Partnership for Sight is proud to announce the recipients of the Reader’s Digest Partners for Sight Foundation Track 2 Grants, supporting organizations that are expanding access to vision care and services for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. These grants help fund innovative programs, strengthen community resources, and ensure more people have the support they need to live independently and thrive.
Clovernook Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired
RDPFS has awarded a $30,000 grant to Clovernook Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired in support of its Pediatric Low Vision Clinic. The clinic provides comprehensive, no-cost low vision evaluations and rehabilitation services to children and youth ages 3–21 who are living with severe, permanent vision loss. Operating in partnership with Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, the interdisciplinary team conducts medical and functional vision assessments, prescribes and distributes optical and non-optical devices, and provides assistive technology training, consultation, and follow-up support for families and educators. In 2026, the clinic anticipates serving approximately 700 children and youth, distributing hundreds of low vision devices, and conducting individualized consultations to support educational access and independence. By intervening early and aligning recommendations with students’ educational plans, the program helps prevent secondary developmental delays, strengthen academic achievement, and build the confidence and self-sufficiency that are essential for long-term success.
Guiding Eyes for the Blind
Advancing the long-term health and longevity of guide dogs worldwide, Guiding Eyes for the Blind is leading an initiative to systematically collect and analyze longitudinal health data through the International Working Dog Registry (IWDR). By equipping guide dog organizations with efficient tools to gather lifetime health information and integrate it into Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) and emerging genomically enhanced EBVs, the project strengthens genetic selection practices across the field. The effort includes expanding annual health survey participation and sequencing DNA for dogs affected by epilepsy, skin allergies, thunderstorm fear, and certain cancers, traits that often emerge later in life and can significantly impact working ability. Through this data-driven collaboration, future generations of guide dogs will be healthier, more resilient, and better prepared for service, ultimately enhancing mobility, confidence, and independence for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. RDPFS has awarded a $37,500 grant to support this important work.
Kings Bay YM-YWHA, Inc.
RDPFS has awarded a $30,000 grant to Kings Bay Y in support of its Summer Day Camp for Children Who Are Blind or Have Low Vision. Operating on the Fort Hamilton Army Base in Brooklyn, the four-week program provides a safe, country-like setting within New York City where children and teens ages 4–17 can build independence, mobility, and social confidence. Campers participate in adaptive recreation, swimming, arts, sports, sensory exploration, and structured orientation and mobility practice, with guidance from certified Teachers of the Visually Impaired, orientation and mobility specialists, and specially trained counselors. The camp also offers optional, intentional inclusion with sighted peers, fostering mutual learning and meaningful friendships. By expanding access to high-quality, accessible summer programming, the initiative strengthens independence and self-advocacy for at least 60 blind and low vision youth while providing essential support and peace of mind for their families.
Kidpower
Kidpower’s program, Protecting Blind and Visually Impaired People’s Physical and Emotional Health & Safety, addresses the significantly heightened risk of bullying, harassment, and abuse experienced by blind and visually impaired individuals. Serving children, teens, transition-age youth, adults, and seniors in California, the program will equip approximately 100 participants, along with caregivers and professional staff, with experiential, success-based “People Safety,” boundaries, consent, and self-advocacy skills designed to reduce victimization and increase confidence and independence. Through small-group workshops, professional trainings, and parent education sessions, Kidpower uses trauma-informed, positive practice methods to ensure that families and partner agencies can sustain and reinforce these critical safety skills beyond the grant period. RDPFS is supporting this important work with a $25,000 grant to expand access to these protective tools and strengthen community-based systems of care.
National Braille Press
National Braille Press’ TVI Braille Ignition Kit Program strengthens the capacity of Teachers of the Visually Impaired (TVIs) nationwide by equipping them with high-quality braille, tactile graphics, STEM, and assistive technology resources that are often unavailable or difficult to access. Designed in response to survey data revealing significant gaps in training and materials (including widespread shortages in tactile graphics and assistive technology resources) the program provides comprehensive, durable teaching kits organized into four modules: Braille, Math & Science, Tactile Graphics, and Assistive Technology. By distributing kits to at least 200 TVIs, serving an estimated 4,000 blind K–12 students annually, the program enhances teacher confidence and instructional effectiveness while improving educational access for blind and visually impaired students across the country. RDPFS is supporting this impactful effort with a $42,500 grant to expand distribution and ensure more educators and students benefit from these essential literacy tools.