Best Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Grants in Iowa

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 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:

• Affordable co-housing models for individuals and families
• Employer-partnered day programs and inclusive job opportunities
• Tools and technologies that enhance accessibility at home and in community spaces
• Cross-sector collaborations between public, private, and nonprofit organizations

The Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs Research Network aims to enhance the lives of children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN) and their families. By establishing a robust research infrastructure, the program will generate evidence-based solutions to foster well-being and community engagement. It focuses on identifying effective interventions and measures that can be integrated into essential services and supports, ultimately helping CYSHCN thrive throughout their lives.

Students with intellectual, developmental, emotional, or physical disabilities, or those who have volunteered with such students, can receive higher education support through the Patricia Schroder Memorial Scholarship; awards range from US $1,000 - US $1,400. Graduates of specified Washington and Texas school districts may be eligible, including those interested in disability-related studies or service.

Iowa students and recent graduates of Rockford Public Schools with intellectual or developmental disabilities can receive scholarship support for post-secondary education that leads to employment. Grants from Community Foundation of Northern Illinois help young adults ages 18–25 pursue college or other life-enhancing programs, including those focused on independent living and workforce preparation.

Individuals ages 18–25 with intellectual disabilities pursuing post-secondary education or life-skills training can apply for the Ann W. Dooley Advancement Scholarship if they currently reside in Boone, Ogle, Stephenson, or Winnebago County. Offered by the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois, this scholarship supports educational and independent living goals, and may interest I/DD-focused programs in Iowa seeking similar models.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits improving healthcare delivery for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities can apply for With Foundation’s RFP cycle, with awards from US $150,000 - US $250,000. Iowa organizations may be competitive if projects enhance provider training, care coordination, advocacy, digital health, social policy research, or access to high-quality healthcare for this population.

Iowa research institutions and healthcare organizations focused on intellectual and developmental disabilities can access funding through Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute to conduct patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research. Projects must study health or healthcare approaches for people with IDD, engage patients and decision makers as partners, and generate evidence to improve care and outcomes across the U.S.

Grants from Angelman Syndrome Foundation help Iowa caregivers of individuals with Angelman syndrome cover costs that improve their loved one’s quality of life, with awards up to US $5,000. Funding can support prosthetic appliances, wheelchairs, beds, educational assistance, necessary clinic travel, or similar needs when no other public or private funds are available.

Nonprofit organizations providing programs for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities can apply for the David and Jacquie Clark Family Fund’s national grants to support success, well-being, and access to opportunities. While all U.S. nonprofits may be eligible, those in Iowa and other parts of Ohio-preferred regions may particularly benefit.

Nonprofit organizations supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities may be eligible for funding that aids inclusion, independence, and quality of life, including in Iowa. Focused on empowering individuals with disabilities, Jtmf Foundation invites groups—especially in the Pacific Northwest but also nationally—to share their work improving lives for children, older adults, veterans, and people with disabilities.

Nonprofit organizations, schools, and units of government serving Muscatine County, Iowa can receive up to US $10,000 per program to improve quality of life, including services for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine Impact Grants fund diverse initiatives such as health, human services, youth, recreation, trails, arts, homelessness prevention, and disability-focused programs.

Nonprofit organizations supporting people with intellectual or developmental disabilities in Iowa communities where The Andersons operates can seek funding for services, education, and quality-of-life programs. With a mission to enhance community well-being, The Andersons Charitable Foundation provides support across health, social services, education, arts, and community development in its designated service areas.

Nongovernmental U.S. charities providing human and social services, especially for children and people with intellectual or developmental disabilities in Iowa, can seek program support funding. Nailba Charitable Foundation backs nonsectarian, fiscally sound organizations serving people in need, including at-risk youth, those with physical or mental disabilities, and related emergency or social services programs, with NAILBA member agency support required.

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) will announce funding for patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research (CER) studies focusing on rare diseases. This initiative encourages collaboration and aims to fill critical research gaps affecting approximately 30 million Americans with rare diseases. Applications can request up to $12 million over five years, including coverage for patient care costs. This funding opportunity is set to open on August 12, 2025, with a focus on addressing pressing patient-centered CER questions.

Iowa 501(c)(3) and similar tax-exempt organizations serving people with intellectual or developmental disabilities can apply for McGraw Foundation support for programs, projects, or general operations. This Northbrook-based funder offers US $2,000 - US $10,000 grants, with occasional larger awards, primarily to organizations in the greater Chicago area, so Iowa applicants may be less competitive.

The Robert & Joan Dircks Foundation provides Iowa nonprofits serving people with intellectual, developmental, physical, or economic disadvantages with one-year project grants, typically ranging from US $1,000 - US $15,000. 501(c)(3) organizations with innovative, problem-solving programs for children or adults with disabilities may be eligible, with required outcome reporting on funded projects.

First- to third-year U.S. or Canadian medical students interested in child neurology or neurodevelopmental disabilities can apply for the Child Neurology Foundation’s summer research scholarship, awarding US $3,500 for clinical NDD research. Students in Iowa studying intellectual and developmental disabilities in children or young adults may be especially well positioned to benefit.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Iowa that are within 15 miles of a TJX store, distribution center, or office can seek funding for basic needs, youth enrichment, workforce readiness, and domestic violence safety programs. The TJX Foundation provides support nationally, and Iowa programs serving children or adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities may be eligible if they align with these priorities.

Gupta Family Foundation provides Iowa intellectual and developmental disability organizations with US $5,000 - US $250,000 to help disadvantaged people become more self-reliant. Eligible applicants are primarily smaller 501(c)(3) nonprofits, or qualifying foreign entities, working in areas like disability services, poverty alleviation, and humanitarian aid in the U.S. and select countries.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Iowa supporting children, education, or health and human services may be eligible for charitable contributions that fund monetary program needs. Costco Foundation supports community-based efforts by prioritizing evidence-based programs with measurable outcomes, strong community collaboration, and a broad base of financial support, including organizations serving children with disabilities or developmental needs.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

Iowa research institutions and other eligible private or public sector organizations can access funding for retrospective observational comparative clinical effectiveness research using existing data sources. The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute supports studies that address at least one approved topic, including improving outcomes for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, to generate patient-centered evidence that informs healthcare decision making.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.