Best Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Grants in Iowa

Nonprofit organizations, schools, and units of government serving Muscatine County, Iowa can receive up to US $10,000 per program to improve quality of life, including services for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine Impact Grants fund diverse initiatives such as health, human services, youth, recreation, trails, arts, homelessness prevention, and disability-focused programs.

Nonprofit organizations supporting people with intellectual or developmental disabilities in Iowa communities where The Andersons operates can seek funding for services, education, and quality-of-life programs. With a mission to enhance community well-being, The Andersons Charitable Foundation provides support across health, social services, education, arts, and community development in its designated service areas.

Nongovernmental U.S. charities providing human and social services, especially for children and people with intellectual or developmental disabilities in Iowa, can seek program support funding. Nailba Charitable Foundation backs nonsectarian, fiscally sound organizations serving people in need, including at-risk youth, those with physical or mental disabilities, and related emergency or social services programs, with NAILBA member agency support required.

Nonprofit organizations supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities may be eligible for funding that aids inclusion, independence, and quality of life, including in Iowa. Focused on empowering individuals with disabilities, Jtmf Foundation invites groups—especially in the Pacific Northwest but also nationally—to share their work improving lives for children, older adults, veterans, and people with disabilities.

Nonprofit organizations providing programs for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities can apply for the David and Jacquie Clark Family Fund’s national grants to support success, well-being, and access to opportunities. While all U.S. nonprofits may be eligible, those in Iowa and other parts of Ohio-preferred regions may particularly benefit.

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- to 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 research. Students in Iowa studying intellectual and developmental disabilities in children or young adults may be especially well positioned to benefit.

Grants from Angelman Syndrome Foundation help Iowa caregivers of individuals with Angelman syndrome cover costs that improve their loved one’s quality of life, with awards up to US $5,000. Funding can support prosthetic appliances, wheelchairs, beds, educational assistance, necessary clinic travel, or similar needs when no other public or private funds are available.

Iowa research institutions and healthcare organizations focused on intellectual and developmental disabilities can access funding through Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute to conduct patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research. Projects must study health or healthcare approaches for people with IDD, engage patients and decision makers as partners, and generate evidence to improve care and outcomes across the U.S.

The Robert & Joan Dircks Foundation provides Iowa nonprofits serving people with intellectual, developmental, physical, or economic disadvantages with one-year project grants, typically ranging from US $1,000 - US $15,000. 501(c)(3) organizations with innovative, problem-solving programs for children or adults with disabilities may be eligible, with required outcome reporting on funded projects.

Individuals ages 18–25 with intellectual disabilities pursuing post-secondary education or life-skills training can apply for the Ann W. Dooley Advancement Scholarship if they currently reside in Boone, Ogle, Stephenson, or Winnebago County. Offered by the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois, this scholarship supports educational and independent living goals, and may interest I/DD-focused programs in Iowa seeking similar models.

Iowa students and recent graduates of Rockford Public Schools with intellectual or developmental disabilities can receive scholarship support for post-secondary education that leads to employment. Grants from Community Foundation of Northern Illinois help young adults ages 18–25 pursue college or other life-enhancing programs, including those focused on independent living and workforce preparation.

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 range from US $1,000 - US $1,400. Graduates of specified Washington and Texas school districts may be eligible, including those interested in disability-related studies or service.

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.

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

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. 

The University Centers for Developmental Disabilities program, funded by the US HHS Administration for Community Living, aims to support entities designated as University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service. These centers will receive grants for five years to enhance education, research, and community services, addressing critical areas such as health, employment, and quality of life for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Iowa 501(c)(3) and similar tax-exempt organizations serving people with intellectual or developmental disabilities can apply for McGraw Foundation support for programs, projects, or general operations. This Northbrook-based funder offers US $2,000 - US $10,000 grants, with occasional larger awards, primarily to organizations in the greater Chicago area, so Iowa applicants may be less competitive.

Harry Gregg Foundation Grant

How much is awarded?

Grants are limited to $1,200 but are often less as award amounts are dependent upon the number of requests received tri-annually (three times a year).

How can funds be used?

Funds may be requested for a broad range of purposes, but must specifically benefit the individual for whom funds are sought.

Examples of acceptable purposes include, but are not limited to:

• Costs (up to $500) of non-reimbursed medical or therapy treatments not covered by insurance or other programs
• Continuing education or career development opportunities
• Specialty equipment services or supplies
• Respite services to the recipient or caregivers
• Computers (up to $500) and adaptive software
• Camp tuition and recreational activities – applications for camp tuition or recreational activities are reviewed and awarded on an ongoing basis starting in February. The funds go quickly; applications submitted early in the year are more likely to be funded
• Vocational, academic classes or specialized (requiring vehicle modifications or specialized instruction) driver evaluation and training
• Modifications to living area, work site or vehicle (vehicle repairs up to $500 with written estimate with limit of two grants)

Iowa research institutions and other eligible private or public sector organizations can access funding for retrospective observational comparative clinical effectiveness research using existing data sources. The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute supports studies that address at least one approved topic, including improving outcomes for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, to generate patient-centered evidence that informs healthcare decision making.

The Alzheimer's Disease Programs Initiative (ADPI) offers State and Community Grants to enhance dementia-capable home and community-based service systems. Option A targets state agencies to develop sustainable HCBS systems, while Option B focuses on community-based organizations to fill service gaps for individuals with dementia. Both options aim to provide quality support for those living with dementia and their caregivers, fostering independence and safety in their communities.

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 PCORI Engagement Award: Capacity Building aims to enhance the capacity of patients and stakeholders in patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research (CER). Projects can last up to two years with funding up to $300,000. Successful proposals will demonstrate understanding of CER, community engagement, and commitment from stakeholders. The initiative encourages the use of existing tools and resources to foster patient involvement in research processes, aligning with national health priorities and addressing pressing healthcare issues.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

The Engagement Award: Dissemination Initiative by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) aims to enhance patient engagement in healthcare decisions through comparative clinical effectiveness research. Since 2010, PCORI has funded over $3 billion for nearly 2,000 projects, focusing on improving health outcomes by providing actionable information. The initiative emphasizes transparency and stakeholder involvement, ensuring that results are accessible to both patients and clinicians, ultimately fostering informed healthcare choices.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.