ABSOLUTELY NOT! If you have a passion for inclusion and acceptance – you are apart of our family! The Variety KC Family encompases anyone who champions our inclusion revolution whether you’ve received a Variety KC Grant, an event volunteer, sponsor, individual donor, or an advocate and voice for inclusion.

Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter, follow us on social media, and visit our website to stay up-to-date on all upcoming events and ways you can get involved! We invite families and children of ALL abilities to be a part of the Variety KC Family!

Variety KC is always in need of volunteers. Please visit our website to complete a Volunteer Registration Application. Once complete, your name will be added to our database for upcoming volunteer opportunities.

You may also email Ali O’Grady at aogrady@varietykc.org for details about specific events.

Children and young adults with special needs (up to age 21) in Kansas City and the surrounding areas. You can learn more about our recipients on our blog, and stories of projects we’ve funded here. 

Fill out one of the grants that applies – Go Baby Go! mobility car, Mobility equipment, Communication devices, Sports program, or outpatient Therapy sessions.

Please consider volunteering, donating, hosting a fundraiser or sponsoring a Variety event.

Families must wait a minimum of 2 years (24 months) from the approval date of their last application before applying for a new grant. Example: A child is approved for a bike in June 2024; they can not apply for a communication device before June 2026.

Mobility Grants (bikes, wheelchairs, sports chairs, wagons, etc.) require a 3-year (36-month) wait before a child can be eligible for new mobility equipment through Variety KC. Example: A child is approved for a wagon in July of 2024; they can not apply for a bike until July 2027.

At this time, Variety KC’s My Safety Bed Grants can only be provided once per child.

If you still have questions about whether your child is eligible to apply for additional Variety KC grants, please reach out to Ali at aogrady@varietykc.org

TO COMPLETE YOUR APPLICATION, THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS NEEDED.

❑  Letter(s) of verification from professionals you identified (therapist, doctor, social worker) who are most familiar with your child’s needs. This letter should specify your child’s needs for the equipment requested.
❑  Copy of insurance card
❑  Copies of determinations from relevant insurance programs.
❑  Copy of latest federal income tax return, pages 1 & 2.
❑  Copy of the quote for your request directly from the vendor.
❑  Clear, detailed description of equipment to meet child’s needs.
❑  Address all items as stated in the Addendum for appropriate equipment being requested.
❑  Two or three assisted technology bids from suppliers (Variety can assist you in choosing a vendor).
❑  Signature on Release of Liability Form.
❑  Signature on Affirmation of Truth Statement.
❑  Signature on Disclaimer.
❑  Authorization to Use Name & Likeness (signature optional).
❑  Recent photo of the child. (high resolution image)
❑  Signatures of all legal guardians & complete demographic data.
❑  If funding is approved, we do require photographs of child with equipment (preferably within a month of project completion). Please use 35mm film or you can submit via email to info@varietykc.org.

Our Variety KC team is purchasing the equipment based on the exact specifications you list in your application (specifically, in the “Uploaded Quote from Vendor/Supplier” document) – this includes: size, color, modifications needed, additional attachments needed, etc. If you are unsure about any specifications of your desired item, please collaborate with your child’s therapy team to determine the item that best fits your child’s needs and abilities prior to applying.

Variety KC works hard to keep families updated on their grant applications. Once a family submits a grant application Variety KC will reach out by phone or email with in a week and answer questions about our process as well as share an estimated timeline for board approval. Once the board has approved your application Variety KC will fulfill request and handle all billing with manufacturers or retailers. All items will be delivered to Variety KC. Please know that customized equipment can take anywhere from 1-6 months due to manufacturing timelines. Once your item has been delivered Variety KC will reach out to your family to arrange to present your gift to your child. If you have questions about the status of your application please don’t hesitate to contact Ali O’Grady at aogrady@varietykc.org

Variety KC does accept applications for accessible vehicles; however, we cannot help in the purchase of a vehicle that is not yet modified to be accessible. We are able to help with the following:

• Funding (provided directly to the owner of the title of the vehicle) to assist with the purchase of an already adaptive/accessible vehicle
• Funding (provided directly to the company responsible for modifying the vehicle) to assist with modification of the vehicle to make it accessible and meet the needs of your child