Deciding to take on a new challenge is a big first step. Sail For Epilepsy encourages and supports all of our Virtual Shipmates as they pursue their goals.
The One More Step Grant Program awards up to $500 to help offset costs that may be associated with a challenge the Shipmate is pursuing.
Requirements
- Submit a grant proposal, which includes the steps you’ll take while pursuing your challenge, a timeline, and a budget.
- Submit one progress update during your challenge. We love to hear from our shipmates and sharing your story may inspire others in our community to try something new. We suggest your update include a photo or video, caption, and a summary of your progress, including any setbacks or successes.
Optional
- Submit a final progress update and you’ll receive a participation certificate and special gift.
- Successful completion of the challenge is not required, just the attempt.
- Allow Sail For Epilepsy to share progress updates and photos/videos online.
Evaluation Process
Grant proposals are accepted on a rolling basis. Applicants will be notified of the decision within four weeks or less of proposal submission. Proposals will be judged on:
- Completeness of the proposal
- Budget
- Level of impact to individual, family, or community
- Creativity
Who Should Apply?
If you have signed up for the One More Step Challenge or are considering it, the One More Step Grant program is for you. You may not need financial support to pursue your challenge. But if you do – we’d like to help.
- Thinking about learning to play a new instrument? Let us help pay for lessons.
- Starting a walking routine? Time for new sneakers.
- Need to print materials as you raise awareness about epilepsy?
- Want to purchase a helmet for your child who is learning to ride their bike?
- Interested in joining a gym?
- Taking a writing or photography class?
- Paying the bus fare to attend a class?
- Buying hiking poles to feel more stable as you summit your next peak?
We look forward to your proposals!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the One More Step Challenge?
Are you able to do something to improve your quality of life? Can you take one extra step to do something you haven’t done before, with the necessary safety measures in place?
Taking One More Step
- Decide to take One More Step
- Define a realistic goal
- Identify challenges you’ll face working towards your goal (practical and medical)
- Talk with your support team (physician, caregiver, family) about appropriate guardrails for safety
- Begin your personal voyage
What are some examples of One More Step Challenges?
- Addie, Snohomish, Washington: Become a professional gymnast
- Audrey, Brazil: Learn to sail this year
- Cassidy, Halifax, Nova Scotia: Go for more hikes / walks
- Eryn, Bexley Kent, United Kingdom: Aiming to get my dinghy instructor to help other children learn to sail
- Grey, Burnaby, British Columbia: Learn to play guitar with earplugs to reduce sound
- Henrique, Amora, Portugal: Learn to swim
- Jenn, Mandeville, Louisiana: Doing yoga and guided meditations at least 3 times per week
- Joshua, Sarasota, Florida: Inform more people about epilepsy and how they can help others
- Nacertazi, Marrakech, Morocco: I would like to work out more and be in my best shape ever
- Pedro, Lisbon, Portugal: Learn to ride a bicycle
- Samantha, Plano, Texas: Going for (at least) a 30 minute walk every day
- Sawyer, Falmouth, Maine: Publish a comic book
- Tyler, Midrand, Gauteng (South Africa): Learn to play the drums
How much time do I have to complete my One More Step Challenge?
One requirement of the grant proposal is to define a timeline of no longer than 12 months. However, it is not necessary to fully achieve your One More Step Challenge, rather, begin the attempt. Plan out the necessary steps you’ll take as you pursue your challenge and send us an update during the timeline that you’ve created.
You may experience set backs or realize you need to modify your challenge as you work towards it. This is part of pursuing any challenge and being able to adjust your plans as needed may be a key component to moving forward.
How will grant recipients be chosen?
Grant proposals may fit into one of the following categories, although we welcome all proposals:
- Adventure
- Caregiver or Parent
- Epilepsy Awareness
- Epilepsy Education
- New skill
- Physical activity
- Pursuit of learning
- Self Care
An internal team at Sail For Epilepsy will review each grant proposal. Proposals will be judged on completeness of proposal, budget, level of impact to individual, family, or community, and creativity. Applicants will be notified of the decision within four weeks or less of proposal submission. All decisions are final and may not be appealed.
Do I need to be an adult to receive a One More Step Grant?
We welcome proposals by, or on behalf of, all ages. Applicants under the age of 18 will need to have parent or guardian permission to apply. We will contact the responsible individual using the information provided in the grant proposal in advance of any grant being awarded.
Do I need to live in the United States to be eligible?
You do not need to live in the United States to be eligible for a grant.
How much money will be awarded for each One More Step Grant?
The maximum grant awarded will be $500. Individual grant amounts will be based on the grant proposal and the submitted budget.
When do I receive my One More Step Grant?
We will transmit funds as quickly as possible to allow you to receive the support you need to pursue your challenge. The method of transfer will be determined on a case by case basis. Awards may take longer for those living outside of the United States.
How will Sail For Epilepsy use my progress updates online?
A core of our mission is to inspire our community to live fuller lives. By sharing ways that our Virtual Shipmates are challenging themselves, we think others will realize that they are also capable of similar achievements. If you see it, you believe you can do it.
We’ll use submitted photos and videos on our website, social media profiles, and may share with those who support us financially. If you prefer, we can omit your name when sharing.
