The Advocate Grant Program is available to families whose household income is at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Please review the income chart below to determine whether you may be eligible for the program. If your household income exceeds the maximum income limit for your family size, you are not eligible to apply for an Advocate Grant. Applicants are required to provide documentation verifying household income as part of the application process.
In addition to meeting the income guidelines, applicants must satisfy residency and special education eligibility requirements. If you are a resident of Connecticut or Westchester County, New York, and your child has a current Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 Plan, you may be eligible to apply for the Advocate Grant Program. Proof of residency and a copy of your child’s current IEP or Section 504 Plan are required as part of the application process.
Advocates help families navigate the special education process. They can assist with drafting letters, reviewing and revising IEP goals, explaining timelines, preparing for and attending school meetings, and providing guidance throughout the process. Advocates are not attorneys and cannot provide legal advice, represent families at due process hearings, or review legal documents.
The Advocate Grant Program provides a one-time $1500 grant to families who:
1. Live in Connecticut or Westchester County
2. Student has a current IEP or 504 Plan
3. Family income meets guidelines
If you meet the income, residency, and special education requirements, you may be eligible to apply for the Advocate Grant Program. To complete a prescreen to determine if you are eligible, click the button below. Do not submit a prescreen if you do not meet all three of the requirements.
If you are eligible to apply, you will receive a link to the application immediately upon completing the prescreen. To be considered, you must complete the application and upload all required documentation, including proof of income and Student’s current IEP or 504 Plan. Applications submitted without the required documentation will not be reviewed. Any incomplete application submitted without prior approval from S.E.L.F. administration will be deleted. Completed applications and all supporting documentation must be submitted no later than the 15th of each month to be considered during that review cycle.
If your completed application and supporting documentation are accepted for review, you will be required to participate in an interview. S.E.L.F. will contact you to schedule the interview. Applications will not be considered without a completed interview, and all interviews must be completed by the 22nd of each month to be included in that review cycle. Please note that participation in an interview does not guarantee approval of your application.
S.E.L.F. reviews applications on a monthly basis through the academic year.
All applicants will be notified of the status of their application by the end of the month in which they apply.
Watch How to Apply for a Grant
Wealthspire is an independent advisory platform offering capabilities across individual wealth management, institutional advisory, and business management. As one of the most comprehensive and multidisciplinary platforms in North America, Wealthspire currently oversees more than $593 billion in assets under management or advisement.* Though our size means we serve a diverse client base, we work most extensively with high net worth and ultra-high net worth individuals and families. We lead with tailored planning, invest with a disciplined, long-term approach, and aim to simplify lives by coordinating seamlessly with outside advisors and building collaborative client teams.
* Reflects combined data as of 12/31/2025 for Wealthspire Advisors LLC, Fiducient Advisors LLC, Wealthspire Retirement, LLC dba Wealthspire Retirement Advisory, Newport Private Wealth Inc., and affiliates.
