MiNF Cares
MiNF Cares is a personal grant directly supporting families affected with the disorder by personally connecting with people experiencing difficult medical treatment, surgery, births, deaths and other family changes. Cards, visits, meals, flowers and/or other personal needs are coordinated for these families. Families interested in this personal grant can apply here:
Travel Grant
The Travel Grant was established to assist families who are in need of financial support because of a need to travel to a specialist or hospital in order to receive necessary medical care to treat their NF. Applications are reviewed by our team and grants are given on an as needed basis. To inquire about a travel grant please contact us or ask an NF Michigan volunteer at the NF clinic in Grand Rapids.
Austin Volkert Memorial Scholarship
NF Michigan is pleased to announce the offering of The Austin Volkert Memorial Scholarship to qualified students. This scholarship program was established in 2018 in memory of Austin McEwen Volkert of Rockford, MI. Funds were donated by family and friends of Austin and will continue through the generosity of future donors. Austin was a graduate of Lake Michigan High School in Grand Rapids and dreamed of becoming a police officer. He was a staunch law abider who was passionate about rescue dogs, finding the best slice of pizza, and was a fervent Chicago Blackhawks hockey fan. Austin is survived by his parents, Scott and Shelley Volkert, his older brother, Zack, his younger twin sisters, Emma and Claire, and his rescue dog, Winnie.
If you are a high school senior, or post high school student, with neurofibromatosis or schwannomatosis and you live in NF Michigan’s service area you are eligible to apply for a $1,000 academic scholarship from NF Michigan for the 2024-2025 school year. Recipients will be awarded based on the selection process below:
Timeline
Application open: January 8, 2024
Application due: May 8, 2024
Awards announced: May 17, 2024
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify you must meet the following criteria:
Diagnosed with NF or schwannomatosis
Entering or currently enrolled in an undergraduate program - Associates, Bachelors, or Vocational as a full-time or part-time student (part-time students must be enrolled for at least 6 credits to apply)
Live in NF Michigan’s service area (state of MI – including the U.P.)
Selection Process:
You will be evaluated based on character, community service involvement; including any NF related activates, and evidence of determination and persistence through difficulties related to living with NF. Upon receipt of your application, NF Michigan’s Scholarship committee will conduct the following review:
Applications will go through an initial review to ensure all information requested has been submitted by the deadline. If your application is incomplete or not on time, it will not be considered.
Scholarship recipients will be selected by the committee based on criteria met. Two individuals will be awarded $1,000 scholarships for the 2024-2025 school year.
Along with your completed signed application the following is required:
A letter from a physician certifying diagnosis
A personal statement essay (see application for writing prompt)
A letter of recommendation from a teacher, coach or mentor
An official HS transcript
An acceptance letter from an institution of higher learning or confirmation of enrollment
An official college transcript (for those already enrolled in a post high school program)
Award Announcements:
Award recipients will be notified by email and / or phone call by May 16, 2024. Applicants who are not selected will be notified by email or letter by May 31, 2024. Scholarship checks will be made out to the college or school of attendance.
For questions regarding eligibility, please contact Terri Rausch.
