How many grants are there?
For the first round we are giving away three $10,000 grants. We hope this will be the first of many rounds. We are proving the concept for donors and sponsors to support us in the future.
Who is eligible for a Flight for Sight grant?
If you are traveling alone, you must be blind or legally blind, at least 18 by the time of your proposed travel dates, and a fluent english communicator, spoken or ASL. If you are part of a team that is applying at least one person on your team must be blind or legally blind, 18 years of age, and an english communicator. They can be the same or separate people.
What defines legally blind?
Legally blind is defined as a visual acuity (central vision) of 20/200 or worse in the best seeing eye or a visual field (peripheral vision) that is limited to only 20 degrees. You will be required to submit medical documentation proving you are blind or legally blind. Do you have a condition that is not recognized as legally blind but you believe it should be? Let’s hear it!
What is the deadline for the application?
May 1st, 2023 at Midnight Eastern Time,
What is the timeline for the trip?
We are most interested in applications for trips between June 1st and November 10th, 2023. Also, educational content must be complete by November 10th as well. We will have a gala at the end of the year in New York City! Travelers will be presenters at the gala.
Can I submit more than one idea?
Yes, go for it! Let’s hear them!
What does a winning application look like?
A winning application will state a clear idea with a clear objective. It will also include the following:
1. Your interest/experiences/qualifications
2. Where or what kind of places you want to travel to
3. What type of people you want to meet and activities you want to engage in
4. What tangible or digital results you will produce
5. Your objective or goal for the project
I am _____________ (your experience or qualifications). I want to go to _____________ (places or types of places you want to travel to) to do/meet/learn/teach/show/ __________ (types of people and/or activities) so we can produce ___________ (tangibles, media) in order to ____________ (your objective for the project).
Check out our Ideas page to inspire you.
Where am I required to post the content I make?
Content created will be required to be posted on Flight for Sight’s social media platforms, website, and other areas. Please note: you do not need to be a social media expert. We can help post things!
I have a strong following and brand. Can I create content for my followers on the trip?
Propose to us how you would balance creating content for your brand and for Flight for Sight.
How do I receive the $10,000 grant?
The $10,000 is money we hold and use to pay for your trip costs. We will be deducting the cost of all the things you need along the way. Transportation, lodging, food, training, equipment, etc. The entire cost will be spent on elements of your trip. How the money is spent will very much be a collaborative effort. You get to propose how you want to spend the money in the application. Get creative! If selected, it will be an ongoing transparent discussion. Costs will be kept track on a shared Google Sheet. Another exciting possibility is sponsors could come along to keep costs down which will allow you to travel even more! Likewise, any connections you have (not required) will allow you to travel more!
Will I get to keep items purchased for the trip?
Yup, so long as they are part of the $10,000 budget.
If I need a travel assistant, video person, or a guide dog to go with me, does that count toward the $10,000 budget?
Yes. Explain how you will use them to your advantage. Human helpers could film you, take pictures, help with social media, etc. If you have a guide dog, they could be great content to teach people about their value to you and others. If you are bringing someone who is filming you, please tell us about their experience creating content too.
I have a great idea, but I need an assistant that I do not currently have. Should I submit an application?
Absolutely! We might be able to find someone to go with you. Let us know what skills the assistant would need to help execute your idea!
What is not covered by Flight for Sight?
We do not pay for passports, Visas, personal health insurance, and other health related costs such as equipment you may need.
What support does Flight for Sight provide?
On top of the $10,000 budget, we will take care of all logistics and reservations, and connect you with people along the way. We will help with any problems that arise. We want you to focus on doing fun things and creating great content, not annoying travel logistics. We want you to feel like a ROCK STAR!
Can I raise more money for my trip?
Yes, but it is not required.
What happens after I submit the application online?
We will select our favorite applications to advance to the interview round. Prior to the interview you will need to submit documentation proving you are blind or legally blind.
I still have a question or suggestion.
Please reach out to us! We are new to this and want to help you as much as possible and learn how we can improve. No question or concern is too small to bring to our attention. Contact us here! Or email mike@flightforsight.net