Best Grants for Nonprofits Serving Disabled

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.

The 2025-2026 Discipline and Behavior Supports Grant, overseen by the Texas Education Agency, aims to enhance educational practices for students with disabilities. This program focuses on developing technical assistance and professional development resources, addressing behavioral interventions and alternatives to exclusionary discipline. It intends to support educators in effectively managing challenging behaviors and improving outcomes for students. By fostering collaboration among stakeholders, the grant seeks to ensure that all voices are heard in the educational process.

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 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 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 Crystal Charity Ball Grant has been supporting children's charities in Dallas County since 1952, distributing over $191 million to 160 beneficiaries. In the past year, the committee raised $7,093,665 to aid seven local organizations, providing children with hope and resources for a healthier future. This initiative thrives on the generosity of donors and community members, making a significant impact on the lives of children in need.

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.

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.

The 100 Men of Dane County Grants provide essential funding to 501(c)3 organizations that focus on supporting children and families in Dane County, WI. The grant process involves a rigorous review by the Executive Board, which selects three organizations to advance based on measurable outcomes. Each selected organization must submit a video proposal to further detail their programs, reinforcing the organization's commitment to making a significant impact in the community.

The Variety Grant Program, run by Variety – the Children’s Charity of Iowa, offers funding to nonprofits dedicated to supporting at-risk and underprivileged children. Annually, various agencies can apply for grants that aid in critical care, camp activities, and transportation for children facing health challenges or poverty. The program emphasizes tangible projects that directly benefit children, ensuring that applicants demonstrate financial stability and organizational impact.

The Community Foundation of Abilene offers the Future Fund Grants to support 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in Abilene that serve children and youth. Since 1985, the foundation has awarded over $100 million in grants, aiming to enhance the quality of life in the region. Eligible organizations must comply with previous grant reporting requirements and can propose innovative projects that align with the foundation's mission to uplift the community.

Virginia Natural Gas offers a Charitable Giving program focusing on children and education, particularly supporting programs that assist those with physical, medical, or educational challenges. Emphasizing STEM initiatives for K-12 students, the grant is available to IRS-designated 501(c)(3) organizations in their service area. However, they do not fund individuals, religious organizations, or private K-12 schools, ensuring their contributions make a meaningful impact in the community.

The Kansas City Royals Foundation Grants Program has distributed over $25 million since 2001, focusing on Literacy and Education, Healthy and Active Communities, and Military and Veteran Support. Key initiatives include scholarships for underrepresented students, youth engagement through sports, and veteran recognition at games. Organizations within the greater Kansas City area are encouraged to apply, particularly those with budgets under $5 million. The foundation prioritizes projects aligning with its strategic pillars, fostering community growth and support.

YEP STL! is a grant initiative where high-school students come together to support organizations benefiting youth in the St. Louis area. With a focus on areas such as mentoring, arts, STEM, and fitness, the program aims to distribute $12,000 among selected 501(c)(3) public charities that cater to youth aged 0-18. This collaborative effort fosters civic engagement and philanthropy among young individuals while addressing critical community needs.

The Kenosha Community Foundation offers Field of Interest Grants to support various philanthropic interests through specific funds. These grants assist local non-profit organizations in enhancing community welfare, arts, education, and services for vulnerable populations. Funds like the ANVK Field of Interest Endowment support elderly residents, while the Kenosha Arts Fund enhances cultural life. The Foundation's responsive grant-making adapts to community needs, ensuring impactful contributions to enhance quality of life across Kenosha.

The Community Fund Ohio - Individual Grant provides financial support to Ohio residents with disabilities and nonprofits serving them. This program offers two types of grants: the Special Needs Grant with Financial Hardship, which assists those receiving SSI or Medicaid, and the Special Needs Grant for those not receiving these benefits. Applications are accepted year-round, with quarterly deadlines for review, aimed at enhancing community access and addressing specific disability-related needs.

The Tom and Helen Tonkin Foundation Grant supports charitable, educational, and religious organizations that benefit the youth of Wyoming, particularly those in Casper facing challenges due to illness, injury, or poverty. Annually, the foundation awards 5 to 15 grants ranging from $2,000 to $50,000, with a preference for local organizations. This initiative aims to empower young individuals aged 6-21 by providing essential resources and support.

The ASF Family Fund Grant, offered by the Angelman Syndrome Foundation, provides crucial financial assistance to families of individuals with Angelman syndrome. This rare neuro-genetic disorder affects approximately 500,000 people globally. The fund aims to enhance the quality of life for affected individuals, allowing caregivers to apply for up to $5,000 to cover essential needs. Limitations include restrictions on certain expenses and prior grant awards. This initiative aims to support families through education and necessary resources.

The R.D. Beirne Trust Grant aims to support quality human services for underserved populations in Texas, focusing on the physically incapacitated, underprivileged, and elderly. Organizations with annual budgets under $20 million are eligible to apply for various types of funding. Special consideration is given to charities serving the blind, elderly, and orphans in Grayson County. This grant fosters impactful community programs, enhancing the quality of life for those in need.

The Katharine C. Pierce Trust Grant aims to enhance the lives of women in Massachusetts facing challenging circumstances. Focusing on health and human services, it supports nonprofit organizations providing essential services, including homecare and emergency assistance. The grant prioritizes program or capital requests, with a typical award of $10,000 for one year. Applications for direct service grants are due by May 1. Special consideration is given to initiatives benefiting elderly women.

The Tommy Wilson Memorial Grant, established by Dr. George T. Wilson and his wife Irene, honors their son Tommy, who had cerebral palsy. This grant supports recreational programs for individuals with disabilities and aims to positively impact their lives. Applicants must be nonprofit organizations with a successful history of programming for individuals with disabilities. The grant prioritizes programs serving economically disadvantaged individuals and may only fund applicants once every five years.

The ABC Law Centers: Disability Advocacy Scholarship, offered by ABC Law Centers, provides a $1,000 scholarship annually to students pursuing law or public policy careers focused on disability advocacy. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in a U.S. higher education institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0. This initiative aligns with the firm's mission to support families affected by birth injuries, ensuring that future advocates are equipped to address the legal needs of individuals with disabilities.

The Martin Luther King/César Chavez/Rosa Parks Future Faculty Fellowship at Western Michigan University aims to support academically or economically disadvantaged doctoral candidates in their final dissertation stage. Established in 1986, this fellowship provides financial aid averaging around $33,000 to help students complete their degrees. Recipients must fulfill a three-year teaching or administrative obligation at a postsecondary institution in Michigan, ensuring a commitment to education and community service.

Life Enrichment Foundation provides direct funding assistance related to recreational activities for individuals and organizations with developmental and physical challenges in an effort to build self esteem and confidence and enable them to succeed in today’s modern world.

Commitment to Community

Life Enrichment Foundation is a local philanthropy that supports people with disabilities in King County. Through the Foundation, individuals of all ages with physical and mental disabilities receive grants and scholarships to participate in Community-Based Recreational Activities ranging from Plays and Dances to Special Olympics. These individuals then transfer the skills and benefits from these activities into their everyday lives, building character and focus to help them succeed in today's modern world.

Mission Statement

To provide funding and scholarships to groups and individuals in King County, WA to allow them to participate in community-based, recreational activities to build confidence and self-esteem allowing them to succeed in today's modern world.

Scholarships

LEF provides funding and scholarships to community programs and individuals that need our assistance the most. The funding is directed and prioritized for those individuals in our community that have or support physical and mental disabilities and face economic hardships. 

Scholarships are funded based on Income. The maximum scholarship amount allowed in one calendar year (Jan. to Jan.) is not to exceed $500.00 for the calendar year.

The Caroline Peine Charitable Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in Manhattan, Kansas, focusing on projects that benefit the KONZA Prairie and promote recreational development in Keats. The Foundation welcomes applications from local nonprofits addressing various community needs, including the arts, historical preservation, and recreational services. However, it does not fund operating costs for city facilities or religious purposes, ensuring that its support aligns with Caroline Peine's commitment to the community.

Notice of Funds Available (RFP): Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council

Regional Self-Employment Teams

Access People with I/DD and their family members will have access to services and resources so they can participate fully in their communities.

Annually, key stakeholders will receive information on the benefits and resources to hire people with disabilities. This will allow employment and self-employment outcomes to improve for people with disabilities.

In June 2024 the Community Life Engagement Team at the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities initiated the Self Employment Think Tank.

The Self-Employment Think Tank meets to explore self-employment opportunities to advance economic independence and competitive integrated employment options for people with disabilities in Ohio by bringing together entrepreneurs with and without disabilities, regional business development resources, cross system state agency representatives, and professionals and families supporting people with disabilities.  Through collaboration, participants share insights, business ownership pathways, identify gaps, explore funding opportunities, and key resources, as well as connect with existing networks that promote education and support self-employment.

ODDC will support activities that build capacity and systemic change through outreach, training, research, technical assistance, supporting and educating communities, interagency collaboration and coordination, demonstration of new approaches, informing policymakers and eliminating barriers, and system design and redesign.

ODDC will provide funding as outlined below for each year of the project. Proposals should address each year of the project. Proposals should address, if necessary: transportation, accessibility, use of technology, replication, sustainability, if the project reaches entire state or a specific region, cross-disability, and cultural diversity.

• Develop Regional Self-Employment teams in each of the DODD regions.
• Educate people with disabilities, those supporting them and other stakeholders of resources in the community.
• Support people with disabilities to progress in their self-employment.