Each year, a committee of dedicated Fello employees reviews applications from families who have children with disabilities across Maryland—families actively seeking the therapies, equipment, and experiences that will help their children thrive.
Behind every application is research, planning, and the worry that comes with high costs for opportunities that could make a real difference in a child’s life.
Families who have children with disabilities face real barriers: insurance often doesn’t cover specialized therapies, adaptive equipment, or educational and recreational opportunities, leaving many of these critical supports out of reach.
That’s why Fello created the Family Fund—to help families access the tools, experiences, and resources that allow children to live more fully and independently.
This year, thanks to the generosity of our community, the Family Fund raised $113,600, supporting 96 families across Maryland. That’s 96 children gaining confidence, parents breathing a little easier, and families saying “yes” to something they once thought wasn’t possible.
What is The Family Fund?
The Family Fund is more than a grant program—it’s a lifeline. Created by Fello in 2017, it helps families of children with disabilities access the therapies, equipment, and experiences that can make the biggest difference in their child’s life.
The Family Fund supports what matters most for each child—whether that’s specialized therapies, assistive technology, adaptive equipment, inclusive summer camps, or other opportunities that foster growth, learning, and independence. Many of these essential supports and resources are not covered by insurance, leaving families with significant out-of-pocket costs and creating financial barriers to the care and experiences their children need.
Each application is carefully reviewed by a committee of Fello employees, and every dollar awarded goes directly to the programs, tools, or experiences that help children thrive—bridging the gap between what’s covered and what’s possible.
Because of You, Children and Families Are Thriving
Because of the generosity of our community, the Family Fund continues to transform the lives of children and families across Maryland.
In 2025, the Family Fund awarded a record-breaking $113,600 to 96 families—our largest distribution ever. That includes 62 fully-funded grants and 34 partially funded grants, each representing a child whose life is brighter and a family whose burden is lighter.
Since its start, the Family Fund has awarded $382,000 in grants, but the real measure of success isn’t in dollars—it’s in the dozens of stories we hear every year about the impact made on families in Maryland.
Here’s what families are saying:
“You have blessed my family not just in this moment but for years to come. The surgery that my daughter had will essentially affect her whole life. She has greater movement, more comfort, and better stability.”
“This program—and your support—has reminded us that our child’s challenges don’t define her, and that our family is worthy of joy, growth, and support. Thanks to the Family Fund, riding has become a joyful, healing experience not just for our child, but for our family.”
“Your donations are not taken lightly and are the light we need when navigating such hard times with a medically complex child and an insurance who wants to deny everything.”
To see more stories of impact, check out Because of You, where parents share the full stories of how this grant has changed their children’s lives.
Looking Ahead
The demand for resources like the Family Fund continues to grow, which shows that the need in our communities is real and ongoing.
As we look ahead to next year’s Family Fund cycle, which closes on January 15th, we invite you to be part of creating more of these transformative moments for Maryland families by making a gift today.