Rising Stars

Dear Families and Partners,

We hope this message finds you well. We want to express our sincere gratitude for your interest in the Rising Stars grant program and the invaluable opportunities it provides to children and families.

 Regrettably, at this time, the Rising Stars grant program is on hold due to pending funding considerations. While we understand this may come as disappointing news, please know that we are committed to supporting your aspirations and connecting you with alternative funding sources that may be available.

Our team is actively exploring various avenues to secure the necessary funding to reinstate the program as soon as possible. In the meantime, we are more than willing to assist you in finding other opportunities and grants that align with your goals and talents.

Please feel free to reach out to our team for guidance, information, or referrals to alternative funding options. We remain dedicated to helping you pursue the items your child needs.

Thank you for your understanding and patience during this temporary pause. We look forward to the day when we can resume the Rising Stars program and continue supporting your child with this program.

Warm regards,

The CODSN Team

Download Forms and Apply

Does Your Family Have “Specialized Needs?”

Children with disabilities or developmental delays are often said to have “special needs.” For families caring for such a child, the term “specialized needs” may seem more appropriate at times—specialized therapy, medical care and equipment. And emotionally, you may need a special kind of support to keep yourself, your marriage or your family strong. Too often “special” needs translates to “expensive” needs. Regardless of your income, all families make significant financial sacrifices to meet the needs of a child with disabilities.

help with special needs child

What is Rising Stars?

Rising Stars is a small grant for items your child needs that are not covered by other means. 
The goal of the Rising Stars Fund is to provide access to therapy services and equipment for children birth until they start kindergarten with disabilities, as well as to support their families.  Our primary objective is to help alleviate the extraordinary expenses incurred by families of children with specialized medical needs including medical equipment (e.g., braces, a walker, eyeglasses, orthotics), specific developmental aids, specialized communication devices, or even gas to travel to see a specialist at a distant location.  

How Does Rising Stars Work?

Complete one simple application per child (see below) and mail or email to info@codsn.org.  The Board of directors reviews applications once per month. Approved applications are then processed and families are notified. Each child can apply for up to $400.00 of items needed per 12 month period. The child can re-apply every year until they begin kindergarten. This program is available only in Deschutes, Jefferson and Crook counties at this time. This program, the Rising Stars Fund, is made possible by the donation from the Board of Directors of the Alyce Hatch Center, St Charles Medical Center, The Edwards & Romell Achley Foundation and efforts of the Central Oregon Disability Support Network.

Download English Application
Download Spanish Application