Frequently Asked Questions

How are projects chosen?


We try to keep our projects in McLean County, Illinois, since that is where our funding comes from.  The projects for Cornbelt AMBUCS fall into one of three categories:

  • Wheelchair Ramps
  • AmTrykes
  • Scholarships

For wheelchair ramps, we are contacted by a person needing a ramp, a social worker, or someone making a referral to our organization.  We will follow up with the homeowner, visit the site, provide a site plan to the homeowner, get a quote for materials needed to build the ramp, and after approval from the homeowner, we will obtain a building permit and schedule a date to build the ramp.  Although our labor is provided at no cost to the homeowner, we ask the homeowner to help with the cost of materials, if they can.  We can also assist the homeowner to access any funding options that may be available to them.

For AmTrykes, a therapist must recommend the person for a tricycle.  Funding comes from various sources, including chapter funding.

Scholarships recipients are chosen by our Scholarship committee from applications that have been submitted.  The number is determined by the funds available.

Where does funding come from?


The funds required for AMBUCS projects come from various sources, including:

  • Chapter Dues;
  • Grants from the City of Bloomington for materials for ramps;
  • Grants from Town of Normal for materials for ramps;
  • Personal contributions;
  • State Farm Individual grants for employees and retirees.

We are always open to donations.  We are a 501(c)(3) not for profit service organization.  All donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.  Please send a check to Cornbelt AMBUCS at:

Cornbelt AMBUCS
PO Box 981
Bloomington, IL 61702

What skills/tools do I need to help with ramp building?


We work with treated lumber and use cordless drills, circular saws, routers, and other hand tools to build the ramps.  If someone has some experience using these tools, it would be helpful but not required.  An AMBUC member will lead the team of volunteers on each project.  All tools are provided.  Suitable work clothes and a pair of work gloves are helpful.

How do I become a member of the Cornbelt AMBUCS Chapter?

You must be sponsored by an exiting member of Cornbelt AMBUCS.  You can attend our Wednesday Lunch Meeting, and meet some of our chapter members.  Then if you want to join you fill out an application form, and we do the rest.

What are the dues for Cornbelt AMBUCS members?  The regular membership dues are $130 per calendar year.  Lower dues apply for certain situations:

  • $100 – over 65 years of age
  • $  65 – additional family member
  • $ 100 – lifetime member
  • $  15 – additional Big Hat dues

We pay dues to National AMBUCS, Inc per chapter member. The dues are used to fund ramps, AmTrykes, scholarships, and operating expenses.

What is the Big Hat Club?


The purpose of the Big Hat organization:  to have fun, recruit new members, fellowship, encourage all AMBUCS members to become Big Hatters, promote National AMBUCS and its programs and finally … have more fun.

When an AMBUCS member recruits three new members in a twelve-month period, they become eligible to join the Big Hat Club.  The reward is the Big Hat.  Members attach stars (for each member recruited), conference pins, etc., to their hat.

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