Life Cycle Of A Grant & Application Process
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Phase 1: FundraisingFunds are raised by our Board Members and Volunteers through the use of Events, Merchandise, Direct Donations and Sponsorships.
Phase 2: ApplicationAn application is first completed and submitted by the pet's owner / guardian. An accompanying application is submitted by the prescribing Veterinarian on behalf of the patient. Application details the patient's condition, urgency of the scan, financial ability of the family etc.
Phase 3: Application ProcessingApplication is received and the Medical Director & Asst. Medical Advisor will review the application to determine the urgency and to rule out any ethical concerns for proceeding with the MRI scan. Recent relevant medical records will be requested from prescribing Veterinarian and reviewed. If need for MRI is confirmed, the Board of Directors will meet to discuss the application in its entirety and will vote to approve or deny the grant application, with the pet's health being top priority.
Phase 4: MRI FundedUpon acceptance, The Opal Fund will notify the prescribing Veterinarian and issue payment directly to the facility performing the MRI. Donors are notified via Email.
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Responsible Use Of Funds
When our Opal began showing signs of a neurological disorder, an MRI was not something we could afford. We know we were not alone, as many families are unable to afford this several thousand dollar scan (see: What Is An MRI?).
In the past, The Opal Fund has only issued grants to approved Veterinarians or Rescues who were properly vetted to ensure responsible spending of any grant money issued. Effective November 10th, 2020, we have amended our by-laws to allow for a Medical Director to serve as an in-house Veterinary expert. The Medical Director will review applications to determine the urgency of the MRI and to identify ethical concerns for moving forward with the procedure. This will replace our old system of "Approved Veterinarians" only, and allows us to have a greater reach while still ensuring responsible use of our funds.
When reviewing an application, several factors are taken into account;
In the past, The Opal Fund has only issued grants to approved Veterinarians or Rescues who were properly vetted to ensure responsible spending of any grant money issued. Effective November 10th, 2020, we have amended our by-laws to allow for a Medical Director to serve as an in-house Veterinary expert. The Medical Director will review applications to determine the urgency of the MRI and to identify ethical concerns for moving forward with the procedure. This will replace our old system of "Approved Veterinarians" only, and allows us to have a greater reach while still ensuring responsible use of our funds.
When reviewing an application, several factors are taken into account;
- Organization's available funds.
- Pet's pre-scan prognosis.
- Owners' (if applicable) household income.
- Care Credit Eligibility
- Ethical Concerns (Old Age, Hospice etc.)
Why Might My Application Be Declined?
The Opal Fund was started to provide potentially life saving MRIs to pets in need. Funds are limited and while we wish we could approve all applicants, there are certain circumstances where providing such grant would not be in line with our mission. Examples include;
- A single seizure, with no repeat episodes.
- No prior treatment with Anti-epileptic drugs, where such intervention would be indicated.
- MRI is not recommended by Veterinarian.
- MRI is for answers only and does not change the course of treatment.
- Applicant is unable to follow through with potential cost of treatment after MRI is complete.
- No life threatening signs / symptoms exist.
- Best-case prognosis <1 year of life.