Best Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Grants

The Springfield Foundation Competitive Grant supports nonprofits addressing community needs in arts, civic affairs, environment, education, health, and human services. The foundation aims to enhance cultural vitality, civic engagement, environmental conservation, educational readiness, and overall community health. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt and focus on Clark County, Ohio. The foundation prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusion in its initiatives, promoting stability and financial independence for individuals and families.

The Monocacy Foundation Grant provides essential funding to support Frederick County residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Established in 1995, this foundation aims to bridge financial gaps in medical, educational, and recreational needs, ensuring dignity and opportunities for all. Grants cover expenses like vacations, adaptive equipment, and employment training that are often overlooked by other funding sources. Your support can significantly enhance the quality of life for individuals in our community.

The Parent Coalition Heritage Fund for Adults with Special Needs, established in 2011 by the Akron Community Foundation, aims to enhance the quality of life for adults with developmental disabilities by educating residential providers. This initiative supports qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, providing them with the opportunity to apply for funding to promote better care and services for this vulnerable population.

The Sam J. Frankino Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for children and families in need through monetary grants for education, health care, and community support. With a focus on initiatives that empower disadvantaged youth and support the Italian-American community, the Foundation aims to foster growth and development in Northeast Ohio. Guided by philanthropic excellence, it seeks to create lasting change through strategic partnerships and innovative programs for social betterment.

The Polk Foundation Grant supports initiatives that enhance the quality of life for individuals with disabilities in southwestern Pennsylvania. Established by Patricia Hillman Miller, the Foundation prioritizes programs focusing on health, human services, and community inclusion. It seeks to empower people with disabilities through collaborative efforts, innovative technology, and impactful research. While Merakey AVS remains a primary beneficiary, the Foundation welcomes applications from other nonprofits aligned with its mission, ensuring accessibility and support for diverse needs.

The Albuquerque Community Foundation offers Field of Interest Grants to support diverse nonprofit organizations in the Greater Albuquerque Metropolitan Area. Annually, grants ranging from $10,000 to $20,000 are awarded to initiatives in arts, education, environmental preservation, economic development, human services, health, and animal welfare. Organizations must have a minimum three-year history and align with the Foundation's values and fields of interest, ensuring impactful contributions to the community.

The Greater Harrisburg Foundation Upstream Grant aims to foster community improvement by funding innovative projects that address systemic issues at their source. This grant supports nonprofit organizations in Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lebanon, and Perry Counties, allowing them to implement creative solutions in areas such as education, health, and environmental stewardship. By focusing on upstream interventions, the foundation encourages a proactive approach to social change, ultimately enhancing community resilience and well-being.

About Arizona Cardinals Foundation The Arizona Cardinals Foundation is the charitable foundation of the Arizona Cardinals NFL team.Mission: To elevate the efforts of those serving the special needs community in Arizona, and to dramatically increase the impact we make together. Cardinals Community Grant

Special Needs is the heart of our mission. Approximately 4% of the US population has an intellectual and/or developmental disability (IDD).  We are taking the Arizona Cardinals legacy of charitable giving to the next level with a clear and focused effort on impacting the lives of those living with IDDs in Arizona. The foundation fund new and innovative programs that expand services, promote inclusion and create equal opportunities for those living with an IDD.

The Najim Family Foundation Grant aims to support 501(c)(3) organizations serving children in the Greater San Antonio area. Grants focus on vital areas such as food, shelter, clothing, education, and mental health. First-time applicants must consult with the Grant Manager and meet specific eligibility criteria. The Foundation prioritizes organizations with a proven operational history of at least three years and restricts funding for various purposes, ensuring support is directed to the most pressing needs of children.

The SAC Developmental Disabilities Grants aim to enhance the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities by funding innovative programs that foster education, independence, and social engagement. Grants of up to $5,000 support both new and existing initiatives, including recreational, educational, and therapeutic activities. Eligible organizations include public charities and governmental units serving the Foundation’s designated areas. Priority is given to projects that promote respect, inclusion, and productivity, ensuring a positive impact on the community.

Community Change Grants

We understand that many issues can be best addressed when communities work together, pooling resources and expertise, and developing collaborative and creative solutions. By funding cross-organizational initiatives, we can help organizations broaden their outlook and their reach.

Through its Community Change funding, the Peter & Elizabeth Tower Foundation seeks to forge equitable relationships and more just power dynamics among different constituencies relating to young people and their families affected by intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities, mental health challenges, and/or substance use disorders.

Community Change projects must be aligned with the Tower Foundation’s goals and involve multiple, diverse stakeholders – especially those most directly harmed by existing conditions and practices – working together towards common ends.

Such work can include (but is not limited to) initiatives that:

• challenge existing beliefs, assumptions, and entrenched practices involving these populations;
• supplement, coordinate, or more effectively resource relevant continuums of care;
• employ creative approaches to workforce recruitment and development that enhance the availability of and access to high-quality, culturally relevant services;
• support coalitions and networks built on community assets; and/or
• employ innovative approaches to creating equitable relationships and practices among elements within and across systems.

The strongest projects will incorporate most, if not all, elements of the Foundation’s values.

What Does the Foundation Want to Accomplish?

For each of the populations it supports, the Foundation has identified a set of grantmaking goals. Community Change grants should promote one or more of these goals:

• Intellectual Disabilities
• Children with intellectual disabilities are identified early and receive services that meet their evolving needs.
• Young people with intellectual disabilities are engaged in meaningful social, vocational, and educational pursuits.
• Families understand intellectual disabilities and secure needed supports.
• Communities embrace persons with intellectual disabilities and provide them with a full-range of supports and opportunities to engage in community life.
• Learning Disabilities
• Children with learning disabilities are identified early, diagnosed and connected to services that meet their on-going individual needs.
• Youth with learning disabilities understand how they learn and pursue resources that support them accordingly.
• Young adults are confident and do not view their learning disability as a liability.
• Young adults with learning disabilities are ready for work and/or educational pursuits.
• Families are informed about learning disabilities and are able to identify and navigate available services.
• Communities value persons with learning disabilities and accommodate their needs.
• Mental Health
• Stigma related to mental illness is eliminated.
• Children with social, emotional, and behavioral challenges are identified early and connected to appropriate services.
• Young people with mental health challenges understand and manage their conditions and behaviors.
• Families understand mental health challenges and help members live productive lives.
• Communities offer meaningful opportunities and appropriate support to young people with mental health challenges and their families.
• Substance Use Disorders
• Community members understand the prevalence and harmful effects of alcohol and drugs, and work to address them.
• Resources for substance abuse prevention, treatment, and recovery are readily available.
• Families provide safe environments that support healthy choices about alcohol and drugs.
• Young people make healthy choices about alcohol and drugs.

The ATCO Legacy Fund, established by the Athens County Board of Developmental Disabilities in partnership with the Athens County Foundation, aims to provide financial support for initiatives promoting inclusion and integration for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities in Athens County. With $20,000 available this cycle, the fund encourages innovative proposals that enhance the quality of life for this community. Interested providers and organizations can apply for funding to sustain the compassionate legacy of the former ATCO program, which served the community for nearly 50 years.

The Gilmore Inclusive Arts Grant supports projects that engage individuals with disabilities in Northeast Indiana's arts communities. Annually, applications open in May and close in September, with funding up to $25,000. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) compliant, and priority is given to impactful projects. Collaboration is encouraged, ensuring diverse participation in the arts. This grant aims to foster inclusivity and enhance the cultural landscape by empowering individuals with disabilities.

The Central Minnesota Special Needs Grant provides funding between $5,000 and $10,000 to support services, equipment, and projects for individuals with complex intellectual and physical disabilities. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, and government entities serving Benton, Stearns, and Sherburne counties, as well as specific communities. The grant prioritizes initiatives that foster diversity, equity, and inclusion while excluding general operating costs and capital campaigns.

The Robert and Joan Dircks Foundation Grant Program supports non-profit organizations in New Jersey that provide opportunities for disadvantaged individuals. With grants ranging from $1,000 to $15,000, the foundation focuses on innovative programs that solve critical issues rather than operational needs. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The foundation does not fund political activities, cultural projects, or operating budgets, ensuring resources directly benefit those in need.

The McGraw Foundation offers annual grants to not-for-profit organizations, primarily in the greater Chicago area, focusing on education, conservation, and human services. Grant amounts typically range from $2,000 to $10,000, with larger grants available for particularly impactful projects. While supporting diverse initiatives, the Foundation does not fund individuals or specific events. Organizations must be tax-exempt under IRS regulations to qualify for funding. The Foundation encourages innovative approaches and partnerships in grant applications.

The Hampton Roads Community Foundation offers the Special Interest Grants: Developmental Disabilities through two funds—the Jennifer Lynn Gray Fund and the Laura Turner Fund. These grants support organizations that enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities. The Gray Fund provides $5,000 to $10,000 for training programs for those with intellectual disabilities, while the Turner Fund offers $1,000 to $2,000 specifically for services to adults with cerebral palsy, promoting better living conditions in southeastern Virginia.

The OCCF: Donna Nigh Foundation Grant supports Oklahoma-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and accredited schools that provide essential services to individuals with severe intellectual and developmental disabilities. The foundation provides funding for adaptive equipment and activities aimed at enhancing independence and quality of life. Eligible projects include environmental adaptations, classroom equipment, and sheltered workshop activities, while special events and capital improvements are excluded from funding.

The Ross Foundation Philanthropic Grant Program invites proposals from organizations that demonstrate tax-exempt status and focus on projects within Clark County, Arkansas. This program supports initiatives in education, arts, community beautification, historical preservation, mental health, and forestry conservation. Applicants must prepare a pre-proposal form year-round, leading to a full proposal if aligned with the Foundation's interests. Note that funding excludes political activities and grants to individuals.

The Hugh J. Andersen Foundation Grant supports community-focused initiatives aimed at enhancing inclusivity and self-sufficiency within the St. Croix Valley. The foundation prioritizes asset-based programs led by the communities they serve, particularly those benefiting children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. Organizations must be tax-exempt under IRS 501(c)(3) and located in designated counties. The foundation does not fund individual scholarships or loans, lobbying, or fiscal agents, aiming for collaborative funding efforts.

The Stackner Family Foundation Grants support organizations providing essential services to individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities or chronic mental health diagnosis. Applicants must verify their tax-exempt status and focus on the Milwaukee and Waukesha Counties area. This funding opportunity is available once every 12 months, ensuring targeted and effective support for local initiatives that enhance the quality of life for affected individuals.

The Fifth Third Foundation offers grants to nonprofit organizations in the Greater Cincinnati area, focusing on education, arts, community development, and health services. It aims to enhance community vibrancy and provide opportunities, supporting various funding interests from several benefactors. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits operating in Cincinnati, Dayton, or Northern Kentucky. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that empower women, support children, and promote environmental conservation, among other charitable purposes.

The Fleeta Greenwood Foundation Grant supports 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and churches in Shawnee, Oklahoma, continuing the legacy of Fleeta Greenwood. This annual grant aims to assist those with intellectual disabilities, honoring Fleeta's dedication to her community. Eligible applicants should demonstrate their commitment to these causes to receive funding. The foundation seeks to empower local entities making a difference, fostering a supportive environment for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Apply yearly to sustain this vital work.

The Mighty Money Mini Grant from the AWS Foundation aims to empower individuals with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities in Northeast Indiana. By providing quick funding to 501(c)(3) organizations, this initiative supports innovative ideas that enhance community inclusion, education, and accessibility. The grant focuses on initiatives such as social enrichment, education, transportation, early diagnosis, and housing, ensuring that these individuals can live independently and thrive within their communities.

The Columbus Foundation offers the Focused Funds Grants to enhance community well-being through strategic support for 501(c)(3) nonprofits in diverse areas, including environment, health, special populations, and social services. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $10,000, with a maximum of $25,000 available. Applications are accepted biannually in May and October, fostering impactful projects that promote sustainability and improve quality of life in central Ohio.

The Healthy Lives Grant Program by The New York Community Trust aims to enhance health services for older adults and individuals with disabilities in New York City. It focuses on creating an equitable healthcare system by supporting projects that improve access to care, reduce health disparities, and empower individuals through skill development. The program prioritizes innovative solutions that foster independence and community engagement, ensuring that vulnerable populations receive comprehensive support tailored to their needs.

The Brighter Tomorrow Foundation Fund Grant, established in 1989, supports organizations serving individuals with developmental disabilities in Montgomery County. Grants up to $10,000 are available for initiatives focused on housing, lasting equipment, education, and recreation. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and local governmental agencies, while support is not available for capital campaigns or activities outside the county. This grant aims to enhance the quality of life for those with developmental disabilities.