Best Grants for Nonprofits Serving Disabled in Connecticut

Individuals with disabilities in Connecticut can receive one-time assistance for quality-of-life needs such as home modifications, therapies, adaptive materials, or advocacy services. Focused on disability care and services, PLAN of Connecticut invites applicants with limited income or assets to request vendor-paid support that supplements but does not replace public benefits.

Private nonprofits, state or local government authorities, and public transportation operators in Connecticut can apply for the Section 5310 Program to improve transportation for seniors and individuals with disabilities. Administered by the Connecticut Department of Transportation, it funds accessible vehicles, mobility management, travel voucher programs, and operating support for volunteer driver or demand response services.

Connecticut nonprofits and schools serving people with disabilities can access funding for mobility-related programs, including therapeutic or adaptive services, comprehensive care, and assistive technology. Through the Mobility Pillar Award, Honda USA Foundation offers US $25,000 - US $100,000 for programs that primarily benefit communities in states where Honda has major operations, including Connecticut.

Robert & Joan Dircks Foundation provides Connecticut disability care and services nonprofits with US $1,000 - US $15,000 for innovative programs helping children and adults who are physically, mentally, or economically disadvantaged. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations with project-based initiatives, rather than operating needs, may be especially suited, including those serving people with disabilities.

The LEGO Foundation Fellowship

Advancing the science and practice of supporting children to thrive

The LEGO Foundation Fellowship is a global initiative supporting researchers working to deepen our understanding of how children thrive. Spanning disciplines from education and psychology to public health, data science, and humanitarian studies, the fellowship brings together early- and mid-career scholars whose work has the potential to generate evidence that matters for children’s lives.

Fellows receive three years of flexible support to pursue rigorous, practically relevant research, and join a cohort of peers working across the fellowship’s themes. In addition to funding research, the program fosters a community of scholars engaged in meaningful exchange with one another and with research, policy, and practice audiences.

The LEGO Foundation Fellowship is developed in partnership with the LEGO Foundation, and administered by SSRC as part of its commitment to supporting scholars whose work bridges research and real-world impact.

Research themes

The LEGO Foundation Fellowship welcomes research proposals that advance understanding of children’s thriving through one of the following three themes: the youngest children in crisis and conflict settings; inclusion and wellbeing of neurodivergent children; and children’s learning and development in an AI-enabled world. Applicants may explore the role of play where it is relevant to the research question. The consideration of play is optional and not a condition of eligibility.

Connecticut nonprofits serving people with disabilities through education, mentoring, or employment support can access funding from the Johnson Scholarship Foundation. Grants support programs that help students with disabilities overcome barriers to higher education and transition into the workforce in the U.S. and Canada. Organizations typically work with the foundation to develop sustainable, match-supported initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and fiscally sponsored community groups in Connecticut can seek up to US $50,000 to run summer camps, enrichment, tutorial, or counselor-in-training programs for Hartford youth and people with disabilities in the 29-town region. Greater Hartford Gives Foundation prioritizes culturally competent, nonsectarian programs, with preference for Black- or Latinx-led organizations.

Nonprofit charitable organizations in the U.S. serving children and young adults with disabilities or serious health and mental health challenges can apply for project grants from the Andrea-Mennen Family Foundation. Funding supports direct-service programs, educational access, supportive housing, and child welfare initiatives that show immediate, measurable impact, which may benefit Connecticut nonprofits serving disabled youth.

Connecticut nonprofits serving people with disabilities and related health or youth needs can access funding through West Pharmaceutical Services for charitable programs in communities where its employees live and work. 501(c)(3) organizations focused on disability care, children with disabilities, hospital or healthcare services, or STEM education may be eligible for community support grants or sponsorships.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting people with disabilities in Connecticut can apply for Numotion Foundation grants of US $500 - US $10,000 to enhance services, research, and support programs, especially for mobility-related disabilities. Grants from Numotion Foundation help disability care and children’s disability programs that raise awareness and provide critical support across the U.S.

The UHCCF Medical Grant provides financial assistance to families with children under 16 years old who need access to medical services not fully covered by insurance. The grant offers up to $5,000 per year, with a lifetime maximum of $10,000. Families can apply regardless of their insurance provider, and the grant covers a wide range of medical expenses, ensuring children receive essential health care. Applicants must meet specific income and eligibility criteria to qualify for funding.

The Instrument Donations Program by Music Movement supports children and young adults with Autism and learning differences by providing funding for musical instruments. This initiative fosters self-expression, personal growth, and emotional well-being through music. Grants typically range from $500 to $1,500 and are available to applicants within the United States. The program encourages artistic development and enhances social skills, making a significant impact on the lives of those facing developmental challenges.

Music Movement offers grants for music therapy aimed at children and young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other developmental challenges. Grants typically range from $1,500 to $2,500, providing financial relief to families seeking therapeutic resources. Eligible applicants include legal guardians of children in the U.S. who select qualified therapists. The organization focuses on enhancing communication, social skills, and emotional well-being through music, benefiting diverse communities and promoting personal growth.

The 15 and the Mahomies Foundation Grants aim to enhance the lives of children by supporting health, wellness, and community initiatives. This private foundation seeks to fund 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations, focusing on charitable causes. Grant requests are reviewed quarterly, and applicants must meet eligibility criteria. However, the foundation does not accept applications from individuals or for non-charitable items such as autographs or game tickets.

First- to third-year U.S. or Canadian medical students interested in neurodevelopmental disabilities or child neurology can apply for the Child Neurology Foundation’s summer research scholarship, awarding US $3,500 for NDD clinical research. Projects must focus on children or young adults, be supervised by a child neurology/NDD subspecialist, and may benefit disabled populations in Connecticut.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits improving educational outcomes for children and youth, including those with disabilities, can apply for Comis Foundation grants of US $5,000 - US $75,000 to support programs, capacity building, and innovation. Organizations in Connecticut serving disabled children may be eligible if they have national scope and reach.

Connecticut nonprofits serving people with disabilities, especially children, and working in health, education, or the arts can access funding through Brooks Brothers donations. U.S.-based organizations focused on children with disabilities, pediatric health, or related services may be eligible when their programs align with the company’s community partnerships in health, education, and the arts.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting people with disabilities through youth programs, special needs education, service animals, or mental health services in Connecticut and nationwide may be eligible for this funding. With a mission to strengthen those in need, Von Voigtlander Family Foundation prioritizes Michigan-based charities but also supports qualified programs across the U.S. when no comparable local provider exists.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits developing leadership and employment programs for youth with disabilities can apply for Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation’s MEAF National Grant, with awards of US $10,000 - US $200,000. Projects must be national in scope or scalable, emphasize inclusive, competitive employment, and may include tools that expand job opportunities for young people and veterans with disabilities, including those in Connecticut.

The NAILBA Charitable Foundation Grant aims to support small, well-managed U.S. charities that assist those in need, particularly children. Grants are available to organizations with backing from a NAILBA member and that meet specific criteria, such as nonsectarian operation and appropriate fiscal accountability. Since its inception in 2002, the foundation has invested in community transformation by funding initiatives that directly engage in beneficial services, thereby enhancing the welfare of underprivileged groups.

The CAPTRUST National Partnership Grant aims to support local and national charities that serve children's needs. Each year, a Charity of Choice is selected, typically receiving a grant of over $100,000, while additional national grants are awarded to organizations aligned with the CCF mission. This initiative represents 40% of the CAPTRUST Community Foundation's annual giving budget, underscoring its commitment to impactful charitable partnerships.

The NExT AI Hubs initiative by the NICHD aims to explore innovative applications of AI technologies in enhancing developmental outcomes for children at risk of learning disabilities. This program will focus on high-risk research topics, fostering advancements in understanding how AI can support learning in reading, writing, and mathematics. The initiative is backed by various public health laws, ensuring a comprehensive approach to child health and education.

Connecticut nonprofits serving people with disabilities may find this scholarship relevant for students they support pursuing college or vocational training. Connecticut disability care organizations can access funding through Community Foundation of the Ozarks’ Christine A. Loetel Scholarship, which aids students with cerebral palsy or similar brain-related disabilities who demonstrate financial need and plan to attend accredited two- or four-year institutions or vocational schools.

Students from Southeastern Connecticut pursuing studies in the arts who have financial need, including those with physical limitations or disabilities, can receive scholarship support to attend college. Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut provides approximately US $500, paid directly to colleges by August 1, which may benefit nonprofits supporting disabled youth preparing for higher education.

Students who are blind pursuing a college, community college, or trade school degree in the U.S. can receive up to US $15,000 for tuition, fees, books, and on-campus housing through the Van London Memorial Scholarship. Communities Foundation of Texas provides this one-year award, which may benefit those served by Connecticut disability-focused nonprofits.

About NCTM

Founded in 1920, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) is the world's largest mathematics education organization.

Mission Statement

The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics advocates for high-quality mathematics teaching and learning for each and every student.

Designing Interventions that Support Learners with Disabilities (2-8)

The MET Fund sponsors this grant to support the development of engaging interventions for students with disabilities in grades 2-8. This grant encourages the implementation of interventions that develop 2 - 8 students’ conceptual understanding and expand mathematical fluency.

Purpose

This grant supports elementary teachers in designing, implementing, and sharing engaging hands-on interventions to support students’ conceptual understanding of mathematical concepts. This grant is specifically intended to support teachers of students who have disabilities. This grant could be used to fund materials, such as manipulatives. The expectation is that the recipient of the grant would share their interventions with other teachers and interventionists in their school/district, and beyond.

Award Type: Organizational

For MET grants, an organization is defined as a school, school district, university, or non-profit mathematics education organization. The primary applicant will indicate an organization to administer the finances of the grant when applying for the grant. The primary applicant MAY choose to administer the finances of the grant themselves; if so, they are responsible for reporting this award to the IRS on their personal tax return as income.

Seattle Foundation is an agent of change, igniting powerful, rewarding philanthropy to make Greater Seattle a stronger, more vibrant community for all.

At Seattle Foundation, we believe that community is more than a place. It’s the shared understanding that our joy and well-being are tied to one another. Every day we work with nonprofits, philanthropists, and partners like you to strengthen community by igniting powerful philanthropy and advancing long-term solutions. Because it takes all of us to create a joyful region where every person can thrive.

Microsoft Disability Scholarship

This scholarship supports high school seniors living with a disability defined by WHO (World Health Organization — an impairment in a person’s body structure or function, or mental functioning (visual, hearing, mobility, cognitive, speech, or other disability). Eligible applicants must plan to study Engineering, Computer Sciences, Computer Information Systems, Law, Business (including Paralegal, Pre-Law, Finance, Business Administration, or Marketing) at an accredited two- or four-year college, university, or vocational-technical school. This scholarship is a $5,000 award with up to eight (8) scholarships granted.