Best Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Grants

The Transformation Grants for Research on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities aim to address the increasing prevalence of developmental disabilities among American children. This initiative focuses on advancing early diagnosis and impactful therapies while removing barriers to equitable access to care. Organizations eligible for funding must primarily serve individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities and be 501(c)(3) registered nonprofits based in Oregon or Washington, ensuring support for the most affected communities.

The Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Topical PCORI Funding aims to support high-quality, patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research (CER) focusing on individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). This funding opportunity recognizes the diversity of conditions under IDD and the varying support needs among individuals. PCORI encourages the use of both person-first and identity-first language, acknowledging the preferences within the disability community, and aims to enhance the quality of healthcare delivery for these populations.

The Adam R. Barnhart Inclusive Athlete Fund Grant supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in Washington County, Maryland, helping them engage in inclusive and competitive athletics. This initiative, part of a broader community foundation, aims to remove barriers related to high costs of adaptive sports equipment and ensure equal opportunities for these athletes. By promoting inclusion and respect, the fund aspires to foster a community where all athletes can thrive.

The Hickory Fund Grant aims to enhance the quality of life for individuals with disabilities in Wisconsin and South Carolina. Funding supports capital campaigns, new programs, general operating support, and social entrepreneurship. Grants under $5,000 require a Letter of Inquiry, while larger grants require both a Letter of Inquiry and a full application. Notably, funds are not allocated for endowments, individual grants, lobbying, scholarships, or medical research.

The Experiential Education Initiative (EEI) Internship, established in 2000, offers a semester-long, paid internship for individuals aged 19 to 30 with intellectual disabilities. This program enhances work-readiness skills while providing access to cultural arts experiences at the Kennedy Center. Interns gain valuable professional and social skills through integrated experiences with college students and staff specialists, ensuring a supportive environment for personal growth and career exploration in the performing arts.

The Inclusive Postsecondary Education (IPSE) Grant Program provides financial assistance to students with intellectual disabilities enrolled in approved programs at Georgia's universities and technical colleges. This grant covers tuition and fees, with awards up to $6,500 per term for USG institutions and $1,334 for TCSG institutions. To qualify, students must meet eligibility criteria, including residency and enrollment status, ensuring access to higher education opportunities.

The WITH Foundation's upcoming RFP cycle opens on July 1, 2026, with decisions from the previous cycle made in February 2026. The foundation aims to improve healthcare for adults with developmental disabilities, emphasizing dignity and comprehensive care. Grants of up to $150,000 are available, with research-focused projects eligible for up to $250,000. Priority is given to applicants with 501(c)(3) status, addressing specific needs in healthcare delivery and advocating for systemic change.

The Tommy Tranchin Award, established by The Dallas Foundation, aims to support North Texas students in grades 8-12 with physical, emotional, or intellectual disabilities. This award encourages creative projects, performances, and skill-building activities, rather than funding college expenses. By honoring Tommy’s adventurous spirit, the award seeks to empower young individuals to explore their talents and pursue new opportunities. Applicants may also seek funding for travel and related expenses, fostering personal growth and exploration.

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 Colleen Maher Inspirational Scholarship supports individuals with intellectual disabilities, aged 18-25, who are current students or graduates of Rockford Public Schools. This scholarship empowers them to pursue post-secondary education and develop skills for independent living. Inspired by Colleen Maher, who overcame challenges associated with Down syndrome, this initiative aims to ensure that others like her can access educational opportunities and work towards their dreams, fostering a more inclusive community.

The 0-5 Maternal Behavioral Health Grant, funded by the California Behavioral Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission, aims to enhance behavioral health services for children aged 0-5 and birthing individuals. With a budget of $1,601,000 over three years, the initiative focuses on providing technical assistance to six grantees, promoting integrated care systems, and ensuring access to essential resources. This collaborative approach seeks to improve outcomes, reduce school failures, and support families in navigating developmental and behavioral health challenges.

Patricia Schroder Memorial Scholarship

Pat had a big heart for helping others and devoted her life to assisting, teaching, and coaching students with disabilities. She worked as a special education teacher's assistant at various schools across the Evergreen School District after earning her Masters, she moved to White Salmon, Washington, where she taught at Columbia High School. In 1994, she moved back to Vancouver and accepted a teaching position at Camas High School where she taught social studies and special education. She retired in 2010 after more than 16 years with the Camas School District.

Pat had a big heart for helping others. She loved and took interest in many of her students throughout her teaching career. She was also actively involved in Special Olympics as a coach and volunteer in addition to providing temporary respite care relief for families of children with special needs.

Additionally, Pat developed a passion for politics at an early age when she first served as a government page at the Washington State Capitol during her senior year in high school. She became an active member in Washington State Democrats, where she attended state democratic caucuses and managed senatorial and legislative campaigns. She also successfully spearheaded the passage of levy and bond election campaigns to support educational programs in the Evergreen School District. Her love for politics later resulted in her running and being elected as Mayor of the city of White Salmon in 1992, where she held the post for two years. Pat enjoyed visiting Frisco, Texas to spend time with her family whenever she could.

Award Amount

2 scholarships are awarded each year. Awards will likely be between $1,000-$1,400.

New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH)

The New Jersey Department of Health leads the state’s response to public health challenges and works to improve health outcomes for all New Jersey residents. Through its three primary branches—Public Health Services, Health Systems, and Integrated Health—the Department collaborates across programs and partners to strengthen New Jersey’s health system. Guided by its mission to protect public health, promote healthy communities, and improve the quality of health care, the Department supports initiatives that advance prevention, system integration, and equitable access to health services statewide.

New Jersey Early Intervention System (NJEIS)

To provide support for statewide network of early intervention services for developementally delayed/disabled childen, birth to age three, and their families

Kuni Foundation

We advance the promise of human potential by investing in cancer research and accelerating the inclusion of individuals experiencing intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

Imagination Grants: Advancing Opportunity and Inclusion for People Experiencing Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Program Focus

Imagination Grants serve as a catalyst for strengthening or expanding the capabilities of an organization in service to its mission. These one-year grants are intended to fulfill an unmet need or provide a spark to advance initiatives or access additional funding in pursuit of broader community goals. 

Statewide Self-advocacy Network for Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

DHS, through its Disability Service Division (STATE), is seeking Proposals from qualified Responders to Establish, Strengthen and Expand a Statewide Self-advocacy Network for Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD).

The term of any resulting contract is anticipated to be for two years from July 1, 2026, until June 30, 2028.

Overview 

Successful Responder selected under this RFP may be responsible for performing following tasks. Detailed obligations and additional measures of performance will be defined in the final negotiated Grant Contract. 

The State seeks a partner capable of strengthening, expanding, and sustaining an active and thriving selfadvocacy network for people with I/DD. This Request for Proposals outlines the services desired by the State and establishes the framework for responder submissions. While the RFP defines the foundational expectations, the detailed obligations and performance measures will be finalized in the negotiated contract.

The successful responder will play a central role in ensuring that individuals with ID/DD are fully informed of their rights in employment, housing, transportation, healthcare, voting, government policy, and other issues pertinent to the ID/DD community. In addition, the responder will provide public education and awareness on civil and human rights, offer funding and technical assistance to selfadvocacy groups statewide, and develop communication systems that support informationsharing across the network.

 Funding Availability

A total of $381,350 is available each year for up to five years, depending on the contract duration. The state intends to award a single grant, which must demonstrate statewide reach and impact. Generally, matching funds are not permitted; however, if an opportunity for matching funds becomes available, the grantee should consult with DHS regarding a potential contract amendment. An organization receiving a grant under this subdivision may use a portion of grant revenue determined by the commissioner for administration and general operating costs. DHS Disability Services permits up to 10% of the total grant award to be used for grant administration. 

Funding will be allocated through a competitive process with review by a committee representing content and, if applicable, community specialists with regional knowledge. If selected, Responder may only incur eligible expenditures when the contract is fully executed and the grant has reached its effective date.

Helpers Community Grants

Helpers Community cares deeply about nonprofits that enrich the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities. Helpers Community is dedicated to supporting nonprofit agencies and individuals that help those who provide residential care, recreation, and job training programs to Adults with developmental disabilities. Helpers Community grants fund 501(c)(3) organizations that serve individuals with developmental disabilities, with priority given to those in the state of California.

Organizations that qualify through their commitment to serve Adults with developmental disabilities can apply for grants for infrastructure and materials for specific programs or projects, including facility improvement projects, but not for general operating support and/or salaries.

The amount of funding requested, keeping in mind our typical grant awards range from $15,000 to $25,000, and if any other potential funders have been approached or have committed to fund a portion of this infrastructure need.

New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities

The New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) is responsible for coordinating services for New Yorkers with developmental disabilities, including intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorders, Prader-Willi syndrome and other neurological impairments. We provide services directly and through a network of approximately 450 nonprofit service providing agencies.

Community Transition Initiative for People With Developmental Disabilities

OPWDD is working to finalize the 2025-26 Community Transition Initiative for People with Developmental Disabilities. OPWDD will require the submission of a completed attestation from the participating providers.​

A community transitional funding payment will be made by the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (“OPWDD”) to qualifying Providers for person(s) they are willing and able to support and who qualify as follows:

Community Transitional Funding Payment of $100,000 for each person who:

• Has completed or will complete by August 2026 their educational program from an approved residential school placement and are unmatched from previously issued Letter of Intent (LOI) and/or Certified Residential Opportunity (CRO) Referrals and will be served in an existing vacant opportunity; and
• Has been reviewed and approved by the Regional Office.

Community Transitional Funding Payment of $200,000 for each person who:

• Has been deemed ready for discharge from an Intensive Treatment Facility (ITO), is on the CRO list, is unmatched with a provider and will be served in an existing vacant opportunity;
• Has been in the hospital as of 12/31/25 and been deemed ready for discharge, is on the CRO list, is unmatched with a provider and will be served in an existing vacant opportunity; or
• Is a Willowbrook class member who has been discharged to a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) and has indicated a desire to return to the community and will be served in an existing facility.
• All people must be reviewed and approved by the Regional Office.

Training Conferences Co-Sponsorship Funds Award

These federal grant funds are intended for trainings that will assist people with developmental disabilities to increase their independence, productivity, self-determination, integration, and inclusion (IPSII) in the community.

Organizations will receive up to a $2,000 award.

Targeted audience:

People with developmental disabilities and their families, as well as advocates, providers, or professionals. The conference/training can be marketed to a local community, region of the state, or statewide. Please note your target audience(s) and encourage attendance by persons from diverse and marginalized populations.

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

Empowering Independent Living Grant

(F) providing training or technical assistance for professionals (including individuals providing education and rehabilitation services), employers, or other individuals who provide services to, employ, or are otherwise substantially involved in the major life functions of, an individual with developmental disabilities.

Independence: People with I/DD will have tools and skills needed to lead self-determined lives.

By expanding support and resources annually, people with I/IDD living alone for the first time and involved in future planning will have improved outcomes.

Develop methods to improve the support and resources for those living away from family for the first time.

The FCIDD McNulty Scientist Award, offered by the Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, provides $75,000 annually for three years to support interdisciplinary research on neurodevelopmental disorders. This award aims to enhance understanding of conditions like autism and intellectual disabilities, encouraging collaborations across at least two university departments. Since its inception in 2004, the Foundation has contributed over $3 million in grants and aims to improve the lives of individuals affected by developmental disabilities.

The AMHTA Partnership Grant, administered by the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority, aims to improve the lives of beneficiaries through impactful programs and projects. This grant supports organizations that serve individuals with mental illness, developmental disabilities, and substance-related disorders. Grants are typically one-time awards up to $50,000, focusing on prevention, pilot projects, and inclusive initiatives that directly benefit Trust beneficiaries. Eligible organizations must demonstrate a clear connection to the targeted beneficiary group.

The Eitas Grant Program, managed by Developmental Disability Services of Jackson County, offers vital funding to support individuals with developmental disabilities in Jackson County, Missouri. Established over 35 years ago, the program prioritizes community inclusion, transportation, crisis prevention, and equitable housing access. Grants are awarded to nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status that directly assist these individuals and their families, ensuring they receive necessary services and support to thrive in their communities.

The Community Responsive Grants, offered by the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) in partnership with the Otto Bremer Trust, aim to support organizations addressing critical community needs in south central and southeastern Minnesota. Grants of up to $75,000 will be awarded to eligible nonprofits focusing on areas such as literacy, children's health, and mental health. Applicants must have a 501(c)(3) designation and a proven operational history of at least five years.

The NAILBA Charitable Foundation Grant aims to support small, well-managed U.S. charities that assist those in need, particularly children. Grants are available to organizations with backing from a NAILBA member and that meet specific criteria, such as nonsectarian operation and appropriate fiscal accountability. Since its inception in 2002, the foundation has invested in community transformation by funding initiatives that directly engage in beneficial services, thereby enhancing the welfare of underprivileged groups.

Foothills Gateway, Inc. is now accepting grant applications for the 2024-25 Fiscal Year to enhance services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Larimer County. Funding of up to $50,000 is available for projects that improve community integration, provide behavioral health services, and support educational independence. Organizations are encouraged to apply for capital projects exceeding this limit, as each request will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

The Share the Bounty Grant, offered by The Andersons Inc Charitable Foundation, aims to enhance the quality of life in communities through support for agriculture, social services, civic engagement, education, arts, and health initiatives. By investing in these key areas, The Andersons seeks to foster environments where individuals and families can thrive, ensuring a sustainable and vibrant future for all residents in the regions they serve.

The Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine offers the annual CFGM: Impact Grant to support non-profit organizations enhancing the quality of life in Muscatine County. With various funds available, including the County Endowment Re-Granting Program and others targeting specific needs like mental disabilities and homelessness, grants can reach up to $117,888.27. Applicants must be non-profits, schools, or government units serving the region. Each program has a $10,000 limit and requires final reports within 10 months.