Best Grants for Nonprofits Serving Disabled

The Rotary Children's Foundation Grant focuses on assisting local charitable organizations that support mentally and physically challenged children in Southwest Alabama. With an annual distribution of nearly $100,000, the grant aims to fund rehabilitative equipment and start-up programs, with an emphasis on organizations committed to serving these vulnerable populations. Applications are accepted until Labor Day, ensuring fair consideration for all submissions, thereby enhancing the lives of disabled children in the community.

The Hans & Cay Jacobsen Charitable Foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of children and young adults in Lake and Sumter Counties, Florida. Founded in 1990, it provides grants to nonprofit organizations that focus on health, education, culture, and recreation. The Foundation prioritizes local initiatives and supports organizations that demonstrate significant community need, while also adhering to IRS regulations for tax-exempt organizations.

The Von Voigtlander Family Foundation Grant, though currently closed, aims to support 501(c)(3) charitable organizations, primarily in Michigan. The foundation emphasizes animal welfare, parks preservation, veteran support, and youth empowerment. Their mission is to enhance lives through community-focused initiatives that foster resilience, education, and well-being. They prioritize charities that promote responsible pet ownership, outdoor recreation, and provide resources for veterans and youth, ensuring a positive impact across multiple sectors.

The Dombal-Vogel Foundation Grant supports children under 18 facing socio-economic challenges, offering funds for physical, mental, educational, adaptive, and legal needs. Established by Helen Dombal and Dolores Vogel in memory of their husbands, the foundation aids individuals and non-profits. Additionally, it provides financial assistance for young adults in health-related studies and those pursuing courses in hydrology, honoring Edward Dombal's legacy in water management.

The FCP Emergency Action Grants provide financial assistance of up to $10,000 to non-profit organizations in Bucks County, PA, to address unforeseen funding reductions or catastrophic events affecting their service delivery. These grants are awarded on a case-by-case basis and require a final report from recipients. Eligible organizations must serve special needs children and families, while requests for routine business issues or maintenance are typically denied.

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.

The Joe W. and Dorothy Dorsett Brown Foundation's Summer Camp Program aims to support overnight camps for children with special needs, particularly those unable to attend other camps. The program prioritizes STEM education and seeks to mitigate summer learning loss through high-quality instruction and academic enrichment. Only camps located in Louisiana or Mississippi are eligible, and applicants must be non-profit organizations operating for at least three years.

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 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 Andrade-Faxon Charities for Children Grant supports programs directly benefiting at-risk children aged 18 and under. Funded by professional golfers, it prioritizes charitable initiatives in Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts, providing grants for essential items like food, playground equipment, and educational supplies. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt and are limited to one funding request annually. Exclusions include capital campaigns and operating reserves, ensuring funds directly enhance children's welfare.

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) administers federal1 and state grant awards to its subgrantees2 to carry out a program. Such entities include primarily school systems (referred to as local educational agencies [LEAs] in statutes), including independent school districts and charter schools; education service centers (ESCs); and, to a lesser degree, institutions of higher education (IHEs), nonprofit organizations (NPOs), and other statutorily allowable organizations. The following Program Guidelines apply to all eligible subgrantees for the designated grant program.

Program Purpose

The 2026-2027 Empowering Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) Educators to Improve Student Outcomes grant will enable Region 10 ESC to administer a program providing funding support for school systems and ESCs seeking training and certification for ECSE professionals during the 2026-2027 school year. The grantee will create a plan for prioritization of funds and determine the funding process for program participants. Trainings will focus on behavior management and inclusive opportunities and will increase ECSE educators to improve student outcomes for children with disabilities, ages 3 through 5 and receiving ECSE services. School systems also can apply for funding through the program to support prekindergarten teachers with dual certification in special education and general education.

The Grace Helen Spearman Foundation Grants aim to honor Ms. Spearman's legacy by supporting organizations and individuals that enhance the lives of the needy in California. With a focus on education, medical research, cultural arts, and assistance for the impoverished and disabled, these grants reflect her commitment to kindness and community welfare. Eligible applicants must be California-based, ensuring that the funds directly benefit local initiatives and uphold Ms. Spearman's vision.

The WAVForce Incentives Project aims to enhance the availability of wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs) in Washington, D.C., by incentivizing drivers and fostering partnerships within the for-hire industry. This initiative, backed by the District of Columbia Department of For-Hire Vehicles, seeks to ensure 24/7 WAV service availability while promoting self-sustainability through strategic collaborations. By dedicating significant funding towards driver incentives, the project intends to improve operational capacity and service quality for the community.

Texas State Library and Archives Commission

The Texas State Library and Archives Commission has been serving the people of Texas for more than a century. Since 1909, when the state founded the agency, we have been supporting the reading, learning, and historical preservation needs of Texas and its people. 

Going back to the days of the Republic, there has always been an official library and archives of Texas. While fulfilling our unique and longstanding place serving Texas government, the State Library and Archives Commission mission is also to ensure that citizens have information they need to lead informed, productive, and fulfilled lives.

TSLAC Special Projects Grant

Goals and Purposes

This grant program provides funds for efforts that will significantly expand library services to include all members of the library’s community, particularly community members who experience barriers when accessing the library and its resources. It enables libraries to develop programs for populations with special needs or those having difficulty using the library. Programs that focus on community engagement or that involve collaboration with other community organizations are strongly encouraged. Programs must emphasize improved services by the library to its patrons.

The proposed program must meet the following LSTA goals as identified in the 2023-2027 LSTA 5- Year Plan (https://www.tsl.texas.gov/ld/pubs/lstaplan/5yearplan):

Goals

• Through Texas libraries, Texans will have access to digital resources and services needed to help them navigate the digital information landscape successfully.
• Texans will have access to library materials and services that support literacy and educational attainment, especially early childhood and family literacy, workforce readiness, and lifelong learning.
• Texans will receive library services from trained library staff that effectively respond to community needs.

The purpose of this grant program is not for collection development or other activities primarily focused on the acquisition of library materials or resources, or digitization projects.

The Ann W. Dooley Advancement Scholarship supports individuals aged 18-25 with intellectual disabilities who reside in Boone, Ogle, Stephenson, or Winnebago County. This scholarship encourages empowerment through education, enabling recipients to enhance their life skills for employment and independence. Established in memory of Ann Dooley, a dedicated educator, this scholarship honors her legacy of service and commitment to helping others. Applicants must provide verification of their disability and enrollment in a post-secondary program.

The Joe Freed Empowerment Fund offers $6,000 in grants to support programs empowering individuals with mental or developmental disabilities in the Copper Country. Managed by the Keweenaw Community Foundation, this initiative is part of a larger $50,000 allocation aimed at addressing various community needs. The fund seeks proposals from eligible 501(c)(3) organizations, educational institutions, and governmental entities, ensuring compliance with the KCF Non-discrimination Policy.

The Harry E. and Eda L. Montandon Charitable Trust Grant provides financial support to Texas-based organizations serving handicapped, disabled, or disadvantaged individuals, including children. Grants range from $10,000 to $125,000, averaging $25,000. Priority is given to requests for capital needs and program support, with a duration of one year. Organizations may submit only one application per calendar year, while requests for endowment funds are not accepted.

The Albert G. and Olive H. Schlink Foundation, established in 1966, has significantly impacted Ohio's nonprofit sector by increasing its annual grant distribution from an initial $500 to over $1.4 million in 2023. The Foundation prioritizes organizations with ties to Erie and Huron Counties and emphasizes thoughtful evaluation of all grant applications. With a focus on community needs, it continues to honor the founders' legacy while adapting to the evolving demands of local nonprofits.

The Honda USA Foundation's Mobility Pillar Award aims to empower individuals with disabilities by funding programs that enhance access and mobility. The foundation supports nonprofit organizations and schools that provide therapeutic, adaptive, and comprehensive care programs, as well as mobility modifications and assistive technology. Applications are accepted from U.S.-based organizations with 501(c)(3) status or fiscal sponsors, ensuring that the joy of mobility is accessible to all.

The Foundation for Developmental Disabilities (FDD) offers program grants to nonprofit organizations in San Diego and Imperial Counties, focusing on innovative projects that enhance the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs). Grants range from $500 to $20,000, supporting areas such as employment, family support, housing, and self-advocacy. The FDD aims to provide equitable access to opportunities that maximize the potential of IDD individuals and their families.

The CFGFW Agile Grants program, offered by the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne, provides funding up to $20,000 for innovative projects that enhance the community's quality of life. Emphasizing diversity and inclusion, these grants support various issue areas, including education, health, and arts. Applications are accepted from March to October, and organizations can apply for new initiatives or significant enhancements to existing programs. This initiative aims to create lasting, positive impacts across Allen County and Northeast Indiana.

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 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 Community Fund Ohio grant program provides financial support to individuals with disabilities living in Ohio and to nonprofit organizations serving this community. Applications can be submitted anytime, with biannual reviews culminating on June 30 and December 15. Grants are designated to meet specific needs related to disabilities and enhance community access. Nonprofit organizations are encouraged to apply, especially during the first quarter for summer camp funding, with decisions made within 45 days after submission.

The Caroline J. S. Sanders Trust 1 Grant, established in 1968, aims to support charitable causes with a focus on education, social welfare, and training for the handicapped. Grants typically range from $2,000 to $15,000, with a preference for organizations based in Pennsylvania. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations. The trust does not fund endowments, general operating expenses, or political support, making it a valuable resource for community-focused initiatives.