Programs

Kentucky School for the Blind Charitable Foundation is making a difference in the education and independence of blind and visually impaired students by funding specialized equipment, materials, and training as well as educational, cultural, and employment opportunities. KSBCF is "leveling the playing field" - making it possible for students with visual impairments to have the same advantages in the classroom as their sighted peers. We believe education and independence is the first step on the road to lifelong success and are committed to those we serve, whether it is on an individual, community or statewide basis.

Grants

The Kentucky School for the Blind Charitable Foundation provides grant funding to groups and/or organizations who serve individuals who are blind or visually impaired.  Grants are reviewed twice a year in the spring and fall.  The largest organization that receives grant funding through the foundation is the Kentucky School for the Blind.  The grant helps to support student awards, curriculum and programming, career and technical education, technology and outreach services that affect students across the state.  Funding granted by the foundation has also helped Visually Impaired Preschool Services build a new classroom wing and expand their services.  The charitable foundation has continually supported the Audio Studio for the Reading Impaired and Central Kentucky Radio Eye by helping to underwrite their efforts to provide audio recordings and broadcast readings for the blind and visually impaired. For a list of grant requirements and a grant application form, click here.


Braille Writer Loan Program

The Kentucky School for the Blind Charitable Foundation plays a significant role in putting braille writers into the hands of visually impaired students and adults. A braille writer is a device (similar in concept to a typewriter) that allows students to produce braille. Rather than printing ink, braille writers emboss raised braille dots on special heavyweight paper. Braille writers are considered to be essential communication devices for people who are blind or visually impaired - much like pen and paper are for the sighted. They are expensive at $750 per machine which makes the loan program so valuable. The charitable foundation has provided over 400 braille writers to students and adults throughout the state. Click here for an application form.


Joseph Kuczwara Scholarship Award

An annual $500 scholarship is awarded to a Kentucky School for the Blind graduating senior in recognition of having a positive attitude, good citizenship, exemplar leadership, and sincere service to others. The student is nominated by staff of the Kentucky School for the Blind. The Joseph Kuczwara award is named for one of the founders of the charitable foundation.


Will Evans Scholarship

The Kentucky School for the Blind Charitable Foundation offers financial support for blind and visually impaired students who want to pursue post-secondary education. The scholarship is a $2,000 award for students attending college or vocational training. To be eligible for consideration, the student must meet the Kentucky Office for the Blind criteria for educational or vocational services. Students may reapply for the scholarhip each year for up to five years. The Will Evans Scholarship is named for one of the founders of the charitable foundation. For a complete list of requirements and an application form, click here.