Best Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Grants in Michigan

Nonprofit organizations providing community services, education, health, arts, or disability-related programs in Michigan communities where The Andersons operates can seek support for events and programs. With a mission to enhance quality of life, Andersons Charitable Foundation provides funding that may benefit intellectual and developmental disabilities initiatives alongside other community priorities.

Nongovernmental U.S. charities in Michigan providing services for people in need, especially children and those with intellectual or developmental disabilities, can seek program funding that is not for overhead. Nailba Charitable Foundation provides Michigan human and social service organizations with support for youth, disability, mental health, emergency, or poverty-related programs backed by a NAILBA member agency or corporate partner.

Focused on intellectual and developmental disabilities, Jtmf Foundation invites Michigan disability service organizations to seek connection for potential support improving the lives of people in need. Nonprofits serving children, older adults, veterans, or individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the Pacific NW and beyond may be considered, though unsolicited grant requests are not currently accepted.

Nonprofit organizations supporting individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities can apply for grants from the David and Jacquie Clark Family Fund to enhance success, well-being, and access to opportunities. While U.S.-wide, the fund prefers Ohio nonprofits; Michigan programs serving people with special needs may also be eligible, especially for services beyond classroom instruction.

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, second, and 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 projects. Students in Michigan studying intellectual and developmental disabilities in children or young adults may be especially well positioned.

Caregivers of individuals with Angelman syndrome can receive up to US $5,000 to improve their family member’s quality of life, including equipment, educational assistance, or necessary clinic travel. Grants from Angelman Syndrome Foundation help Michigan families and others supporting intellectual and developmental disabilities when no other public or private funds are available.

Michigan 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, and government units serving Newaygo County residents with intellectual or developmental disabilities can access funding through Fremont Area Community Foundation’s Amazing X Charitable Fund for innovative, collaborative programs. Projects must serve people of varying abilities or address general charitable needs while demonstrating significant, measurable impact in the local community.

Nonprofits, schools, and public entities in Michigan can receive funding for programs in Shiawassee County that support people with intellectual or developmental disabilities, conservation, recreation, or the arts. Shiawassee Community Foundation provides these grants for charitable projects, so organizations serving special needs populations locally may be especially well suited.

Michigan organizations conducting intellectual and developmental disabilities comparative clinical effectiveness research can access funding through the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute for high-quality, patient-centered studies. Projects must focus on people with IDD and engage patients and other health decision makers as partners throughout the research process to improve healthcare decisions and outcomes.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving intellectually or developmentally disabled children and adults in Michigan can receive US $1,000 - US $15,000 for innovative, problem-solving programs rather than operations. The Robert & Joan Dircks Foundation focuses on small organizations helping physically, mentally, or economically disadvantaged people, primarily in the New Jersey area but with U.S. grant eligibility.

Young adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities in Illinois counties including Boone, Ogle, Stephenson, or Winnebago can apply for the Ann W. Dooley Advancement Scholarship to support post-secondary education and life-skills training. Administered by the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois, this scholarship may benefit Michigan programs serving similar populations through partnership or referral awareness.

Students and recent graduates of Rockford Public Schools with intellectual disabilities pursuing post-secondary education that supports future employment may be eligible for the Colleen Maher Inspirational Scholarship. Grants from Community Foundation of Northern Illinois help individuals, including those in Michigan browsing intellectual and developmental disability opportunities, access academic programs that build independence and job skills.

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 US $1,000 - US $1,400. Focused on intellectual and developmental disabilities, Community Foundation for Southwest Washington invites graduates of specified WA and TX school districts to apply.

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.

Michigan 501(c)(3) and similar tax-exempt organizations supporting people with intellectual or developmental disabilities can access funding for programs, projects, or general operations. McGraw Foundation provides U.S. nonprofits with US $2,000 - US $10,000 for services such as developmental disability support, health clinics, housing, crisis intervention, and related human services that may benefit this population.

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)

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.

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.

Southern U.S. 501(c)(3) organizations with at least three years of activity can seek single-year funding for programs such as children and family services, education, medical assistance, poverty relief, or related human services from Robinson Foundation. Michigan organizations working on intellectual and developmental disabilities may be eligible if they primarily serve communities below the Mason-Dixon line.

Michigan organizations working on health policy and advocacy can access funding through the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute to disseminate patient-centered outcomes research findings. Grants up to US $300,000 support initiatives that spread comparative clinical effectiveness research results to patients, clinicians, and other stakeholders, which may include work related to intellectual and developmental disabilities.

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.