Programs & Grants In Action
MEAF Intern Wins Leadership Award
Prior to coming to Washington this summer as a MEAF/AAPD Congressional Intern, Leah Katz-Hernandez was already making a name for herself in the political world. In fact, the Latino Inaugural Celebration Committee honored her with the Local Grassroots Community Leadership 2009 Award for her organizing efforts during the 2008 presidential campaign. Recipients of this award must have proven leadership skills and commitment to community participation, have volunteered and encouraged others to do so for a grassroots cause, and have significantly impacted a large population.
Leah, a fourth year student at Gallaudet University majoring in Government and English, passionately believes that citizens should exercise their right to vote and that everyone should get involved in the political process. As a multiply-hyphenated American -- Hispanic/Japanese/Jewish/Deaf --Leah’s personal experiences drive her commitment to equal participation for all.
Learn More...
...about MEAF grants.
Current Grants
Below are examples of MEAF's current grant activity. Visit our complete Grant History page to see how MEAF has assisted young people with disabilities over the years.
Girls Scouts Outreach to Girls with Disabilities
Girl Scout Council of the Nation's Capital
$100,000 / 2011-2013
Girls Scouts Outreach to Girls with Disabilities will include hosting the National Inclusion Conference and developing and disseminating the Girl Scout inclusion best practices. A second focus will be the council's ongoing annual inclusion efforts in the Washington, DC metro area and its role as "inclusion mentor" to eight Girl Scout councils in regions where Mitsubishi Electric America offices are located.
National Inclusion Institutes
Kids Included Together - San Diego, Inc.
$50,000 / 2011
The National Inclusion Institutes project will support 5 Inclusion Institutes, in 5 strategic areas, that will deliver the practical skills necessary to advance KIT's work creating inclusive environments in communities throughout the country.
Including All Students in Entrepreneur Leadership Project
Students for the Advancement of Global Entrepreneurship (SAGE)
Tarjan Center at University of California Los Angeles (UCLA)
$210,000 / 2011-2013
The project is a partnership between Students for the Advancement of Global Entrepreneurship (SAGE) and the Tarjan Center at the University of California Los Angeles, to integrate youth with disabilities into a national network that helps teenagers become the next generation of social entrepreneurs by helping them start profitable businesses that also give back to the community.
MEAF/AAPD Congressional Internship Program
American Association of People with Disabilities
$165,000 / 2011-2013
$284,000 / 2008-2010
$222,000 / 2005-2007
$122,000 / 2002-2004
With MEAF as the founding sponsor, the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) launched an internship program on Capitol Hill for college students with disabilities. Working hands-on in Congressional offices, students learn about the legislative and political process.
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Paul G. Hearne Leadership Award
American Association of People with Disabilities
$30,000 / 2009-2011
$90,000 / 2000-2008
Paul G. Hearne was a tireless advocate and visionary leader with a lifelong
disability who achieved success as a lawyer, nonprofit executive, foundation
president, federal agency director, and mentor to countless people with
disabilities.
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