Best Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Grants in Kansas

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 $1,000–$1,400 scholarships supporting higher education from the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington. Graduates of specified high schools in Washington and Texas may benefit, and programs serving intellectual and developmental disabilities in Kansas can look to this as a comparable model of support.

Individuals ages 18–25 with intellectual or developmental disabilities pursuing post-secondary education and connected to Rockford Public Schools may be eligible for scholarship support, including those in Kansas. Grants from Community Foundation of Northern Illinois help students access programs that build employment skills, independence, and college success through its universal scholarship application process.

Individuals ages 18–25 with an intellectual disability pursuing post-secondary education or life-skills programs and living in Boone, Ogle, Stephenson, or Winnebago County can apply for the Ann W. Dooley Advancement Scholarship, offered via the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois. Kansas intellectual and developmental disability programs may find this scholarship informative when supporting similar students.

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 of US $150,000 - US $250,000 for program or research support. Kansas organizations working on practitioner training, care coordination, policy, digital health, or access barriers may be especially competitive.

Kansas research institutions and healthcare organizations conducting intellectual and developmental disabilities comparative clinical effectiveness research can access funding through Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute. This opportunity supports high-quality, patient-centered studies comparing health or healthcare approaches for people with IDD. Kansas-based teams contributing to improved healthcare decisions and outcomes for this population may be competitive applicants.

Grants from Angelman Syndrome Foundation help Kansas caregivers of individuals with Angelman syndrome cover disability-related needs and services. Eligible caregivers can request up to US $5,000 for items like prosthetic appliances, wheelchairs, beds, educational assistance, or necessary clinic travel when no other funding is available, with one proposal allowed at a time.

Nonprofit organizations providing programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including those in Kansas, can apply for the David and Jacquie Clark Family Fund’s grants to support success, well-being, and access to opportunities. While preference is given to Ohio nonprofits, eligible U.S. organizations focused on helping people with special needs learn and thrive may benefit.

Kansas organizations supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, children, older adults, or veterans can seek funding to improve quality of life and address immediate and long-term needs. Focused on the Pacific NW but granting nationally, the Jtmf Foundation prioritizes impactful, Catholic values–guided programs; note that it is not currently accepting unsolicited requests.

Nonprofit and community organizations supporting intellectual and developmental disabilities, social services, education, or community development in Kansas counties where The Andersons operates may be eligible for this funding. With a mission to enhance quality of life, Andersons Foundation provides support for programs in human services, mental health, wellness, and related community initiatives.

Nondiscriminatory, charitable U.S. organizations serving people in need, especially children and those with intellectual or developmental disabilities in Kansas, can seek program support that is backed by a NAILBA member agency or corporate partner. Nailba Charitable Foundation provides funding for direct services such as youth programs, mental health and substance abuse services, emergency aid, and social services rather than overhead.

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.

Medical students interested in neurodevelopmental disabilities research in children or young adults can apply for Child Neurology Foundation’s summer scholarship; awards US $3,500 for a mentored clinical research project. First- to third-year U.S. or Canadian students, including those serving Kansas populations with intellectual and developmental disabilities, must work under a child neurology/NDD subspecialist.

Kansas 501(c)(3) and similar tax-exempt organizations providing intellectual and developmental disability services, education, or related human services can apply for McGraw Foundation grants of US $2,000 - US $10,000. Although grants generally prioritize the greater Chicago area, Kansas programs that fit its education, human services, or health and medical priorities may be considered.

The Robert & Joan Dircks Foundation provides Kansas intellectual and developmental disability nonprofits with US $1,000 - US $15,000 for innovative, problem-solving programs serving physically, mentally, or economically disadvantaged children and adults. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) organizations; funding is for one-year projects rather than operating budgets 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.

Non-sectarian nonprofits serving disadvantaged people, including those with intellectual or developmental disabilities, can seek US $5,000 - US $250,000 for programs that build self-reliance. Gupta Family Foundation provides Kansas and global human and social services organizations, typically smaller 501(c)(3)s, with annual or multi-year support if most funds reach beneficiaries and leadership shows deep personal commitment.

Organizations working in Kansas on education, child health, or family economic stability for urban low-income children and youth can apply for Michael & Susan Dell Foundation grants; awards more than US $50,000 for project support or scaling. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, social enterprises, schools, governments, and other qualified entities operating in the U.S.

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.

Kansas organizations conducting retrospective comparative clinical effectiveness research on intellectual and developmental disabilities and related health conditions can access funding through the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute. Eligible public or private U.S. entities may receive up to US $2,000,000 to leverage existing data sources and generate patient-centered evidence that improves health decision making and outcomes.

Kansas nonprofits serving people with intellectual or developmental disabilities can seek US $1,000 - US $20,000 to support community-based programs, skills training, and related services. With a mission to help smaller U.S. nonprofits where modest funding has big impact, Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation provides flexible support across education, disability services, and community programs.

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.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.