Grants for Wheelchair Vans
Individuals with mobility disabilities can access grants and financial assistance for wheelchair-accessible vans, vehicle modifications, and adaptive transportation equipment. Below are 36 verified grant opportunities from government agencies and nonprofit organizations.
Types of Wheelchair Van Grants Available
Full Vehicle Grants
Funding to purchase new or used wheelchair-accessible vans with ramps or lifts.
Vehicle Modifications
Grants for converting existing vehicles with wheelchair lifts, ramps, and hand controls.
Adaptive Equipment
Funding for wheelchair lifts, transfer seats, tie-down systems, and mobility equipment.
Veterans Programs
Special grants for disabled veterans through VA and nonprofit veteran organizations.
Who Qualifies for Wheelchair Van Grants?
Most wheelchair van grant programs serve:
- Individuals with permanent mobility disabilities requiring wheelchair or scooter transport
- Families with disabled children needing accessible transportation to medical appointments or school
- Disabled veterans with service-connected mobility impairments
- Seniors with mobility limitations from age-related conditions or injuries
- Low-income households who cannot afford accessible vehicle purchases or modifications
Note: Most programs require documentation of disability (doctor's letter or disability determination) and proof of financial need. Some grants prioritize applicants with limited income or no insurance coverage for vehicle modifications.
Available Wheelchair Van Grants
Browse 36 verified grants that may support wheelchair van purchases or vehicle modifications. Each grant links directly to official government or nonprofit sources.
National Institute of General Medical Sciences Predoctoral Basic Biomedical Sciences Research Training Program (T32)
National Institutes of Health
Deadline: fixed
View Official Source →NIDCD's Mentored Research Education Pathway for Otolaryngology Residents and Medical Students (R25 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
National Institutes of Health
Deadline: fixed
View Official Source →Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) (T32)
National Institutes of Health
Deadline: fixed
View Official Source →Foundations for Digital Twins as Catalyzers of Biomedical Technological Innovation
U.S. National Science Foundation
Deadline: fixed
View Official Source →NLM Research Grants in Biomedical Informatics and Data Science (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)
National Institutes of Health
Deadline: fixed
View Official Source →National Centers for Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NCBIB) (P41 Clinical Trials Optional)
National Institutes of Health
Deadline: fixed
View Official Source →Computational Approaches to Curation at Scale for Biomedical Research Assets (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
National Institutes of Health
Deadline: fixed
View Official Source →Catalyze Product Definition Medical Device prototype design/testing and disease target identification and assay development (R61/R33 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
National Institutes of Health
Deadline: fixed
View Official Source →Biomedical Research Environment and Sponsored Programs Administration Development (BRE-SPAD) Program (UC2- Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
National Institutes of Health
Deadline: fixed
View Official Source →Modern Equipment for Shared-use Biomedical Research Facilities: Advancing Research-Related Operations (S15 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
National Institutes of Health
Deadline: fixed
View Official Source →Catalyze: Product Definition Medical Device Prototype Optimization (R33 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
National Institutes of Health
Deadline: fixed
View Official Source →Disability and Rehabilitation Engineering
U.S. National Science Foundation
Deadline: rolling
View Official Source →Engineering of Biomedical Systems
U.S. National Science Foundation
Deadline: rolling
View Official Source →BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT (BAA) for Extramural Biomedical and Human Performance Research and Development Department of Defense
Dept. of the Army -- USAMRAA
Deadline: fixed
View Official Source →NIGMS Institutional Biomedical Undergraduate Research Training (BURT) Program (T34)
National Institutes of Health
Deadline: fixed
View Official Source →University Transportation Centers Program FY 2025 NOFO
69A355 Research and Technology
Deadline: fixed
View Official Source →Outcomes of Electronic Medical Records and Genomics (eMERGE) Genomic Risk Assessment and Management Network - Coordinating Center (U01 Clinical Trial Required)
National Institutes of Health
Deadline: fixed
View Official Source →DOD Defense Health Agency (DHA) Research & Development FY23-FY27 BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT for Extramural Medical Research
Dept. of the Army -- USAMRAA
Deadline: fixed
View Official Source →SOI - Rural Transportation Match and Gap Funding Assistance Program
Denali Commission
Deadline: fixed
View Official Source →Findable Accessible Interoperable Reusable Open Science
U.S. National Science Foundation
Deadline: fixed
View Official Source →Frequently Asked Questions
How much do wheelchair van grants typically provide?
Wheelchair van grant amounts vary significantly. Full vehicle grants from national organizations may provide $10,000-$30,000 toward a wheelchair-accessible van. Vehicle modification grants typically range from $1,000-$15,000 depending on needed adaptations (ramps, lifts, hand controls). Some programs cover 100% of costs, while others require cost-sharing or match funds.
Can I get a grant to modify my existing vehicle?
Yes. Many programs specifically fund vehicle modifications rather than full vehicle purchases. Modifications can include wheelchair lifts, ramps, lowered floors, transfer seats, hand controls, and wheelchair tie-down systems. Contact vocational rehabilitation services in your state, as they often fund vehicle modifications for employment-related transportation needs.
Do I need to be a veteran to get wheelchair van funding?
No. While disabled veterans have access to specialized programs through the VA and veteran-focused nonprofits, many general disability grants serve civilians. Organizations like the Muscular Dystrophy Association, United Spinal Association, and local nonprofits provide wheelchair van grants to individuals with various disabilities, regardless of military service.
How long does it take to receive a wheelchair van grant?
Processing times vary by organization. Federal and state programs may take 3-6 months from application to approval. Nonprofit grants often have annual or quarterly deadlines with 2-4 month decision periods. Some emergency assistance programs can provide funding in 4-8 weeks. Apply early and to multiple programs to increase your chances of receiving funding.
Can I apply to multiple wheelchair van grant programs at once?
Yes. Most programs allow you to apply to multiple funding sources simultaneously. In fact, this is recommended to maximize your chances of securing funding. However, if you receive funding from one source, you may need to notify other programs, as some require disclosure of other financial assistance received.
What documentation do I need to apply for wheelchair van grants?
Most programs require: (1) Medical documentation of disability and mobility needs (doctor's letter or disability determination), (2) Proof of income (tax returns, pay stubs, or benefit statements), (3) Estimates for vehicle purchase or modification costs, (4) Driver's license or proof of who will drive the vehicle, and (5) Proof of insurance or ability to insure the vehicle.
Additional Resources
State Vocational Rehabilitation
Contact your state's vocational rehabilitation office for vehicle modification grants if transportation is needed for work.
Nonprofit Organizations
Organizations like the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) maintain directories of assistance programs.
Veterans Affairs (VA)
Disabled veterans may qualify for vehicle grants and automotive adaptation benefits through the VA.
Local Service Clubs
Rotary, Lions, Elks, and other community organizations sometimes provide local wheelchair van assistance.
Start Your Search Today
Browse our complete database of verified grants to find additional funding opportunities for disability-related expenses, medical equipment, and accessibility needs.
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