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Frequently Asked
Questions (FAQ)
 1) What is Colburn’s
Mission?
The Colburn National Foundation, a 501 (c) 3 public charity,
was established to provide children with disabilities and
their families the resources to promote their independence.
The foundation, formed in
1998 and restructured in 2003, was established to assist
children with
a variety of physical disabilities.
2) What specific types of disabilities are funded?
The Colburn National Foundation provides funding to
children, 21 and under, with physical disabilities related
to neurological impairments, bone and joint disorders,
acquired brain injury, birth-related trauma, congenital
anomalies and metabolic and growth disorders.
3) What is Colburn’s geographic boundary?
Children and young adults who live within a 50-mile radius
of Saratoga Springs are eligible, although the board does
consider, on a need basis, applications from outside the
general service area.
4) What does Colburn fund?
The Foundation funds accessibility projects, community
education, and adaptive equipment including, but not limited
to power wheelchairs, specialized bicycles, tricycles,
strollers and orthotics. In addition, Colburn supports the
purchase or loan of mobility equipment; provision of
self-care equipment; access to medical specialists and most
current treatments; payment for non-traditional medical
therapies; sponsorship of conferences and symposia for
families and communities; research that develops or
implements new and validated treatments; and the promotion
of increased public understanding of
the abilities of children and young adults with
disabilities.
5) How do I apply for a grant?
A) Download an application from the website or call
the Foundation at 518.226.0252 and request an application
form.
B) Once completed, with accompanying documentation, mail
to the Foundation at:
The Colburn
National Foundation
270 West Circular Street
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
C) If application is
deemed complete, you will be notified via letter after the
boards’ decision. If incomplete, you will be contacted to
provide further information.
6) What accompanying documentation must be included with
the application form?
A) Medicaid/Insurance denial for requested equipment
or procedure, request must be made in the current
year.
B) Letter of Medical Necessity, signed by child’s
physician, denoting child’s specific diagnosis and
functional ability level. Medical information must be from
the current year. Please be specific as to the child’s
ability to ambulate and the ways in which this diagnosis
might impact the child over time. Please address the child’s
expected growth rate and possible health considerations as
they relate to the equipment requested, where applicable.
Information regarding the child’s current equipment use, why
it is deficient and how requested equipment will benefit the
child, in a therapeutic way, i.e., how will it contribute to
the child’s independence, mobility, increased body strength
and ability to function must also be included.
C) Current IFSP or IEP This document lists the equipment
available to the child in a school setting and gives insight
with respect to the functional level of the applicant.
7) Why is it necessary to
include a letter of medical necessity and an insurance
denial?
Without a detailed description of a child’s functional
ability it is difficult to determine whether or not the
equipment is appropriate for the child. Diagnoses can differ
substantially from one child to another. Therefore, the
treating health care professional (OT or PT) should be the
most active participant in documenting their patient’s
medical needs/abilities and procuring equipment. A medical
necessity letter written by this professional to the
physician and then submitted to the insurance provider is
the optimal course of action. An equipment description is
also required, including any necessary adaptations to insure
the safety of the recipient. If Medicaid or private
insurance denies coverage based upon inadequate information,
so too will Colburn. When organizations receive complete
information and then deny coverage, Colburn, as a funder of
last resort, can then assess the merits of the case.
8) How much funding is available?
Funding varies. Partial grants are also available.
9) What is Colburn’s grant cycle and how often does the
board meet?
The board, comprised of individuals with medical, legal,
financial and social service expertise, generally meets
monthly to review grant requests. Call the Foundation for
the next scheduled meeting date.
10) How can I donate to the Foundation?
Please make your tax-deductible donation, via check, payable
to The Colburn National Foundation and send to the
Foundation address below:
270 West Circular Street
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
Our EIN is: 14-1801175
We are delighted to be
involved in this most gratifying mission and thank you for
your interest in the Colburn National Foundation. Please
contact the Foundation for more information.
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