Best Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Grants in Michigan

Burger Family Foundatio

Our Mission

Inspired by our daughter Penelope and the powerful symbolism of the extra 21st chromosome, our foundation is dedicated to creating opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome and their families. Through direct financial assistance, therapy, community, and the healing power of ranch life, we’re building spaces that foster hope, purpose, and belonging.

Pens Pearls

Named after Penelope, Pens Pearls is the financial support arm of our foundation, providing direct assistance to families navigating the unique joys and challenges of raising a child with a disability. From therapy grants to life-changing opportunities, we’re here to lighten the load and ensure every child has the resources they need to thrive.

Through Pens Pearls, eligible families can apply for funding to help cover essential needs, services, or opportunities that make a meaningful impact in their lives. The Burger Family Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization, and this program is one of the ways we work to create lasting change—one story at a time.

Qualifications for Pens Pearls Grant Program, are deemed by the strict bylaws of the Burger Family Foundation. Funds are paid directly to provider. 

About Colin Farrell FoundationThe Colin Farrell Foundation is committed to transforming the lives of individuals and families living with intellectual disability through education, awareness, advocacy, and innovative programs. Inspired by his two sons, he is excited and deeply humbled by the hope that the Colin Farrell Foundation can help those who the larger systems of governance have neglected.

CFF Innovation GrantsWe’re looking for bold, scalable solutions focused on one or more of these priority areas:

• Affordable co-housing models for individuals and families
• Employer-partnered day programs and inclusive job opportunities
• Tools and technologies that enhance accessibility at home and in community spaces
• Cross-sector collaborations between public, private, and nonprofit organizations

The Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs Research Network aims to enhance the lives of children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN) and their families. By establishing a robust research infrastructure, the program will generate evidence-based solutions to foster well-being and community engagement. It focuses on identifying effective interventions and measures that can be integrated into essential services and supports, ultimately helping CYSHCN thrive throughout their lives.

Students with intellectual, developmental, emotional, or physical disabilities, or those who have volunteered with such students, can receive higher education support through the Patricia Schroder Memorial Scholarship; awards US $1,000 - US $1,400. Focused on intellectual and developmental disabilities, Community Foundation for Southwest Washington invites graduates of specified WA and TX school districts to apply.

Students and recent graduates of Rockford Public Schools with intellectual disabilities pursuing post-secondary education that supports future employment may be eligible for the Colleen Maher Inspirational Scholarship. Grants from Community Foundation of Northern Illinois help individuals, including those in Michigan browsing intellectual and developmental disability opportunities, access academic programs that build independence and job skills.

Young adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities in Illinois counties including Boone, Ogle, Stephenson, or Winnebago can apply for the Ann W. Dooley Advancement Scholarship to support post-secondary education and life-skills training. Administered by the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois, this scholarship may benefit Michigan programs serving similar populations through partnership or referral awareness.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits improving healthcare delivery for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities can apply for WITH Foundation’s RFP cycle, with awards from US $150,000 - US $250,000. Michigan organizations working on provider training, care coordination, policy research, digital health, or related systems-change efforts may be especially competitive, with some projects eligible for multi-year support.

Michigan organizations conducting intellectual and developmental disabilities comparative clinical effectiveness research can access funding through the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute for high-quality, patient-centered studies. Projects must focus on people with IDD and engage patients and other health decision makers as partners throughout the research process to improve healthcare decisions and outcomes.

Caregivers of individuals with Angelman syndrome can receive up to US $5,000 to improve their family member’s quality of life, including equipment, educational assistance, or necessary clinic travel. Grants from Angelman Syndrome Foundation help Michigan families and others supporting intellectual and developmental disabilities when no other public or private funds are available.

Nonprofit organizations supporting individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities can apply for grants from the David and Jacquie Clark Family Fund to enhance success, well-being, and access to opportunities. While U.S.-wide, the fund prefers Ohio nonprofits; Michigan programs serving people with special needs may also be eligible, especially for services beyond classroom instruction.

Focused on intellectual and developmental disabilities, Jtmf Foundation invites Michigan disability service organizations to seek connection for potential support improving the lives of people in need. Nonprofits serving children, older adults, veterans, or individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the Pacific NW and beyond may be considered, though unsolicited grant requests are not currently accepted.

Nonprofit organizations providing community services, education, health, arts, or disability-related programs in Michigan communities where The Andersons operates can seek support for events and programs. With a mission to enhance quality of life, Andersons Charitable Foundation provides funding that may benefit intellectual and developmental disabilities initiatives alongside other community priorities.

Nongovernmental U.S. charities in Michigan providing services for people in need, especially children and those with intellectual or developmental disabilities, can seek program funding that is not for overhead. Nailba Charitable Foundation provides Michigan human and social service organizations with support for youth, disability, mental health, emergency, or poverty-related programs backed by a NAILBA member agency or corporate partner.

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) will announce funding for patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research (CER) studies focusing on rare diseases. This initiative encourages collaboration and aims to fill critical research gaps affecting approximately 30 million Americans with rare diseases. Applications can request up to $12 million over five years, including coverage for patient care costs. This funding opportunity is set to open on August 12, 2025, with a focus on addressing pressing patient-centered CER questions.

First, second, and third-year U.S. or Canadian medical students interested in child neurology or neurodevelopmental disabilities can apply for the Child Neurology Foundation’s summer research scholarship, awarding US $3,500 for clinical NDD projects. Students in Michigan studying intellectual and developmental disabilities in children or young adults may be especially well positioned.

Michigan 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, and government units serving Newaygo County residents with intellectual or developmental disabilities can access funding through Fremont Area Community Foundation’s Amazing X Charitable Fund for innovative, collaborative programs. Projects must serve people of varying abilities or address general charitable needs while demonstrating significant, measurable impact in the local community.

Nonprofits, schools, and public entities in Michigan can receive funding for programs in Shiawassee County that support people with intellectual or developmental disabilities, conservation, recreation, or the arts. Shiawassee Community Foundation provides these grants for charitable projects, so organizations serving special needs populations locally may be especially well suited.

Michigan 501(c)(3) and similar tax-exempt organizations supporting people with intellectual or developmental disabilities can access funding for programs, projects, or general operations. McGraw Foundation provides U.S. nonprofits with US $2,000 - US $10,000 for services such as developmental disability support, health clinics, housing, crisis intervention, and related human services that may benefit this population.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving intellectually or developmentally disabled children and adults in Michigan can receive US $1,000 - US $15,000 for innovative, problem-solving programs rather than operations. The Robert & Joan Dircks Foundation focuses on small organizations helping physically, mentally, or economically disadvantaged people, primarily in the New Jersey area but with U.S. grant eligibility.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

This funding opportunity from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute aims to enhance health decision-making through comparative clinical effectiveness research, focusing on critical areas such as cancer, maternal health, and mental health. The initiative encourages robust observational studies that utilize existing data to derive patient-centered insights. Applications must address specific themes approved by PCORI and demonstrate potential benefits to the U.S. healthcare system, thus ensuring relevance and stakeholder engagement in research efforts.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.