Writing a Grant for Club Moai!
As a Global Scholar, I had the unique opportunity to write a grant proposal for up to $5,000 to give to a 501(c)(3) organization of our choice. In this program, we examine many global challenges: including race and identity, refugees and displaced peoples, economic disparity and poverty, war and conflict, and environmental degradation and climate change. I chose to write a proposal for Club Moai, which is a 501(c)(3) organization that I founded and direct today. Club Moai is a social group for teenagers with special needs.
In addition, our volunteer high school buddies and counselors have learned to better understand, empathize, and form friendships with people in our community with disabilities, all while learning how they can make a positive impact on other people’s lives!
Since our founding in 2019, Club Moai has grown to over 200 families and teenagers with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and a range of other physical, developmental, and intellectual disabilities. We also support over 75 high schoolers who have volunteered from local high schools such as Polytechnic School, Loyola High School, Mayfield Senior School, Flintridge Preparatory School, South Pasadena High School, San Marino High School, La Salle High School, Gabrielino High School, and Blair High School.
In this proposal, I hoped to secure funding in order to conduct one week of Camp Moai, the summer camp division of Club Moai, with a new focus: integrating Mandarin-speaking families.
Teenagers with special needs are ostracized from social engagement, and language barriers compound this barrier. Camp Moai 2023 will be a summer camp experience for these teenagers unlike any other, one that ameliorates these injustices. Due to the nature of San Gabriel Valley, a large majority of participants come from almost exclusively Mandarin-speaking homes, which has built yet another wall between them and society. They may struggle with language acquisition and understanding of the English language, making it harder for them to express themselves and understand social cues. This could also impact their academic performance and limit their ability to access support services and resources.
There have been a few instances when a Mandarin-speaking family or participant has been further isolated solely because of their lack of English proficiency. Club Moai seeks to eliminate this language barrier by ensuring that every cohort of participants in Camp Moai has at least one Mandarin-proficient volunteer.
After months of preparation, presenting my grant proposal to a panel of judges, and answering their many questions, I am proud to say I was funded for the total amount, $4.957.50, I requested! With the support of this grant, Club Moai can make a meaningful and lasting impact, creating a brighter future for these teenagers and volunteers. If you want to learn more about Club Moai, follow us on Instagram @club.moai, and check out our website: clubmoai.org!
