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Find funding for programs supporting individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities and their families.
157
Available grants
$29.6M
Total funding
$25K
Median grant
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About Colin Farrell FoundationThe Colin Farrell Foundation is committed to transforming the lives of individuals and families living with intellectual disability through education, awareness, advocacy, and innovative programs. Inspired by his two sons, he is excited and deeply humbled by the hope that the Colin Farrell Foundation can help those who the larger systems of governance have neglected.
CFF Innovation GrantsWe’re looking for bold, scalable solutions focused on one or more of these priority areas:
Burger Family Foundatio
Our Mission
Inspired by our daughter Penelope and the powerful symbolism of the extra 21st chromosome, our foundation is dedicated to creating opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome and their families. Through direct financial assistance, therapy, community, and the healing power of ranch life, we’re building spaces that foster hope, purpose, and belonging.
Pens Pearls
Named after Penelope, Pens Pearls is the financial support arm of our foundation, providing direct assistance to families navigating the unique joys and challenges of raising a child with a disability. From therapy grants to life-changing opportunities, we’re here to lighten the load and ensure every child has the resources they need to thrive.
Through Pens Pearls, eligible families can apply for funding to help cover essential needs, services, or opportunities that make a meaningful impact in their lives. The Burger Family Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization, and this program is one of the ways we work to create lasting change—one story at a time.
Qualifications for Pens Pearls Grant Program, are deemed by the strict bylaws of the Burger Family Foundation. Funds are paid directly to provider.
About
Our Mission
The mission of the Oklahoma City Community Foundation, a nonprofit public charity, is to serve the charitable purposes of its donors and the charitable needs of the Oklahoma City area through the development and administration of endowment and other charitable funds with the goal of preserving capital and enhancing value.
About the Donna Nigh Foundation
In 1985, friends of Donna Nigh formed the Donna Nigh Foundation as a birthday present and in recognition of Mrs. Nigh’s commitment and work on behalf of the state’s developmentally disabled residents, a cause she has championed since 1968. Since its inception, the Donna Nigh Foundation has awarded grants helping thousands of Oklahomans and their families. Many of these grants provide funding for adaptive equipment for individuals in private residences, group homes and schools with the goal of helping these individuals be as self-sufficient as possible.
Grants for Individuals
The Donna Nigh Foundation supports assistance for adaptive equipment (not services) such as:
One-time grants up to $2,500 will be awarded.
Mel’s Charities
Through our many events, random acts of kindness, outreach and advocacy efforts, we strive to create a more inclusive and supportive environment, empowering individuals and enriching the whole Ozaukee County community. We do this with a focus on individuals with disabilities, establishing memorials and community impact initiatives.
Getting involved with Mel’s Charities can be a personally fulfilling way to impact lives in our community. Whether you’re a Doer who volunteers, a Donor who supports our mission with events on our behalf, a Door Opener who introduces others to our team, a Dreamer with big ideas… or all four of them…you’re making a difference you can see every day.
Mel’s Charities Grant
At Mel’s Charities, our mission is having fun as we impact lives in Ozaukee County. Since 1999, we have awarded grants and other gifts to eligible individuals and organizations in our community.
Mel’s Charities only supports nonprofit organizations serving Ozaukee County and grant requests must fall within at least one of the following funding areas:
Texas Council on Developmental Disabilities
TCDD is governed by a 27-member Council that includes people with developmental disabilities (DD), family members, and representatives from state agencies, university centers for excellence in DD, and other organizations.
TCDD helps people with developmental disabilities (DD) achieve their potential for independence, productivity, and integration into their communities through the development of a comprehensive system of services and supports.
Conference and Event Stipends
Enhancing opportunities to attend disability-related events.
TCDD has funding available for Conference and Event Stipends to support people with developmental disabilities (DD) and family members attending disability-related events in Texas. Stipends are also available to support disability-related speakers at events.
Funding for these stipends is made available to TCDD through a grant from the U.S. Administration for Community Living (ACL), Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C.
Stipend Intent
Conference and Event Stipends enable people with DD and their family members to attend established in-state professional or informational events such as conferences, workshops, seminars, or legislative advocacy training sessions. These events should provide participants with information and awareness about best practices in services and supports to people with DD or directly promote self-advocacy and self-determination. TCDD believes that participation in such events enhances opportunities for people with DD to exercise choice and control in their lives and can promote independence, productivity, and community inclusion of people with DD.
The stipends are limited to Texas residents who are not eligible for conference, workshop, or training reimbursement from other organizations of which they are an employee or a member.
Stipend Requirements
Applications must:
Texas Council on Developmental Disabilities
TCDD is governed by a 27-member Council that includes people with developmental disabilities (DD), family members, and representatives from state agencies, university centers for excellence in DD, and other organizations.
TCDD helps people with developmental disabilities (DD) achieve their potential for independence, productivity, and integration into their communities through the development of a comprehensive system of services and supports.
Translation & Interpretation Stipends
Reducing language barriers to access services and supports.
TCDD has funding available to support translation and interpretation services to reduce linguistic barriers among individuals with developmental disabilities (DD) and families to access services and supports in Texas. Funding for these stipends is made available to the TCDD through a grant from the U.S. Administration for Community Living (ACL), Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C.
Stipend Intent
TCDD stipend support is available to organizations or agencies to translate printed materials or provide verbal or American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation services to reduce linguistic barriers and support people with DD and families. Translation may be offered to improve understanding and access to services and support or to inform people with DD and their families about their rights.
These stipends are intended to help reduce linguistic barriers so that all people with disabilities are fully included in their communities and exercise control over their own lives.
Stipend Requirements
The request must demonstrate that:
Limitations
TCDD stipends are intended to provide support to individuals and family members who would otherwise be unable to participate. Stipend awards should prioritize Texas residents who have not previously attended the event.
Terms
Multiple applications from an organization may be considered until the maximum allowed funding amount is reached.
Requests for Reimbursement (RARs) and activity reports must be submitted within 30 days after the translation or interpretation is completed. Payments are made based on reimbursement after the event is conducted. Documentation and receipts are required for all expenditures.
About Us
The mission of the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council (Ohio DD Council) is to create change that improves independence, productivity and inclusion for people with developmental disabilities and their families in community life. The Ohio DD Council operates under the authority of the federal Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 (DD Act) and is a part of the Ohio DD Network. The Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities assists and supports the Ohio DD Council as the federally mandated designated state agency.
All In Play: Empowering Inclusive Sports in K-12 Schools
This grant will support the development and expansion of inclusive K–12 athletic programs that increase access to meaningful participation for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), including those with significant support needs. The goal is to build school and community capacity, not to deliver direct services.
Grantees will implement a train‑the‑trainer model that equips school staff, coaches, and university partners with practical strategies for inclusive sports program design, adaptive coaching, and peer‑to‑peer engagement. Projects must include approaches that prepare trainers to support students across the full spectrum of abilities and to train student peers in disability awareness, communication, and inclusive teamwork.
Funded activities may include developing training materials, delivering trainer sessions, providing technical assistance to schools, building partnerships with university PT/OT programs, and collecting best practices. Projects should emphasize sustainability, replication, and long‑term systems change.
Applicants should demonstrate the ability to:
This grant aligns with ODDC priorities by promoting community inclusion, strengthening local capacity, supporting cross‑disability participation, and fostering collaborative partnerships that lead to lasting systemic change.
Youth and young adults with developmental disabilities often experience a loss of services and support as they move from school-based systems into adult life. This transition can be especially difficult for individuals in underserved communities, where access to services is limited and navigation is complex. Families may not know where to turn, and many individuals fall through the cracks.
This project addresses these challenges by funding community-based organizations that are committed to outreach, equity, and inclusion. Programs will be expected to identify individuals who are not currently connected to services and help them access individualized supports and adapted community resources. Services must be designed to meet the needs of diverse populations and delivered in partnership with local systems, including County Boards of Developmental Disabilities.
Notice of Funds Available (RFP): Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council
Untapped Potential
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 Ohio, state policymakers are committed to ensuring individuals with developmental disabilities have greater opportunities for employment and advancement of their careers. Individuals with developmental disabilities can use their strengths and talents to increase their income, have a sense of accomplishment and create their own social identity. Employer engagement is essential to furthering this progress.
Hiring people with disabilities is good for business. However, many employers are not aware of this untapped resource or how to effectively recruit, retain and advance people with disabilities.
Business associations in Ohio promote the growth and prosperity of a specific community, region, sector or function of business, by supporting businesses, attracting new investment, and creating jobs. They offer various services like networking opportunities, advocacy, and resources to help businesses grow and thrive within the community. They act as a voice for the region or community and work to improve the local economy. These can include Chambers of Commerce, economic development organizations, safety councils, manufacturing associations, Ohio Means Jobs Centers etc.
Business associations could be a valuable resource in reaching employers who are not aware of this untapped resource. The Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council (ODDC) will fund a project to reach business associations across Ohio to inform them of the benefits of hiring people with disabilities.
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.
Notice of Funds Available (RFP): Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council
Strengthening Advocacy in Ohio
Advocacy: People with I/DD, their family members and others will participate in and have information about a broad range of leadership and advocacy development opportunities
Annually, council will provide support to strengthen a state advocacy organization led by individuals with I/DD, opportunities for people with disabilities to provide other people with disabilities training and expand participation in cross-disability and culturally diverse leadership.
The DD Act, as reauthorized, includes a requirement that every Developmental Disabilities Council address these three areas:
(I) establish or strengthen a program for the direct funding of a State self-advocacy organization led by individuals with developmental disabilities;
(II) support opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities who are considered leaders to provide leadership training to individuals with developmental disabilities who may become leaders; and
(III) support and expand participation of individuals with developmental disabilities in cross-disability and culturally diverse leadership
Notice of Funds Available (RFP): Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council
27PP01FA27: Statewide Legislative Advocacy Training and Engagement (SLATE)
This project will be responsible for conducting an annual, large-scale grassroots advocacy event at the Ohio Statehouse during Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month to connect people with disabilities, their families, and stakeholders directly with legislators and staff.
The project will also be responsible for hosting regular legislative briefing sessions throughout the year to ensure lawmakers and staff have the knowledge and context to make informed policy decisions that benefit people with developmental disabilities.
Notice of Funds Available (RFP): Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council
UPWARD for Youth: Unlocking Potential with Advocacy, Resources and Development for Youth
(K) (i) DEMONSTRATION OF NEW APPROACHES TO SERVICES AND SUPPORTS. The Council may support and conduct, on a time-limited basis, activities to demonstrate new approaches to serving individuals with developmental disabilities that are a part of an overall strategy for systemic change. The strategy may involve the education of policymakers and the public about how to deliver effectively, to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families, services, supports, and assistance that contribute to the achievement of the purpose of this subtitle.
Advocacy: People with I/DD, their family members and others will participate in and have information about a broad range of leadership and advocacy development opportunities
People with I/DD will learn self-advocacy and leadership skills each year and put the skills into practice
Notice of Funds Available (RFP): Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council
Leadership in Action
Advocacy: People with I/DD, their family members and others will participate in and have information about a broad range of leadership and advocacy development opportunities.
People with I/DD will learn self-advocacy and leadership skills each year and put the skills into practice.
H.B. 33 states:
By passing Ohio H.B. 33, Ohio will increase the number of people with developmental disabilities serving as members of county boards of DD. In order to ensure members of county boards of DD have an understanding of the DD system and can meaningfully participate, the ODDC funded People First of Ohio to complete an assessment of the needs of current and past members (when available) that participated on executive boards, including County Boards of DD.
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.
Notice of Funds Available (RFP): Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council
Money at Work Grant
(7) with education and support, communities can be accessible to and responsive to the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families and are enriched by full and active participation in community activities, and contributions, by individuals with developmental disabilities and their families; (C) include activities related to interagency coordination and systems integration that result in improved and enhanced services, supports, and other assistance that contribute to and protect the self-determination, independence, productivity, and integration and inclusion in all facets of community life, of individuals with developmental disabilities.
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, people with I/DD will have additional tools to improve employment outcomes as well as make informed decisions to live the life they want.
Notice of Funds Available (RFP): Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council
Planning for a Successful Future 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.
Development of a method to support people with developmental disabilities and their family members in the Future Planning process.
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.
Notice of Funds Available (RFP): Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council
DSP Workforce Expansion in Excellence 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 pipelines into the DSP field and transportation options annually, people with I/IDD will have valuable support to live the life they want.
Notice of Funds Available (RFP): Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council
RightFit Resources: Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Access Initiative
(7) (4) ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SERVICE.—The term ‘‘assistive technology service’’ means any service that directly assists an individual with a developmental disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device. Such term includes— (E) providing training or technical assistance for an individual with a developmental disability, or, where appropriate, a family member, guardian, advocate, or authorized representative of an individual with a developmental disability;
People with I/DD and their family members will have access to services and resources so they can participate fully in their communities
Increase the availability of and access to essential resources and services annually for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
Notice of Funds Available (RFP): Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council
Confidence in Action: Self-Defense Training for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities
individuals with developmental disabilities and their families have competencies, capabilities, and personal goals that should be recognized, supported, and encouraged, and any assistance to such individuals should be provided in an individualized manner, consistent with the unique strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, and capabilities of such
People with I/DD will have tools and skills needed to lead self-determined lives.
By 2032, increase tools and skills available to people with I/DD to lead self-determined lives.
This initiative empowers individuals with developmental disabilities by providing a customized self-defense program that prioritizes safety, independence, and self-confidence. By equipping participants with practical, real-world skills, the program not only reduces vulnerability but also enhances personal agency and resilience.
Through a focus on inclusion and empowerment, the initiative strengthens community connections, supports physical and emotional well-being, and offers families a greater sense of security. Ultimately, it aims to establish a scalable, statewide model that fosters long-term safety, personal development, and meaningful community integration for people with developmental disabilities.
What We Fund
Our founder, Tom Golisano, has deep and personal interest in supporting projects and initiatives that enhance the dignity and independence of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and that build inclusive communities. The Golisano Foundation is committed to improving the lives of people with IDD through transformational investments in organizations working to create inclusive communities where all citizens are valued as productive members of society.
With this in mind, the Foundation has adopted the following areas for funding consideration:
We are willing and eager to partner with grantees, as appropriate, to achieve thes goals and maximize impact. Therefore the approval of a grant will be followed up with careful monitoring of the project as it unfolds. The devil is in the details, and to give responsibly means remaining involved as the project proceeds. While we rely on competent agency staff, outside consultants, and expert advisors to help us make reasoned decisions on funding and monitor the implementation of funded projects, we believe that the Foundation’s involvement in the details of a project is important to the beneficiary and the community we serve.
Grants for intellectual and developmental disabilities provide funding to support education, advocacy, and services for individuals with disabilities. The following grants help nonprofits enhance inclusion, improve access to resources, and empower people with diverse abilities to thrive.
Find 55 funding opportunities for disability programs, with $25.3M available. Instrumentl connects nonprofits with relevant funding sources, offering deadline tracking, grant-matching tools, and funder research to drive inclusion and accessibility initiatives.
How common are grants in this category?
Uncommon — grants in this category are less prevalent than in others.
Over the past year, when are grant deadlines typically due for Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities grants?
Most grants are due in the first quarter.
What's the typical grant amount funded for Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Grants?
Grants are most commonly $50,000.
Instrumentl helps nonprofits find and apply for grants related to intellectual and developmental disabilities. It simplifies the process by providing a list of relevant funding opportunities, tracking important deadlines, and offering insights into what funders are looking for. This makes it easier for organizations to manage multiple applications and focus on their mission. Learn how Cy-Hope increased their grant submissions by 50%.
Nonprofits, advocacy organizations, special education programs, medical professionals, and research organizations focused on helping individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities are eligible to apply. Many grants also fund family support services and workforce inclusion initiatives.
Based on Instrumentl’s live grant database for intellectual and developmental disabilities, grant deadlines are most common in Q1, accounting for 32.7% of all submission dates. The slowest period for new grant opportunities in this category falls in Q4, making it a less competitive time for preparation and strategic planning.
These grants strive to improve the quality of life, access to services, and personal independence of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Funders support initiatives that enhance healthcare access, early intervention, education, and community integration.
On average, grants for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities provide funding between $1,500 and $18,739,565, with typical awards falling around $50,000 (median) and $562,774 (average). These insights can help nonprofits align their funding requests with what grantmakers typically offer in this space.
Organizations such as The Arc, the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR), the Administration for Community Living (ACL), and private disability-focused foundations provide funding.
Some state and local governments provide funding to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through various programs. Additionally, organizations like the FAR Fund offer funding for initiatives focused on social and emotional learning, family services, and intellectual and developmental disabilities.
To optimize grant strategies, nonprofits should:
For additional guidance, explore our step-by-step guide to crafting compelling grant proposals.