Deshae Lott

determined sojourner

Outreach Programs

(NOTE: This information is given for archival purposes. With the dissolution of the organization, these no longer are offered. Donations are welcomed to the Lott-Sadow-Cleveland Scholarship at Texas A&M University, at https://www.txamfoundation.com/give.aspx. The specific account number for input is 04-36396.)

SCHOLARSHIPS: Our non-profit offered scholarships to people with physical disabilities pursuing education beyond bachelor's degrees. Few existing scholarships offer financial support for people with disabilities in their pursuit for certification and degrees beyond the bachelor's level. Since students with disabilities face extra expenses related to personal care that other students do not, the scholarships can help severely disabled scholars defray such costs.

QUALITY-OF-LIFE GRANTS: Our nonprofit also offered quality-of-life grants to help people with disabilities stay in or return to their homes, avoiding institutionalization. The amounts offered for grants were smaller — $250 to $500 — unless funds went directly to medical providers or to a special needs trusts existing on behalf of the applicant; such limits are otherwise necessary to avoid jeopardizing benefits and services, especially health insurance, that people currently receive or are on wait-lists to receive. 

FUNDING: The scholarships and grants were funded by donations. All donations made to Deshae Lott Outreach Program Inc. are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by the law for 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations. We have 501(c)(3) status, particularly 170(b)(1)(A)(vi) status, and operate as a non-profit charity. Donations, bequests, devises, transfers, or gifts [under sections 170, 2055, 2106, or 2522 of the tax code] are tax-deductible. This is detailed in a letter from the IRS dated August 29, 2007.