Best Grants for Nonprofits Serving Disabled

Section 5310 Specialized Transportation for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities

The Section 5310 program provides funding to private non-profits and local governments to offer transportation services for the elderly and persons with disabilities. While these services are typically for specific clients, they can be extended to all elderly persons, persons with disabilities, and the general public once the immediate needs are met. 

Funding Requirements

• Capital Purchase: 80% funded by KDOT, 20% by local share. 
• Operating Expenses: No federal assistance; state assistance covers 70% (up to $5,000 per agency per year), with a 30% local share.  

The Institute of Education Sciences (IES) invites transformative research proposals aimed at addressing critical challenges in special education. The FY 2027 focus is on developing innovative preservice teacher education solutions that enhance the recruitment, training, and retention of both general and special education teachers. This initiative aims to significantly improve educational outcomes for students with disabilities, fostering high-quality instruction and scalable solutions to benefit future educators.

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 No Wrong Door System Modernization funding aims to enhance access to services for older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers. By modernizing NWD systems, states can improve service navigation through innovative strategies and technology, including AI. This initiative supports the Administration for Community Living's efforts to connect individuals to vital resources and build evidence on effective service access methods, ensuring a person-centered approach to community living.

The Louis H. Shaman Charitable Foundation, established by Louis H. Shaman, offers grants to support organizations aiding senior residents in Maryland. With an average of five grants awarded annually, the foundation prioritizes 501(c)(3) exempt organizations that benefit the elderly, disadvantaged, and disabled. Organizations that have exceeded 15% in fundraising expenses over two years are ineligible. Applications are reviewed during the foundation's annual grant meeting.

The Verne P. Jackson and Rose Marie Jackson Charitable Trust Grant provides crucial financial assistance to organizations supporting physically handicapped individuals within a 100-mile radius of Omaha, Nebraska. Established by Verne P. Jackson, the trust aims to empower those facing physical challenges, drawing from personal experiences with disability. Administered by Wells Fargo Bank, it typically awards one to two grants annually, focusing on assisting organizations that promote productive and rewarding lives for the handicapped.

This funding opportunity from the US HHS Administration for Community Living aims to support innovative community-based nutrition models that enhance health outcomes for older adults participating in Senior Nutrition Programs. Projects should focus on improving access to healthy foods, promoting healthy aging, and developing sustainable practices. By fostering community partnerships, the initiative seeks to replicate successful strategies across the Aging Network, ultimately improving the quality of life for seniors nationwide.

The Learning Disabilities Research Centers program, supported by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, aims to enhance outcomes for children with learning disabilities such as dyslexia and dyscalculia. This initiative promotes collaborative research to improve SLD identification, understanding genetic factors, and testing innovative interventions. By fostering mentorship and collaboration, the program seeks to empower the next generation of researchers and enhance educational strategies for affected youth.

The Robert J. Keown Trust, established in 1934, provides financial assistance to needy Christians through grants to charitable organizations. Managed by Wells Fargo Bank N.A., the trust focuses on supporting organizations that benefit residents of Los Angeles County. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt. Preference is given to requests aiding needy Christians and elderly women. The trust awards an average of four grants per year, fostering community support and outreach.

The Charles B. Mathis Memorial Trust Grant supports residents of Ocean County, NJ, focusing on the elderly, poor, sick, and handicapped. Established by Henry C. Mathis, the trust promotes education, good government, and morals. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt and operate locally to qualify. Preference is given to educational initiatives and assistance programs. Applications are accepted year-round, with a submission deadline of April 15 for annual reviews.

The Fox Family Foundation Grant focuses on empowering individuals with disabilities through workforce development, education, and advocacy. By promoting accessibility and inclusion, the foundation creates opportunities for differently-abled individuals to thrive in their careers. With a commitment to innovative programs and partnerships, it seeks to bridge the gap in funding for disability initiatives, ensuring equitable access to meaningful careers and education for all.

The Anne Brossman Sweigart Charitable Foundation Grant focuses on supporting local nonprofits in the Greater Denver and Ephrata areas. With a commitment to empowering the community, this foundation honors a legacy of over 90 years by providing financial assistance to various sectors including food banks, education, arts, and historical preservation. By uplifting these organizations, the foundation aims to create a lasting positive impact for future generations.

The Amicus Foundation, established in 2015, is dedicated to supporting non-profit organizations that focus on families, faith, conservation, health, veterans, and education. Through matching grants, the foundation aims to maximize impact by aligning financial resources with effective charitable initiatives. Their mission is to foster a healthy family environment, which they believe is essential for the success of the nation. The foundation emphasizes strategic investments to ensure positive outcomes for communities.

The Barbara Stone Foundation

Barbara Stone served as a champion for individuals with disabilities and the Foundation strives to continue her legacy. The Barbara Stone Foundation is a 501 (C) 3 non-profit organization based in Greenville County, South Carolina.

Our primary focus is to influence community systems policies and culture to result in equitable opportunities for individuals with disabilities. We do this by identifying gaps in the system, investing in or creating our own innovative programs, leveraging partnerships in the community and through our signature initiative Greenville CAN. Greenville CAN is a multi-stakeholder collective impact coalition focused on creating systemic community change through specific community projects focused on people with disabilities. Through our multi-faceted approach we believe we can achieve our vision of a community where all people with disabilities flourish.

Barbara Stone Foundation: Community Innovations Grant

The Barbara Stone Foundation is committed to empowering individuals with disabilities. One of the ways we do this is by investing in innovative programs and initiatives that address unmet needs and provide creative solutions for the disability community in the Upstate of South Carolina. Our Community Innovations Grant program prioritizes applications that propose groundbreaking approaches to bridging service gaps and fostering inclusion. Our hope is that creative individuals and organizations in our community’s amazing network of providers will develop new ways to ensure our community is place where individuals with disabilities flourish.

About SCF

What is SCF?

The Shoreview Community Foundation (SCF) was established in 2008 by community leaders who understood that the solutions to some community needs were more suited to citizen initiative than to governmental action. Since then, SCF has awarded financial support to trusted non-profit grantees, who have then provided valuable, targeted services in the Shoreview area.

Our Mission:

To maintain, enhance and enrich the quality of life in Shoreview by connecting the generosity of our residents with the community’s evolving needs.

Fulfilling the Mission facilitates Shoreview being a more just, prosperous, enjoyable, healthy, and attractive place to live. Grants provided bring to reality opportunities to accomplish many of the following community-focused goals:

• Building bridges and growing interconnectedness
• Strengthening education
• Cultivating healthy youth
• Fulfilling the dreams of youth and adults
• Supporting justice and equality
• Protecting our natural environment of lakes, parkland and open spaces
• Supporting human rights
• Encouraging health and fitness
• Creating opportunities for cultural expression
• Learning from the past and honoring our heritage

The Advanced Rehabilitation Research Training (ARRT) Program aims to enhance the research capabilities of individuals with advanced degrees, focusing on disability and rehabilitation research related to employment outcomes. Funded by the US HHS Administration for Community Living, this grant offers a 36-month project period, supporting multidisciplinary training for researchers, including those with disabilities, to contribute to high-quality research in the field.

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.

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 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.

The Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR) Phase II aims to enhance technological innovation in the private sector, focusing on improving the lives of individuals with disabilities through research and development. Administered by the US HHS Administration for Community Living, this program supports small businesses in addressing the needs of these individuals. Grants are available for a 24-month project period, allowing projects to expand upon Phase I results to achieve greater commercial application and societal impact.

The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, Phase I, aims to stimulate technological innovation in the private sector, enhancing the role of small businesses in meeting Federal research needs. Specifically, ACL's SBIR program focuses on improving the lives of individuals with disabilities through research and development products. The initiative includes 11 grants with a 6-month project period to assess the feasibility of innovative concepts, contributing to economic and social benefits.

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 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 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 Advanced Rehabilitation Research Training (ARRT) Program, funded by the US HHS: Administration for Community Living, aims to enhance the skills of researchers in the field of disability and rehabilitation. By providing advanced training over a three-year period, this program focuses on improving community living and participation outcomes for individuals with disabilities. It seeks to equip scholars with the necessary tools to conduct high-quality, multidisciplinary research, ultimately benefiting the disability community.

The Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Recreational, Sport, and Exercise Technologies for People with Disabilities aims to enhance rehabilitation services through innovative technological solutions. This initiative focuses on promoting health and exercise among individuals with disabilities by addressing unique rehabilitation challenges. Funded by the US HHS Administration for Community Living, the project spans 60 months, involving advanced research and development to create effective support mechanisms and overcome environmental barriers.

The Field Initiated Projects Program aims to foster new research and develop solutions that enhance the inclusion and independence of individuals with disabilities. This initiative focuses on generating scientific knowledge and understanding critical issues faced by these populations, particularly those with significant support needs. With a total of 16 grants available over a 36-month period, this program encourages innovative approaches that support employment, living arrangements, and caregiver involvement.