Best Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Grants in California

501(c)(3) nonprofits serving adults with developmental disabilities in California can apply for Helpers Community grants, awarding US $15,000 - US $25,000 for infrastructure, materials, and facility improvement projects. Organizations providing residential care, recreation, job training, or supportive housing may be eligible, but general operating support and salaries are not funded.

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.

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 $1,000 - $1,400 scholarships for higher education through the Patricia Schroder Memorial Scholarship. Focused on disability-related challenges, the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington supports graduates of specific Washington and Texas school districts who may now study or reside in California.

Eligible technical assistance providers supporting early childhood, maternal behavioral health, and intellectual and developmental disabilities systems in California can apply for up to US $1,601,000 over three years to guide six county-based grantees. With a mission to strengthen behavioral health systems, CA Commission for Behavioral Health provides expertise-focused partners with resources to build integrated, sustainable care networks.

Students with intellectual disabilities connected to Rockford Public Schools who plan to enroll in post-secondary education may be eligible for the Colleen Maher Inspirational Scholarship, supporting life-enhancing employment goals. Grants from Community Foundation of Northern Illinois help individuals, including those in California program contexts, pursuing higher education and independent living skills development.

Individuals ages 18–25 with intellectual disabilities pursuing post-secondary education or life-skills programs in Boone, Ogle, Stephenson, or Winnebago County can apply for the Ann W. Dooley Advancement Scholarship, administered by the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois. Students focused on employment, independence, and disability-related supports may benefit, including those in California-style intellectual and developmental disability programs who meet these residency requirements.

U.S.-based 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. Programs in California, including research and initiatives enhancing practitioner competency, care coordination, advocacy, or digital health for the I/DD community, may be especially competitive.

California research institutions and healthcare organizations focused on intellectual and developmental disabilities can access funding through the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute for patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research projects. Eligible projects must study health or healthcare approaches for people with IDD, engaging patients and other decision makers throughout the research process to improve care and outcomes.

Caregivers of individuals with Angelman syndrome can receive up to US $5,000 to improve their loved one’s quality of life, including equipment, educational assistance, or necessary clinic travel. Grants from Angelman Syndrome Foundation help families in California and across the U.S. with disability-related needs when no other funding sources are available.

Nonprofit organizations providing programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including those in California, can apply for the David and Jacquie Clark Family Fund’s grants to support success, well-being, and access to opportunities. While preference is given to Ohio nonprofits, eligible U.S. organizations serving people with special needs may benefit.

Nonprofit organizations serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in California and the broader Pacific Northwest may be eligible for flexible support addressing immediate needs and root causes. Focused on disability inclusion, Jtmf Foundation also funds programs for children, older adults, and veterans, especially those improving health, well-being, and long-term quality of life.

California human and social service nonprofits supporting people in need, especially children and individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, can seek program funding through the Nailba Charitable Foundation. U.S.-based, nonsectarian charities with NAILBA member or corporate partner support and sound fiscal practices may be eligible for a wide range of basic needs, mental health, and disability-related projects.

California 501(c)(3) and similar tax-exempt organizations supporting people with intellectual or developmental disabilities can apply for McGraw Foundation grants of US $2,000 - US $10,000 for general operations, specific projects, or occasional capital needs. Grants generally go to the greater Chicago area, so California programs may be eligible only if they fit this geographic focus.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving intellectually or developmentally disabled and otherwise disadvantaged people in California can receive project-based support to improve quality of life. The Robert & Joan Dircks Foundation provides U.S. disability care and poverty alleviation programs with one-year grants of US $1,000 - US $15,000 for innovative services rather than ongoing operations.

First, second, or 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. Projects must focus on neurodevelopmental disabilities in children or young adults and be supervised by a child neurology/NDD subspecialist, which may benefit California-focused work.

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.

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 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

Nonprofit organizations in California seeking support for community-based programs can apply for US $1,000 - US $20,000 to fund cultural, educational, health, environmental, or social services initiatives. With a mission to help smaller projects where modest funding has big impact, Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation provides grants that may benefit programs serving people with intellectual or developmental disabilities.