Suffering the loss of a limb causes more than a physical disability; it can also cause emotional distress and financial hardships. A number of organizations recognize the unique difficulties of amputees and provide financial assistance for physical and emotional rehabilitation through grants and scholarship programs. Depending on the organization, funds can go to an individual or to an organization dedicated to providing services to amputees.

The Given Limb Foundation

The Given Limb Foundation’s multiple programs help to “improve the lives of amputees around the world.” This organization has two funding programs available to help amputees. Its Grants for Amputee Care provides financial assistance to disabled servicemen and women specifically for amputation-related needs. The Sean Michael Cumings Memorial Camp Scholarship sends children with missing limbs to the Amputee Coalition of America's Paddy Rossbach Youth Camp. Contact The Given Limb Foundation for more information on applying for either of these grants. The Given Limb Foundation 2 Purchase Lane Rye, NY 10580 givenlimb.org

Disabled American Veterans Charitable Service Trust

The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Charitable Service Trust provides services that “meet the special needs of veterans with specific disabilities—such as amputation.” Grants are awarded to nonprofit organizations within the United States that provide services in line with the DAV’s mission to care for disabled veterans. To determine an organization’s eligibility for a DAV grant, there is a eligibility questionnaire on its website. Potential applicants must answer “yes” to five questions related to their organization’s mission and operation. Qualifying applicants can then download the DAV grant application to fill out and mail in. Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Charitable Service Trust 3725 Alexandria Pike Cold Spring, KY 41076 (877) 426-2838 Cst.dav.org

The Barr Foundation

Illinois Sen. William G. Barr and his son, Anthony T. Barr, both amputees, started The Barr Foundation. The Barr Foundation works to create legislation to regulate the prosthetics industry and to cover gaps in health insurance funding for prosthetics needed by amputees. Individuals can receive financial assistance through The Barr Foundation Amputee Assistance Fund for prosthetics and related therapies. Applicants must meet the foundation’s requirement of having “no other source of funding,” and priority is given to those “who are seeking initial prosthetic rehabilitation, are first-time amputees, are U.S. citizens and in general good health.” Grant applications can be requested by the amputee’s prosthetist after an initial evaluation. The Barr Foundation 136 NE Olive Way Boca Raton, FL 33432 (561) 391-7601 oandp.com/resources/organizations/barr