Best Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Grants in Maine

The FCIDD Nonprofit Project Grants are designed to support 501(c)(3) organizations working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across various states. Grants are awarded for projects that enhance accessibility, provide educational opportunities, and promote community engagement. The foundation encourages collaboration with local Civitan clubs, particularly in October and March funding rounds, while also offering open applications in July. The initiative aims to empower nonprofits to improve the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities.

Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

The FCIDD was founded for the purpose of providing support to organizations that serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Mission Statement: The Foundation supports organizations which enhance the lives of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities by promoting research, projects, education and advocacy. 

Nonprofit Project Grants

The Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (FCIDD) funds 501(c)(3) organizations working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities of all ages, primarily in the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia. 

Funding Priorities

• Grants will be awarded for the purpose of primarily benefiting, including, or increasing accessibility for individuals with intellectual or development disabilities.
• Grants may be awarded for scholarships or training personnel in the care and education of individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. 
• Grants shall mainly be distributed to a Charity whose primary purpose or whose project is to support individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. A Charity which has a project to benefit individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities based on financial need shall be awarded the grant money based upon its own objective criteria and without any special preference to members of Civitan or members of their family.

Grant Categories

A grant application typically fits into one of the following categories: Accessibility & Engagement; Educational Spaces; Program Area Improvements; Outreach and Education 

Program Area Improvements

For I/DD specific 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) looking to add/improve programming potential via equipment and property improvements, updates and additions.

Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

The FCIDD was founded for the purpose of providing support to organizations that serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Mission Statement: The Foundation supports organizations which enhance the lives of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities by promoting research, projects, education and advocacy. 

Nonprofit Project Grants

The Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (FCIDD) funds 501(c)(3) organizations working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities of all ages, primarily in the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia. 

Funding Priorities

• Grants will be awarded for the purpose of primarily benefiting, including, or increasing accessibility for individuals with intellectual or development disabilities.
• Grants may be awarded for scholarships or training personnel in the care and education of individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. 
• Grants shall mainly be distributed to a Charity whose primary purpose or whose project is to support individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. A Charity which has a project to benefit individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities based on financial need shall be awarded the grant money based upon its own objective criteria and without any special preference to members of Civitan or members of their family.

Grant Categories

A grant application typically fits into one of the following categories: Accessibility & Engagement; Educational Spaces; Program Area Improvements; Outreach and Education 

Educational Spaces

For I/DD serving school programs with a 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) attached needing property improvements or equipment/resource purchases to better serve their students with I/DD.

Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

The FCIDD was founded for the purpose of providing support to organizations that serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Mission Statement: The Foundation supports organizations which enhance the lives of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities by promoting research, projects, education and advocacy. 

Nonprofit Project Grants

The Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (FCIDD) funds 501(c)(3) organizations working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities of all ages, primarily in the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia. 

Funding Priorities

• Grants will be awarded for the purpose of primarily benefiting, including, or increasing accessibility for individuals with intellectual or development disabilities.
• Grants may be awarded for scholarships or training personnel in the care and education of individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. 
• Grants shall mainly be distributed to a Charity whose primary purpose or whose project is to support individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. A Charity which has a project to benefit individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities based on financial need shall be awarded the grant money based upon its own objective criteria and without any special preference to members of Civitan or members of their family.

Grant Categories

A grant application typically fits into one of the following categories: Accessibility & Engagement; Educational Spaces; Program Area Improvements; Outreach and Education 

Accessibility & Engagement

For museums, parks, other public spaces without a specific I/DD focus wanting to make property or equipment improvements and additions to better include visitors with I/DD.

First-, second-, and third-year U.S. or Canadian medical students interested in neurodevelopmental disabilities or child neurology can apply for the Child Neurology Foundation’s summer research scholarship, awarding US $3,500 for NDD clinical research. Projects must focus on neurodevelopmental disabilities in children or young adults and be supervised by a child neurology/NDD subspecialist, which may benefit work serving Maine populations.

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.

Nongovernmental charitable organizations in Maine serving people in need, especially children and individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, can seek program funding that directly supports services. Nailba Charitable Foundation provides U.S. human and social service charities with grants when programs are nonsectarian, fiscally sound, and backed by a NAILBA member agency or corporate partner.

Nonprofit organizations supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities can seek funding that improves lives and promotes inclusion, with a focus on Maine and the broader Pacific Northwest. Focused on empowering individuals with disabilities, Jtmf Foundation also considers programs for children, older adults, and veterans that address immediate needs and long-term challenges.

Nonprofit organizations across the U.S., including Maine, that support individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities can apply for the David and Jacquie Clark Family Fund’s grants to enhance success, well-being, and access to opportunities. Preference is given to Ohio nonprofits, but all eligible groups focused on special needs outside classroom instruction may be considered.

Caregivers of individuals with Angelman syndrome can seek funding to improve their family member’s quality of life, including equipment, educational assistance, or necessary clinic travel. Grants from Angelman Syndrome Foundation help Maine intellectual and developmental disabilities caregivers with up to US $5,000 when no other public or private funds are available.

Maine research institutions and healthcare organizations studying intellectual and developmental disabilities can access funding through Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute for patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research projects. This opportunity supports high-quality studies comparing health or healthcare approaches for people with IDD, emphasizing engagement of patients and other decision makers throughout the research process.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits improving healthcare delivery for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities can apply for With Foundation’s RFP cycle; awards range from US $150,000 - US $250,000 for programmatic or research projects. Maine organizations working on practitioner training, care coordination, policy, digital health, or access barriers may be especially competitive.

Individuals ages 18–25 with intellectual or developmental disabilities pursuing post-secondary education or life-skills training can apply for the Ann W. Dooley Advancement Scholarship, supporting programs that enhance employment or independent living. Applicants must currently reside in Boone, Ogle, Stephenson, or Winnebago County and may find this especially relevant if their goals involve intellectual and developmental disability services similar to those in Maine.

Individuals ages 18–25 with intellectual disabilities pursuing post-secondary education may be eligible for scholarship support, including those interested in intellectual and developmental disabilities programs in Maine. Grants from Community Foundation of Northern Illinois are awarded through a universal online application that matches applicants, including Rockford Public Schools students and graduates, to all scholarships for which they qualify.

Students with developmental, emotional, physical, or intellectual disabilities, or those who have volunteered with such students, can receive higher education support through the Patricia Schroder Memorial Scholarship; awards US $1,000 - US $1,400. Focused on intellectual and developmental disabilities, Community Foundation for Southwest Washington supports graduates of specific Washington and Texas school districts pursuing college.

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. 

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) and similar tax-exempt organizations working on intellectual and developmental disabilities can access funding from McGraw Foundation, typically ranging from US $2,000 - US $10,000. While grants generally prioritize the greater Chicago area, Maine programs serving people with developmental disabilities and related supports may be eligible within the foundation’s broader human services focus.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving physically, mentally, or economically disadvantaged children and adults in Maine can seek project-based support to improve quality of life. Robert & Joan Dircks Foundation provides U.S. disability and poverty services nonprofits with one-year grants of US $1,000 - US $15,000 for innovative programs, not general operations or capital campaigns.

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.

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 Maine that provide basic needs, youth enrichment, workforce readiness, or domestic violence safety services can access funding via TJX Foundation, if located within 15 miles of a TJX store, distribution center, or office. Programs serving vulnerable families, children, and at-risk youth, including those with developmental disabilities, may be eligible.

The Kroger Foundation is dedicated to uplifting communities through significant charitable contributions, having donated over $1.9 billion in the past six years. Their focus on combating hunger through the Zero Hunger | Zero Waste initiative exemplifies their commitment to social impact. Annually, they provide over $300 million to nonprofit organizations aligned with their mission, promoting health, education, and disaster relief while fostering diversity and inclusion. This initiative reflects Kroger's belief that strong communities are a shared responsibility.

Non-sectarian nonprofits supporting disadvantaged people, including those with intellectual or developmental disabilities, in Maine and other eligible countries can receive US $5,000 - US $250,000 for programs that build self-reliance. Gupta Family Foundation prioritizes smaller organizations, often 501(c)(3)s, with strong founder-led leadership and a commitment to directing at least 90% of funds to beneficiaries.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Maine supporting children, education, or health and human services can seek monetary program support, including initiatives serving youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Costco Foundation supports evidence-based, community-driven programs in areas where it operates, reviewing applications within 4–6 weeks and considering factors like measurable outcomes and broad financial backing.

Organizations serving children and youth from urban low-income communities in Maine and beyond can apply for Michael & Susan Dell Foundation grants; awards more than US $50,000 for project support or scaling. Eligible entities include nonprofits, social enterprises, schools, governments, and other organizations working in education, children’s health, or family economic stability in the U.S., India, or South Africa.