Special Needs Scholarship

The Olsen Family Foundation is deeply committed to supporting children with special needs, recognizing the unique challenges these students and their families face. Too often, children who require specialized schooling or therapeutic programs are limited not by their potential, but by financial barriers that place these opportunities out of reach.

Our family has seen firsthand how specialized education can transform lives — providing not only academic growth but also confidence, independence, and hope. We created the Special Needs Education Grant to help parents access the schools, programs, and resources their children need to thrive.

Each year, the Foundation awards at least one scholarship to a child with special needs (up to age 21). The award is paid directly to the educational institution or program, ensuring that funds are fully used for tuition or educational support. Parents apply on behalf of their child, sharing their story and goals, while required documentation from physicians and educators ensures fairness and alignment with the program’s mission.

This grant reflects our belief that every child deserves the chance to reach their fullest potential — and that by easing financial barriers, we can open doors to brighter futures.

A young girl with braided hair and a hair clip drawing a smiley face on a green chalkboard.
A curved bookshelf in a library filled with colorful books, with wooden flooring and black metal railings.
A man in a checkered shirt gives a presentation to a group of people in a conference room with large windows and a projection screen.

Submit Application

 FAQs

    • Children under the age of 18 with a physician-documented disability are eligible. Applicants must be enrolled in a K–12 educational program that requires tuition payments (such as a private school, charter school, or specialized institution for children with disabilities).

  • The parent or legal guardian applies on behalf of the child. The parent/guardian will be responsible for submitting all required documents and statements.

    • A letter from a physician confirming the child’s disability.

    • A letter from a school official (teacher or principal) confirming the child’s enrollment and special education needs.

    • A letter of recommendation from a teacher or school counselor.

    • A parent/guardian statement (500 words) describing the child’s educational goals, how the scholarship will be used, and why financial support is important.

    • One scholarship awarded annually

    • $500 paid directly to your institution

    • Funds may be used for tuition or educational fees

  • A committee of 3–7 Foundation-affiliated and external reviewers evaluates anonymized applications and selects a recipient by majority vote. No financial need disclosure is required. The application process is merit- and mission-based.

  • Applications are open for submission August through October.

    Decisions are made and applicants are notified via email by November 21 each year. Payment is made to each educational institution by end of the award year