Best Grants for Nonprofits Serving Disabled in Massachusetts

Nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts supporting disabled children, adults with disabilities, seniors, or animal welfare can apply for funding from the Robert J. Mullen Charitable Trust. Grants of US $20,000 - US $50,000 support general operations, programs, and small related capital needs, which may include mental health services for people with disabilities.

Massachusetts nonprofits and public agencies providing transportation or mobility management for older adults, people with disabilities, and low-income residents can access funding through the Massachusetts Department of Transportation’s Community Transit Grant Program. Grants support operating transit services and mobility management efforts that improve access to services, employment, medical care, and other essential destinations across the state.

Nonprofits and agencies providing transportation for older adults and people with disabilities in Massachusetts can seek funding for accessible vehicles through the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. MassDOT supports disability care and senior services providers by filling gaps in the transportation network, complementing existing services, and promoting coordinated transit models across the Commonwealth.

Nonprofit 501(c) or 170(c) organizations in Massachusetts serving individuals with disabilities can apply for matching gifts from Regions Bank’s employee giving program. Eligible charities must fall within priorities like disability support, economic and community development, education and workforce readiness, or financial wellness, and receive matches to donations made by full-time associates or recent retirees in the Regions footprint.

Nonprofit 501(c) or 170(c) organizations providing disability care and services in Massachusetts can receive up to US $1,000 in matched donations through Regions Bank’s Matching Gifts Program for recent retirees. Eligible nonprofits must be within the Regions footprint and fit priority areas such as individuals with disabilities, economic development, education, or financial wellness.

Massachusetts nonprofits serving people with disabilities, vulnerable children, families, and seniors can access funding via the McKeen Fund for capital projects, equipment, endowments, or specific programs. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) public charities, with a preference for organizations in Florida, Massachusetts, and New York, including medical, educational, and social service providers.

Massachusetts nonprofits that are 501(c)(3) organizations and teach mechanical arts, offer vocational training, or provide employment opportunities for disabled or troubled youth can access funding through Massachusetts Charitable Mechanic Association. Support is typically provided as equipment or tools for specific programs, with particular attention to smaller organizations serving people with disabilities in Massachusetts.

Nonprofit health and human service organizations in Massachusetts supporting women in reduced circumstances, including women with disabilities, can apply for the Katharine C. Pierce Trust’s direct service grants. With a mission to make women’s lives more comfortable, it provides about US $10,000 for program or capital needs, with special consideration for elderly women.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving people with disabilities and other vulnerable groups in Massachusetts can apply for Agnes M. Lindsay Trust grants of US $1,000 - US $7,500 for health and welfare, dental care, camperships, and shelter or food programs. Grants from Agnes M. Lindsay Trust help eligible New England nonprofits, including those focused on disability care, expand capital projects and program support.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving physically, mentally, or economically disadvantaged children and adults in Massachusetts can receive project-based support to improve quality of life. Robert & Joan Dircks Foundation provides U.S. disability care and services nonprofits with one-year grants of US $1,000 - US $15,000 for innovative programs rather than operating budgets.

Massachusetts nonprofits serving people with disabilities can access funding through Johnson Scholarship Foundation to support education, mentoring, scholarships, and employment transition programs for disabled students. Organizations helping people overcome barriers to higher education and work in the U.S. or Canada may be eligible, with an emphasis on sustainable, leveraged initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing disability care and services, especially for people with mobility-related disabilities, can apply for grants of US $500 - US $10,000, including in Massachusetts. Grants from Numotion Foundation help fund research, advocacy, and support programs that enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities across the U.S.

Massachusetts nonprofits serving people with disabilities, children, or youth can access funding through West Pharmaceutical Services to support healthcare, disability services, child welfare, and STEM education programs. 501(c)(3) organizations in communities where West employees live and work may be eligible for grants and sponsorships that combine financial support with volunteer engagement.

Nonprofits supporting children and young adults with disabilities can apply for program, housing, education, or health funding from the Andrea-Mennen Family Foundation; awards must show impact within nine months. With a mission to enhance quality of life, this U.S. funder supports established charitable organizations, including those serving disabled youth in Massachusetts.

The LEGO Foundation Fellowship

Advancing the science and practice of supporting children to thrive

The LEGO Foundation Fellowship is a global initiative supporting researchers working to deepen our understanding of how children thrive. Spanning disciplines from education and psychology to public health, data science, and humanitarian studies, the fellowship brings together early- and mid-career scholars whose work has the potential to generate evidence that matters for children’s lives.

Fellows receive three years of flexible support to pursue rigorous, practically relevant research, and join a cohort of peers working across the fellowship’s themes. In addition to funding research, the program fosters a community of scholars engaged in meaningful exchange with one another and with research, policy, and practice audiences.

The LEGO Foundation Fellowship is developed in partnership with the LEGO Foundation, and administered by SSRC as part of its commitment to supporting scholars whose work bridges research and real-world impact.

Research themes

The LEGO Foundation Fellowship welcomes research proposals that advance understanding of children’s thriving through one of the following three themes: the youngest children in crisis and conflict settings; inclusion and wellbeing of neurodivergent children; and children’s learning and development in an AI-enabled world. Applicants may explore the role of play where it is relevant to the research question. The consideration of play is optional and not a condition of eligibility.

The McInnes Charitable Trust, founded by Sally and John McInnes, aims to support organizations in Colorado focused on animal welfare, children's health, education, and empowerment. The Trust prioritizes funding for exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3) with a proven track record. It typically does not fund capital improvements or multi-year commitments. By fostering a spirit of generosity, the Trust honors the McInnes family's legacy and commitment to various charitable causes.

The NExT AI Hubs initiative by the NICHD aims to explore innovative applications of AI technologies in enhancing developmental outcomes for children at risk of learning disabilities. This program will focus on high-risk research topics, fostering advancements in understanding how AI can support learning in reading, writing, and mathematics. The initiative is backed by various public health laws, ensuring a comprehensive approach to child health and education.

The NIH's TALK initiative aims to enhance clinical practices for late talking children by funding research to identify early signs of language delays. This NOFO focuses on developing evidence-based strategies for screening and supporting children and their families. It targets children over 18 months who are not meeting language milestones, particularly those at higher risk due to various factors. Collaborative research efforts are encouraged to ensure effective identification and intervention.

The Von Voigtlander Family Foundation Grant, though currently closed, aims to support 501(c)(3) charitable organizations, primarily in Michigan. The foundation emphasizes animal welfare, parks preservation, veteran support, and youth empowerment. Their mission is to enhance lives through community-focused initiatives that foster resilience, education, and well-being. They prioritize charities that promote responsible pet ownership, outdoor recreation, and provide resources for veterans and youth, ensuring a positive impact across multiple sectors.

Seattle Foundation is an agent of change, igniting powerful, rewarding philanthropy to make Greater Seattle a stronger, more vibrant community for all.

At Seattle Foundation, we believe that community is more than a place. It’s the shared understanding that our joy and well-being are tied to one another. Every day we work with nonprofits, philanthropists, and partners like you to strengthen community by igniting powerful philanthropy and advancing long-term solutions. Because it takes all of us to create a joyful region where every person can thrive.

Microsoft Disability Scholarship

This scholarship supports high school seniors living with a disability defined by WHO (World Health Organization — an impairment in a person’s body structure or function, or mental functioning (visual, hearing, mobility, cognitive, speech, or other disability). Eligible applicants must plan to study Engineering, Computer Sciences, Computer Information Systems, Law, Business (including Paralegal, Pre-Law, Finance, Business Administration, or Marketing) at an accredited two- or four-year college, university, or vocational-technical school. This scholarship is a $5,000 award with up to eight (8) scholarships granted.

Brooks Brothers, founded in 1818, is committed to social responsibility through its donation program. The company partners with local and national non-profits focused on health issues and education. They seek to enhance community well-being while maintaining a commitment to inclusivity. Notably, they do not support organizations that discriminate based on protected categories. Their donations are aimed at fostering positive change in society, reflecting their belief in the importance of community engagement.

About NCTM

Founded in 1920, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) is the world's largest mathematics education organization.

Mission Statement

The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics advocates for high-quality mathematics teaching and learning for each and every student.

Designing Interventions that Support Learners with Disabilities (2-8)

The MET Fund sponsors this grant to support the development of engaging interventions for students with disabilities in grades 2-8. This grant encourages the implementation of interventions that develop 2 - 8 students’ conceptual understanding and expand mathematical fluency.

Purpose

This grant supports elementary teachers in designing, implementing, and sharing engaging hands-on interventions to support students’ conceptual understanding of mathematical concepts. This grant is specifically intended to support teachers of students who have disabilities. This grant could be used to fund materials, such as manipulatives. The expectation is that the recipient of the grant would share their interventions with other teachers and interventionists in their school/district, and beyond.

Award Type: Organizational

For MET grants, an organization is defined as a school, school district, university, or non-profit mathematics education organization. The primary applicant will indicate an organization to administer the finances of the grant when applying for the grant. The primary applicant MAY choose to administer the finances of the grant themselves; if so, they are responsible for reporting this award to the IRS on their personal tax return as income.

The Comis Foundation Grant aims to provide equitable opportunities for children to thrive through education and community engagement. It supports innovative programs that enhance educational outcomes, focusing on areas such as capacity building and pilot projects. With funding ranging from $5,000 to $75,000, the foundation prioritizes nonprofit organizations that foster inclusive environments. By emphasizing trust and collaboration, Comis Foundation strives to create lasting impacts in the communities it serves.

The Theodore Edson Parker Foundation offers mini grants up to $7,500 to support organizations addressing community needs in Lowell, Massachusetts. Established in 1944, the foundation prioritizes assistance for children, disadvantaged young women, and the elderly. It encourages applications from non-profit organizations with tax-exempt status or fiscal sponsors that serve Lowell residents, ensuring balanced representation within their management. Mini-grant applications are reviewed quarterly, fostering a more equitable community.

The Child Neurology Foundation offers a Summer Scholarship for first, second, or third-year medical students interested in neurodevelopmental disabilities or child neurology. This scholarship provides $3,500 for clinical research focused on neurodevelopmental disabilities in children or young adults, conducted under the supervision of a qualified subspecialist. Applications are evaluated based on their importance, originality, and contribution to the medical student's development.

Massachusetts nonprofits serving children, including those with disabilities, can seek funding for programs that meet children’s needs through CAPTRUST Community Foundation. CAPTRUST provides national partnership grants to local and national charities, and organizations working with disabled children in Massachusetts may be eligible if they align with the foundation’s mission.