Best Grants for Nonprofits Serving Disabled in Ohio

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

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.

Tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations serving Licking County residents in Ohio can apply for Licking County Foundation’s Cecil L. Mauger Charitable Trust Grant to support small capital needs, programmatic work, and people-focused projects. Nonprofits assisting underserved or disadvantaged residents, including those with disabilities, may be especially competitive if they propose innovative, collaborative approaches that improve quality of life.

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.

Ohio nonprofits and accredited charities can seek support for humanitarian, educational, community, environmental, or contemporary arts projects that promote sustainable development and engage local partners and employees. Organizations serving disabled people in Ohio may be eligible if their programs fit these priorities and are managed locally through a Roche affiliate office in the same country.

Semnani Family Foundation provides nonprofits worldwide with funding for health care access, children with disabilities, and other human and social services. Organizations in Ohio serving disabled people may be eligible if they work within the foundation’s international focus countries, including the U.S., and address marginalized or vulnerable communities through health, education, or disaster relief programs.

Ohio nonprofits serving people with disabilities, children with disabilities, or broader community needs can access funding through the Sidney Stern Memorial Trust for charitable, scientific, medical, and educational programs. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations, tax-exempt under federal (and where applicable, California) law, with all funded activities carried out in the U.S.

Ohio 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on community development, basic needs, workforce education, or cultural programs can access funding through Bank of America Foundation’s regional sponsorships. Organizations serving disabled people may be eligible if their programs advance housing, jobs, hunger relief, arts and culture, environmental initiatives, or diversity and inclusion in low- and moderate-income communities.

Ohio 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving children, families, and people with disabilities can access funding through the Sam J Frankino Foundation to improve quality of life, expand services, and support medical research. Grants of more than US $1,000 may support disability services, health care access, education, recreation, and related programs primarily benefiting Northeast Ohio communities.

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.

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 Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and schools serving people with disabilities in Ohio can apply for Honda USA Foundation’s Mobility Pillar Award, with grants of US $25,000 - US $100,000 for mobility-related programs. Grants from Honda USA Foundation help fund therapeutic or adaptive programs, comprehensive care, and mobility modifications, accommodations, and assistive technology in eligible communities.

Nonprofits, government agencies, schools, colleges, and universities in Ohio can seek funding for oral health access, education, advocacy, and workforce development projects, especially those advancing equity for people with disabilities. Delta Dental Foundation supports programs that improve oral health equity and align with its strategic aims, considering impact, clear outcomes, and sustainability.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving people with disabilities in Ohio’s Cincinnati, Dayton, and Northern Kentucky region can seek funding for programs in health and human services, education, and community development. Fifth Third Foundation manages multiple local trusts that support initiatives for children, youth, and adults with developmental, hearing, visual, and other impairments in Greater Cincinnati communities.

Public and nonprofit organizations in Ohio serving Adams County residents with disabilities or other needs can apply for grants up to US $25,000 to support environmental education, renewable energy, or disparity-reducing programs. With a mission to strengthen Appalachian communities, Foundation for Appalachian Ohio backs projects in Adams County that connect people and nature and improve food, education, and health access.

Ohio nonprofits serving people with disabilities can access funding through Community Fund Management Foundation to support needs directly related to a person’s disability and help them access their community. Grants of up to US $25,000 are available, with applications accepted year-round and reviewed biannually; summer camp requests are considered in the first quarter.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving children, adolescents, and young adults with disabilities or significant economic barriers in the Greater Cincinnati area, including Ohio counties, can seek funding for education, health, cultural, social welfare, and recreation programs. Grants from Greater Cincinnati Foundation, via the Daniel and Susan Pfau Foundation, may support capital, operating, and limited endowment needs.

Ohio 501(c)(3) nonprofits, government units, and fiscally sponsored groups can seek funding for health and wellness programs from Community Health Foundation. Responsive grants support program, project, operating, or capital needs serving residents of Clark and Champaign Counties, especially in areas like chronic disease, mental health, maternal/infant and sexual health, and health equity, which may benefit disabled communities.

Ohio 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving Wayne County residents can seek project, start-up, or capacity-building funding to advance community wellness and success, including programs for people with developmental disabilities. Grants from Wayne County Community Foundation help organizations address issues like homelessness, food insecurity, and caregiver support within a one-year grant period.

Nonprofit and safety-net health organizations in fourteen Ohio counties can receive up to US $50,000 from HealthPath Foundation of Ohio to expand and enhance oral health equity for older adults and people with disabilities. Funding supports community-based programs, outreach, advocacy, service delivery, and related efforts that improve access and reduce oral health disparities.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

Nonprofit organizations, churches, and public entities serving Clark County residents with physical, developmental, sensory, or other disabilities can seek program funding from the Springfield Foundation. With a mission to strengthen community wellbeing, Springfield Foundation provides Ohio disability-focused nonprofits with competitive grants across human services, health, education, arts, and related community needs.

With a mission to support children’s wellbeing, Wayne County Community Foundation provides Ohio nonprofits serving Wayne County youth with funding for programs or capital projects addressing disability, learning challenges, mental health, bullying, poverty, and related barriers. Charitable organizations, schools, and qualified public agencies helping children with disabilities in Wayne County may be eligible.