Best Grants for Nonprofits Serving Disabled

The Viking Foundation of Lincoln is dedicated to enhancing the lives of young people facing challenges such as poverty and educational barriers. By providing modest grants, typically between $5,000 and $10,000, the foundation supports 501(c)(3) organizations in the Lincoln, NE, Denver, CO, and Des Moines, IA areas. Emphasizing core values like equal opportunity and community well-being, the foundation seeks innovative projects that promote health, education, and environmental sustainability.

About the Pacific Northwest Kiwanis Foundation

Through Helping Hands Fellowships, memorial gifts, and bequests, the Foundation provides a variety of ways to leave a lasting legacy for the children and youth of the Pacific Northwest.

Every member of a Kiwanis club in the Pacific Northwest District is also a member of the Pacific Northwest Kiwanis Foundation.

Our Purpose

The Pacific Northwest Kiwanis Foundation is a non-profit charitable corporation founded in 1985 and endorsed by the Pacific Northwest District of Kiwanis International:

• To promote the sponsored youth groups of the Pacific Northwest Kiwanis District. These include: Circle K (college/university students); Key Clubs (high school students); Builders Clubs (middle school students); K Kids (elementary school students); and Aktion Clubs (adults with disabilities).
• To assist needy persons – particularly youth
• To assist worthy youth to attain vocational excellence
• To aid the handicapped and disadvantaged

Specific emphasis is directed to promotion and support of sponsored youth groups particularly through scholarships and leadership training.

Grants

The PNW Kiwanis Foundation provides support for children, youth, and the disabled in the Pacific Northwest through grants designated for Kiwanis-sponsored projects.

During the last 2 years the PNW Kiwanis Foundation gave away over $20,000 in grant money.

PNW Kiwanis Foundation New Club Opening Mini Grant

The PNW Kiwanis Foundation will provide a $500 mini grant to new clubs to help kick start their charitable giving. Clubs are required to provide us with a “bragging-rights” status report and pictures of how these monies were used after completion of their project.

Purpose

Grants provide limited opportunities for Kiwanis clubs to receive financial assistance with a key project benefiting children or youth in their community. Funded projects may also provide an opportunity to generate exposure for the Foundation and its activities.

Grants must be in keeping with the purpose of the Foundation, which generally is to support children and youth in the Pacific Northwest. Projects that fall outside the Pacific Northwest may be quite worthy of support but would not qualify for a grant from the Foundation.

Club Support

The Foundation does not want to support a project that is not supported by the local Kiwanis club. That is why all grant requests must be accompanied by a letter of support from the Kiwanis club.

The Ina Calkins Board Grant supports 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Kansas City, Missouri, providing approximately $200,000 annually. Founded in 1930, it aims to assist organizations that promote total abstinence from alcohol, care for the elderly, and support children's welfare. Grants are awarded to enhance social services, education, and health care for those in need. Eligible organizations must serve residents of Kansas City, ensuring that aid benefits the local community.

The Andrew and Alice Fischer Charitable Trust, administered by First American Bank in Dundee, IL, focuses on funding education for individuals with various challenges, as well as programs for children, seniors, and U.S. veterans. Grants are primarily awarded to organizations in the greater Chicago metropolitan area that face difficulties in securing funding from other sources. This trust aims to support those in need and enhance community welfare.

The Special Populations Diagnostic - Content Support Grant, funded by the Texas Education Agency, aims to enhance diagnostic tools for Local Education Agencies (LEAs) to evaluate and improve their special education systems. By developing resources like rubrics and interview templates, the project seeks to empower LEA leaders to identify areas needing support, ultimately leading to better outcomes for students with disabilities.

The Kirby Smart Family Foundation

The Kirby Smart Family Foundation enthusiastically supports those battling misfortune so that they can become victors over their circumstances.

Mary Beth and Kirby Smart have always exhibited the focus and work ethic required to become champions on and off the field. They bring that same passion to the opportunity to help children and families who are facing adversity. Working to be champions and help those in need in their home state of Georgia means so much to their family.

Our Mission: To be champions in our community by supporting and giving back to needy children and families facing adversity.

Grant Applications

During our annual Grant Application process, The Kirby Smart Family Foundation has the privilege of learning more about the incredible organizations in our community. Applications are thoroughly reviewed to ensure that the organization's needs align with our mission statement.

The Detroit Industrial School Grant provides vital funding for projects benefiting children in the Tri-County area. With grants up to $5,000, the foundation prioritizes support for non-profit agencies addressing basic needs, educational programs, and resources for disabled children. The grant aims to help those in greatest need, ensuring no racial or religious discrimination in service. Eligible projects include tutoring, field trips, and skill training, fostering a brighter future for local youth.

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.

The Hobbs Foundation Grant supports charitable organizations in Florida that focus on child development, family stabilization, and educational mentorship. By funding evidence-based interventions, the foundation aims to improve the lives of at-risk children facing instability and poverty. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) non-profits committed to helping children impacted by the welfare system. This initiative seeks to foster long-term positive outcomes and empower communities through dedicated support and innovative strategies.

The Jack H. & William M. Light Charitable Trust Grant focuses on enhancing the welfare of children, particularly in Harris County, Texas. It provides financial support to 501(C)(3) organizations dedicated to improving children's health, mental health, and education. The trust distributes funds semiannually, aiming to create a significant positive impact in the community by addressing the needs of children comprehensively.

The Comis Foundation Grant aims to provide equitable opportunities for children to thrive through education and community engagement. It supports innovative programs that enhance educational outcomes, focusing on areas such as capacity building and pilot projects. With funding ranging from $5,000 to $75,000, the foundation prioritizes nonprofit organizations that foster inclusive environments. By emphasizing trust and collaboration, Comis Foundation strives to create lasting impacts in the communities it serves.

The Mathile Family Foundation Grant is aimed at supporting tax-exempt organizations that align with its mission to transform lives through education and support for families in need. The foundation prioritizes projects in the Greater Dayton area and emphasizes responsive grantmaking to foster significant changes. Eligible organizations can apply once a year for grants starting at $1,000, with a focus on educational opportunities that serve at-risk children, thereby addressing critical social and economic disparities in the community.

The Fifth Third Foundation in Evansville, IN, focuses on funding programs that foster community development, health services, education, and the arts. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving designated regions, such as Evansville and Chicago. The foundation prioritizes organizations with a history of recent funding. Notably, grants cannot support individuals or certain event sponsorships. This strategic approach aims to create meaningful impacts in communities by aligning resources with local needs.

The Edgar A. Thurman Charitable Foundation for Children provides financial support to 501(c)(3) organizations serving needy children in Virginia, particularly in the Western region and Roanoke Valley. Grants typically range from $3,000 to $10,000 for first-time applicants, while returning grantees may receive up to $20,000. Eligible organizations must demonstrate a commitment to the welfare and education of children, ensuring compliance with all grant conditions.

The Rees-Jones Foundation, established in 2006, is dedicated to improving the quality of life for residents in North Texas through thoughtful philanthropy. With a mission grounded in the love of Christ, the foundation supports non-profits in various sectors including animal welfare, child welfare, and community benefit. It particularly focuses on initiatives that foster community transformation and is open to grant applications year-round, encouraging early submissions to ensure timely funding.

The FCP Capital Improvement Grants provide funding up to $10,000 for non-profit organizations in Bucks County, PA, focusing on structural enhancements for facilities serving special needs children and families. The application process includes a Letter of Inquiry and a full application, with deadlines in October and April. Recipients must submit a final report after 12 months, ensuring transparency and accountability. This initiative aims to enhance community resources and support.

The Partnership in Youth Services Grants (PYS) program provides funding of up to $5,000 to non-profit organizations in Bucks County, PA, that address community issues and improve the lives of children and families. This program prioritizes first-time applicants and those who have not applied in the last five years, ensuring support for organizations dedicated to the behavioral health and human service needs of the community.

Bucks Innovative and Improvement Grants (BIIG) offer $10,000 to $15,000 to innovative projects enhancing the lives of children, youth, and families in Bucks County, PA. Applicants must demonstrate measurable outcomes and report progress after six and twelve months. The grant cycle includes applications due in October and April, with pre-grant meetings scheduled after letter of inquiry submissions. Only nonprofit organizations focused on special needs are eligible, ensuring that funds support impactful community initiatives.

Lawson Family Foundation

The Lawson Family Foundation was established by Phil Lawson in 2020 to serve as a catalyst for the development of a more healthy, prosperous, and inclusive Knoxville community. As a private grantmaking foundation, the Lawson Family Foundation focuses support on organizations involved in the areas of Justice & Economic Mobility, Education & Youth Development, Prevention of Exploitation & Violence, and Community Health & Food Security. 

Driven by the belief that every life has equal value, the Lawson Family Foundation exists to support efforts that promote justice and opportunity in all aspects of society, primarily in Knoxville, Tennessee. In doing so, it seeks to achieve a positive impact in marginalized communities that will last for generations.

Lawson Family Foundation Education & Youth Development Grant

Education is foundational to long-term success and thriving communities. Yet many children in the Knoxville area face disparities in access to quality education, supportive environments, and essential resources—including children with physical, mental, intellectual, and learning disabilities, as well as those from historically underserved communities.

The Foundation invests in efforts that strengthen early childhood development, improve literacy, and expand pathways to college and career. We support programs such as after-school enrichment, mentorship, and family-centered initiatives, with an emphasis on inclusive approaches that ensure all children—regardless of ability or background—have access to the tools, support, and opportunities needed to reach their full potential.

The Martin M. Sacks Memorial Fund Grant, established in 1984, supports nonprofit organizations serving disadvantaged youth in south central PA, particularly in Harrisburg. It prioritizes innovative programs that empower at-risk children and families. Eligible activities include counseling, after-school programs, and services for homeless women and children. The fund seeks measurable outcomes and collaboration among organizations, ensuring that grants are awarded to initiatives that provide unique solutions to community needs.

The McInnes Charitable Trust, founded by Sally and John McInnes, aims to support organizations in Colorado focused on animal welfare, children's health, education, and empowerment. The Trust prioritizes funding for exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3) with a proven track record. It typically does not fund capital improvements or multi-year commitments. By fostering a spirit of generosity, the Trust honors the McInnes family's legacy and commitment to various charitable causes.

The Melba Bayers Meyer Charitable Trust, established in 1995, supports various charitable causes in Pensacola, Florida, and Alabama. The trust prioritizes organizations that assist children, indigent Native Americans, and neglected animals. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations focusing on religious, charitable, scientific, or educational purposes. The trust aims to make a positive impact in the community by addressing the needs of vulnerable populations.

The John W. Alden Trust Grant supports organizations in Eastern Massachusetts that provide care and services to children and youth (ages 0-24) with disabilities or those at risk due to social factors. Grants can fund capacity building, program support, and more, but applicants must demonstrate a focus on high-risk youth and meet specific criteria. The Trust emphasizes sustainability and may require matching funds for grant approval.

The GLCF: Youth Philanthropy Council Grant, offered by the Greater Lynchburg Community Foundation, empowers high school seniors to engage in philanthropy by granting $10,000 to local organizations serving youth needs. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits within the Lynchburg area. This initiative fosters community awareness and involvement among youth, encouraging them to address local challenges through meaningful contributions. With a focus on volunteerism and charitable giving, the program aims to inspire the next generation of community leaders.

The HRA: Deborah Munroe Noonan Memorial Research Fund Grant, established in 1947, offers up to $160,000 in two-year grants to enhance the lives of children and adolescents with disabilities. Sponsored by Health Resources in Action, the grant supports innovative research and evaluation projects focused on health equity and community engagement in the Greater Boston area. This initiative fosters collaborative efforts between nonprofits and academic institutions to address the unique challenges faced by this vulnerable population.

The Special Education - EI Child & Family Connections program, managed by the Illinois Department of Human Services, aims to provide essential services for families with children under three years old facing challenges like child abuse or neglect. This initiative ensures equitable access to early intervention services throughout Illinois, enhancing the welfare of vulnerable children and promoting their developmental needs effectively.

The Blanche Davis Moore Foundation Grant Program aims to support non-profit organizations that adhere to historic Judeo-Christian principles, particularly those benefiting children under 18 in Nueces County and surrounding areas. Established in 1993, this private foundation primarily funds public charities recognized as tax-exempt by the IRS. Grants are provided for religious, educational, and charitable purposes, with a focus on enhancing the rights of private property and minimizing government intervention.