The Hike Fund, Inc.

    • The Hike Fund is a nonprofit that assists youth from birth to the age of 20 with the cost of purchasing a hearing device. The application is six pages and must include a letter from the family. An application can be downloaded at thehikefund.org.

    Let Them Hear Foundation

    • This global outreach program provides consultation and funding resources to individuals in need of assistive listening technology. Its main goal is to help individuals get the hearing device they need after they have been turned down by an insurance company. They also fund research to prevent hearing loss. The organization has two offices located in California.

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