Best Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Grants in Wisconsin

With a mission to improve life for people with intellectual and physical disabilities, League Club provides Wisconsin nonprofits with funding for capital campaigns, new or expanding programs, general operating support, and social entrepreneurship. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations may apply for US $5,000 - US $25,000, following tiered requirements for letters of inquiry, full applications, and reports.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing intellectual and developmental disability services, education, or related supports can apply for McGraw Foundation’s grants, typically ranging from US $2,000 - US $10,000. With a mission to strengthen conservation, education, and human services, McGraw Foundation provides funding for general operations, specific projects, and occasional capital needs, primarily for organizations in the greater Chicago area.

Nonprofit and community organizations in Wisconsin can seek up to US $5,000 to support arts, education, health, economic, and social development projects, including programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. With a mission to strengthen North Central Wisconsin communities, B.A. & Esther Greenheck Foundation reviews under-$5,000 requests monthly from eligible counties.

Nonprofits in Wisconsin seeking more than US $5,000 for programs in arts, education, health, economic development, or social development can apply; projects serving people with intellectual or developmental disabilities in North Central Wisconsin may be eligible. The B.A. & Esther Greenheck Foundation reviews larger applications six times per year on a regular grant cycle.

U.S. human and social service charities, especially those serving children and people with intellectual or developmental disabilities, can seek program funding with backing from a NAILBA member agency or corporate partner. Nailba Charitable Foundation supports basic needs, mental health, disability services, and at-risk youth programs, and Wisconsin organizations meeting these criteria may be eligible.

Nonprofit organizations serving people with intellectual or developmental disabilities and related community needs in Wisconsin counties where The Andersons operates may be eligible for this funding. Focus areas include social services, health and wellness, education, and community programs that enhance quality of life, offered through the Andersons Inc Charitable Foundation’s Share the Bounty Grant.

Nonprofit organizations supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, children, older adults, or veterans can seek funding for direct services and long-term solutions, with a focus on the Pacific Northwest including Wisconsin. Grants from Jtmf Foundation help programs addressing inclusion, dementia and Alzheimer’s, children’s development, and veterans’ physical or mental well-being; unsolicited requests are not accepted.

Nonprofit organizations providing programs for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities can seek funding to enhance well-being, learning, and access to opportunities, including in Wisconsin. Focused on special needs beyond classroom instruction, the David and Jacquie Clark Family Fund prefers Ohio nonprofits but welcomes eligible applicants from across the U.S. dedicated to helping this community thrive.

Caregivers of individuals with Angelman syndrome in Wisconsin can seek funding to improve their loved one’s quality of life, with awards up to US $5,000. With a mission to support those affected by Angelman syndrome, Angelman Syndrome Foundation assists with equipment, educational support, and necessary clinic travel when no other funding is available.

Research institutions and healthcare organizations conducting comparative clinical effectiveness research on intellectual and developmental disabilities can apply for national funding, including work in Wisconsin. With a mission to advance patient-centered research, Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute provides support for high-quality CER projects that engage patients and decision makers and improve healthcare delivery and outcomes for people with IDD.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits improving healthcare delivery for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities can seek $150,000 - $250,000 for programs or research. With a mission to promote comprehensive healthcare, With Foundation supports projects like provider training, care coordination, advocacy, digital health, and policy research; Wisconsin organizations are eligible alongside applicants nationwide.

Focused on intellectual and developmental disabilities, Community Foundation of Northern Illinois invites Wisconsin organizations supporting similar learners to explore the Ann W. Dooley Advancement Scholarship. Individuals ages 18–25 with an intellectual disability in Boone, Ogle, Stephenson, or Winnebago County may receive support for post-secondary education, employment preparation, or independent living skill programs.

Students ages 18–25 with intellectual disabilities who are current or former Rockford Public Schools students and planning post-secondary education can receive scholarship support for employment-focused programs, including opportunities relevant to Wisconsin families. Grants from Community Foundation of Northern Illinois are awarded through a universal application that matches applicants to all eligible scholarships, including the Colleen Maher Inspirational Scholarship.

Wisconsin students facing intellectual, developmental, emotional, or physical disabilities, or those who have volunteered with such students, can access funding through the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington’s Patricia Schroder Memorial Scholarship; awards US $1,000 - US $1,400 for higher education. Eligible applicants must have graduated from specified school districts in Washington or Texas, which may include Wisconsin residents who relocated.

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.

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

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. 

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:

• Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Programs, services, equipment, or opportunities that support and positively impact individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Memorials
  • Projects, programs, scholarships, or community initiatives created in memory of an individual.
• Community Impact
  • Projects and programs that address a demonstrated need and create a meaningful, positive impact in Ozaukee County.

Wisconsin 501(c)(3) nonprofits offering direct services for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities, seniors, children, youth, or the broader community can seek program support, primarily in the St. Croix Valley. With a mission to foster independence and dignity, Hugh J. Andersen Foundation provides funding for asset-based, community-driven health, education, and social support initiatives.

Nonprofit organizations serving people with intellectual or developmental disabilities, physical disabilities, or chronic mental health diagnoses in Milwaukee and Waukesha Counties can seek program or service support through the Stackner Family Foundation. Grants from Stackner Family Foundation help Wisconsin disability-focused providers deliver care, housing, food access, and related support; applicants may apply once in any 12-month period.

Nonprofit public charities and government units serving people with developmental disabilities in parts of Wisconsin can seek funding for programs, services, and small capital needs. With a mission to improve lives, Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region provides up to US $3,000 for innovative direct services, recreation, education, mentoring, camps, therapy, and supportive technology.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving intellectually or developmentally disabled children and adults in Wisconsin may be eligible for the Robert & Joan Dircks Foundation’s one-year project grants, awarding US $1,000 - US $15,000. Funding supports innovative programs for physically, mentally, or economically disadvantaged people, rather than general operating or capital needs.

Medical students interested in neurodevelopmental disabilities research in children or young adults can receive US $3,500 to support a summer clinical project under a child neurology/NDD subspecialist in the U.S. or Canada. Wisconsin projects focused on intellectual and developmental disabilities may be eligible through the Child Neurology Foundation Summer Scholarship.

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.

The Engagement Award: Dissemination Initiative by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) aims to enhance patient engagement in healthcare decisions through comparative clinical effectiveness research. Since 2010, PCORI has funded over $3 billion for nearly 2,000 projects, focusing on improving health outcomes by providing actionable information. The initiative emphasizes transparency and stakeholder involvement, ensuring that results are accessible to both patients and clinicians, ultimately fostering informed healthcare choices.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.