Universal Design
Deadline:
Currently not accepting applications.
Universal Design Training to Support Housing for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD)
The Fairview Trust Fund supports projects that focus on improving housing for people with an intellectual or developmental disability in Oregon. Our goal is to create 250 new units of integrated, affordable housing for people with I/DD by 2030. At least 25% of the units will be in rural or other underserved areas.
Universal Design is the design of buildings, products, or environments so that they can be accessed, understood, and used to the greatest extent possible by all people regardless of their age, size, ability, or other factors. Currently, Universal Design is not something that is widely used, but with 26% of adults in the United States experiencing some type of disability, their needs must be taken into account in the design and construction of any building, especially in housing. Typically, accommodations are made as an afterthought when property owners are urged to do so by tenants. When Universal Design is taken into account during the design process, this allows all residents to engage with the built environment instead of regularly encountering barriers.
Many housing developers are not aware of Universal Design or do not know enough to effectively implement its guidelines. The Fairview Trust has previously funded the development of accessible and informative educational materials about Universal Design. We now seek to put these materials in the hands of people working on housing developments in Oregon and encourage them to disseminate this knowledge through funding training and outreach to a variety of relevant audiences. The goal of this effort is to motivate developers to incorporate UD in their projects.
Eligibility
The Fairview Trust is accepting grant requests for up to $50,000 for projects that promote the use of Universal Design through education and training. Potential audiences may include developers, architects, housing authority leaders, city planners, building code enforcers, and other similar stakeholders. Training and education may encompass in-person or virtual sessions with a select group of people or presenting at a conference such as a housing law convening. Content should demonstrate that by considering the diverse needs and abilities of all throughout the design process, Universal Design creates housing and surrounding communities that meet peoples’ needs. Applicants that have the ability to follow up and determine whether trainees have put information into practice will be more competitive.
Qualified Uses
Applicants may use the funding to deliver training in a group or individual setting, develop training materials, reach out to potential participants, and build partnerships with organizations representing key audiences.
Qualified Applicants
Qualified applicants are nonprofit organizations. The nonprofit may partner with a for-profit organization to complete the project.
Application Process
Complete applications will be reviewed by the Fairview Trust Advisory Board and will include both qualitative and quantitative analysis. A scoring reference is included as a part of the application packet. Recommendations for funding will be made by the Fairview Trust Advisory Board. The Oregon Community Foundation’s Board has final decision-making authority.