Best Grants for Nonprofits Serving Disabled in New York

The Achelis and Bodman Foundation, established in 2015, focuses on grantmaking in New York City and northern New Jersey, addressing critical issues in six program areas: Arts and Culture, Education, Employment, Health, Public Policy, and Youth and Families. Emphasizing support for nonprofit organizations that are tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3), the Foundation aims to improve local communities through impactful grants while prioritizing accountability and excellence in various sectors.

The Children's Guild Foundation Grant supports non-profit organizations in Western New York that cater to children with special needs. The Foundation, operational for over a century, focuses on funding impactful programs addressing developmental, medical, intellectual, behavioral, and mental health challenges. By forming partnerships and advocating for systemic change, the Foundation aims to enhance the lives of these children and their families, ensuring their needs are met effectively and efficiently.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

The Healthy Lives: Biomedical Research Grant Program, funded by The New York Community Trust, aims to enhance health services for New Yorkers, focusing on equitable care for vulnerable populations. It supports early to mid-career researchers working on critical health issues like cancer and heart disease. The program seeks to empower nonprofits and academic institutions in metropolitan New York to innovate and develop their research initiatives, ensuring impactful community health improvements.

The Healthy Lives Grant Program by The New York Community Trust aims to enhance health services for older adults and individuals with disabilities in New York City. It focuses on creating an equitable healthcare system by supporting projects that improve access to care, reduce health disparities, and empower individuals through skill development. The program prioritizes innovative solutions that foster independence and community engagement, ensuring that vulnerable populations receive comprehensive support tailored to their needs.

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 Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

The Special and Urgent Needs Fund Grant by the Adirondack Foundation provides critical financial support to local communities and nonprofits facing unexpected challenges. This fund is designed to address immediate needs such as emergency repairs, unbudgeted resources, and recovery efforts following disasters. Eligible organizations must be located in the Adirondack region of New York and meet specific criteria, ensuring assistance is directed to those most in need during times of crisis.

The Hudson Schools Arts and Humanities Fund, established by the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, aims to enrich the educational experience for students and teachers in the Hudson City School District. Since 1987, the foundation has supported community-driven initiatives, encouraging collaboration among teachers, students, and community members. Grants are available for projects that enhance learning without replacing public funding, fostering inclusive opportunities for all, regardless of background or identity.

The Bronx Council on the Arts (BCA) offers Community Engagement Grants (CEG) to support high-quality arts projects that enrich the cultural landscape of The Bronx. Open to individual artists and nonprofit organizations, these grants foster cultural equity and community connection. Applications are encouraged from diverse artists, including those historically excluded. Since 1982, BCA has been dedicated to nurturing artists and building strong cultural ties within the borough.

The Bronx Council on the Arts (BCA) provides Community Engagement Grants (CEG) to enhance cultural life by funding community-based arts projects across various disciplines. Since 1982, these grants have supported individual artists, artist collectives, and nonprofit organizations, promoting cultural equity and nurturing diverse artistic expressions. Applicants from historically excluded communities are especially encouraged to apply, fostering a rich cultural ecosystem in The Bronx while recognizing outstanding local talent.

The Honda USA Foundation's Mobility Pillar Award aims to empower individuals with disabilities by funding programs that enhance access and mobility. The foundation supports nonprofit organizations and schools that provide therapeutic, adaptive, and comprehensive care programs, as well as mobility modifications and assistive technology. Applications are accepted from U.S.-based organizations with 501(c)(3) status or fiscal sponsors, ensuring that the joy of mobility is accessible to all.

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.

The New York City Small Theatres Fund, established in collaboration with the Howard Gilman Foundation, offers vital support to small nonprofit theatre companies in NYC with budgets under $250,000. This fund provides annual grants ranging from $7,500 to $10,000 over two years, fostering diverse artistic expressions and enhancing production capabilities. By engaging a wide array of communities, this initiative aims to empower historically under-resourced theatres and promote equity in the vibrant landscape of New York City's performing arts.

The Rauschenberg Medical Emergency Grants, administered by the New York Foundation for the Arts, provide one-time funding up to $5,000 for artists facing unexpected medical emergencies. This program aims to alleviate financial burdens caused by medical costs, ensuring that artists can receive necessary care without delay. Eligible applicants must be practicing artists in visual arts, film, or choreography, and demonstrate financial need. This initiative supports artists of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those outside major coastal cities.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

The NYSCA - A.R.T./New York Creative Opportunity Fund, administered by the Bronx Council on the Arts, offers crucial operating support grants of $2,000-$5,000 to small professional theatres in New York State. Aimed at enhancing cultural equity, this program targets theatres with budgets under $500,000, enabling them to overcome barriers to funding. By prioritizing organizations that have historically faced challenges, the fund promotes diversity and strengthens the artistic community across the state.

The Creative Opportunity Fund, managed by A.R.T./New York, offers general operating support grants ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 for small professional theatres in New York State with budgets under $500,000. This initiative aims to promote capacity building and stabilization by providing flexible funding to theatres that face barriers to mainstream funding due to racial, economic, disability, and geographic factors. The fund is a regrant from the New York State Council on the Arts, ensuring broad access to necessary resources.

The Barker Welfare Foundation offers grants to qualified charitable organizations focused on enhancing the quality of life, particularly for youth and families, in New York City and Michigan City, Indiana. Organizations must be recognized as public charities and meet specific eligibility criteria, including providing audited financial statements. Proposals from start-ups or outside designated areas are discouraged. The Foundation aims to reflect the philanthropic legacy of its founder, Catherine B. Hickox.

The Community Foundation Impact Grants support projects that address pressing community needs in the Capital Region of New York. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $15,000 and focus on areas such as homelessness, disabilities, land conservation, and services for new Americans. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations located within the ten-county region. This funding opportunity aims to leverage local expertise to create significant social impact.

New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities

The New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) is responsible for coordinating services for New Yorkers with developmental disabilities, including intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorders, Prader-Willi syndrome and other neurological impairments. We provide services directly and through a network of approximately 450 nonprofit service providing agencies.

Community Transition Initiative for People With Developmental Disabilities

OPWDD is working to finalize the 2025-26 Community Transition Initiative for People with Developmental Disabilities. OPWDD will require the submission of a completed attestation from the participating providers.​

A community transitional funding payment will be made by the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (“OPWDD”) to qualifying Providers for person(s) they are willing and able to support and who qualify as follows:

Community Transitional Funding Payment of $100,000 for each person who:

• Has completed or will complete by August 2026 their educational program from an approved residential school placement and are unmatched from previously issued Letter of Intent (LOI) and/or Certified Residential Opportunity (CRO) Referrals and will be served in an existing vacant opportunity; and
• Has been reviewed and approved by the Regional Office.

Community Transitional Funding Payment of $200,000 for each person who:

• Has been deemed ready for discharge from an Intensive Treatment Facility (ITO), is on the CRO list, is unmatched with a provider and will be served in an existing vacant opportunity;
• Has been in the hospital as of 12/31/25 and been deemed ready for discharge, is on the CRO list, is unmatched with a provider and will be served in an existing vacant opportunity; or
• Is a Willowbrook class member who has been discharged to a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) and has indicated a desire to return to the community and will be served in an existing facility.
• All people must be reviewed and approved by the Regional Office.

Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

The FCIDD was founded for the purpose of providing support to organizations that serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Mission Statement: The Foundation supports organizations which enhance the lives of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities by promoting research, projects, education and advocacy. 

Nonprofit Project Grants

The Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (FCIDD) funds 501(c)(3) organizations working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities of all ages, primarily in the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia. 

Funding Priorities

• Grants will be awarded for the purpose of primarily benefiting, including, or increasing accessibility for individuals with intellectual or development disabilities.
• Grants may be awarded for scholarships or training personnel in the care and education of individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. 
• Grants shall mainly be distributed to a Charity whose primary purpose or whose project is to support individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. A Charity which has a project to benefit individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities based on financial need shall be awarded the grant money based upon its own objective criteria and without any special preference to members of Civitan or members of their family.

Grant Categories

A grant application typically fits into one of the following categories: Accessibility & Engagement; Educational Spaces; Program Area Improvements; Outreach and Education 

Accessibility & Engagement

For museums, parks, other public spaces without a specific I/DD focus wanting to make property or equipment improvements and additions to better include visitors with I/DD.

Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

The FCIDD was founded for the purpose of providing support to organizations that serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Mission Statement: The Foundation supports organizations which enhance the lives of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities by promoting research, projects, education and advocacy. 

Nonprofit Project Grants

The Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (FCIDD) funds 501(c)(3) organizations working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities of all ages, primarily in the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia. 

Funding Priorities

• Grants will be awarded for the purpose of primarily benefiting, including, or increasing accessibility for individuals with intellectual or development disabilities.
• Grants may be awarded for scholarships or training personnel in the care and education of individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. 
• Grants shall mainly be distributed to a Charity whose primary purpose or whose project is to support individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. A Charity which has a project to benefit individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities based on financial need shall be awarded the grant money based upon its own objective criteria and without any special preference to members of Civitan or members of their family.

Grant Categories

A grant application typically fits into one of the following categories: Accessibility & Engagement; Educational Spaces; Program Area Improvements; Outreach and Education 

Educational Spaces

For I/DD serving school programs with a 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) attached needing property improvements or equipment/resource purchases to better serve their students with I/DD.

The FCIDD Nonprofit Project Grants are designed to support 501(c)(3) organizations working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across various states. Grants are awarded for projects that enhance accessibility, provide educational opportunities, and promote community engagement. The foundation encourages collaboration with local Civitan clubs, particularly in October and March funding rounds, while also offering open applications in July. The initiative aims to empower nonprofits to improve the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities.

Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

The FCIDD was founded for the purpose of providing support to organizations that serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Mission Statement: The Foundation supports organizations which enhance the lives of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities by promoting research, projects, education and advocacy. 

Nonprofit Project Grants

The Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (FCIDD) funds 501(c)(3) organizations working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities of all ages, primarily in the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia. 

Funding Priorities

• Grants will be awarded for the purpose of primarily benefiting, including, or increasing accessibility for individuals with intellectual or development disabilities.
• Grants may be awarded for scholarships or training personnel in the care and education of individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. 
• Grants shall mainly be distributed to a Charity whose primary purpose or whose project is to support individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. A Charity which has a project to benefit individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities based on financial need shall be awarded the grant money based upon its own objective criteria and without any special preference to members of Civitan or members of their family.

Grant Categories

A grant application typically fits into one of the following categories: Accessibility & Engagement; Educational Spaces; Program Area Improvements; Outreach and Education 

Program Area Improvements

For I/DD specific 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) looking to add/improve programming potential via equipment and property improvements, updates and additions.