Brain and Spinal Cord Trust Fund
If you or a loved one have acquired a traumatic brain or spinal cord injury, there is a valuable resource in the State of Georgia to aid you.
The Brain & Spinal Cord Injury Trust Fund Commission distributes funds to
support independence, inclusion in the community, personal choice,
and self-determination.
In November 1998, Georgia voters overwhelmingly approved (73%) a
constitutional amendment to create a Trust Fund for brain and spinal
injuries, paid for by a surcharge on drunk driving fines. This landmark legislation won by a margin of greater than 2-to-1. More than half of the people who serve on the Commission must have a brain or spinal cord injury.
Current funding levels are as follows:
- Grants vary in amount depending on the category applied for however there is a lifetime cap of $10,000 for any eligible applicant.
- Home modifications are available for up to $10,000 and are administered by the Department of Community Affairs for the Trust Fund.
- Grants for medical services and rehabilitation therapies are available up to $10,000.
- Grants for computers are limited to $750.
- Grants for recreation are limited to $2,500 in a twelve month period.
- Grants for personal support are limited to $5,000 in a twelve month period.
- If not otherwise specified in the Commission's Distribution Policies all other grants have an annual maximum of $5,000.
The Trust Fund is a payor of last resort. The Commission intends that the Trust Fund be used to provide funding that is not otherwise available in order to meet the comprehensive needs of people with brain and spinal cord injuries. The Trust Fund should not be used to displace other sources of funding.
To apply for a grant or for more information go to:
www.bsitf.state.ga.us
or email them at:
info-bsitf@state.ga.us
Or call 1-888-233-5760
They are also on Facebook!
www.Facebook.com/BSITFC
What is a traumatic brain injury?
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is defined as a blow or jolt to the head or a penetrating head injury that disrupts the function of the brain. Not all blows or jolts to the head result in a TBI. The severity of such an injury may range from “mild,” i.e., a brief change in mental status or consciousness to “severe,” i.e., an extended period of unconsciousness or amnesia after the injury. A TBI can result in short or long-term problems with independent function.