Best Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Grants in California

501(c)(3) nonprofits serving adults with developmental disabilities in California can apply for Helpers Community grants, awarding US $15,000 - US $25,000 for infrastructure, materials, and facility improvement projects. Organizations providing residential care, recreation, job training, or supportive housing may be eligible, but general operating support and salaries are not funded.

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.

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 for higher education through the Patricia Schroder Memorial Scholarship. Focused on disability-related challenges, the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington supports graduates of specific Washington and Texas school districts who may now study or reside in California.

Eligible technical assistance providers supporting early childhood, maternal behavioral health, and intellectual and developmental disabilities systems in California can apply for up to US $1,601,000 over three years to guide six county-based grantees. With a mission to strengthen behavioral health systems, CA Commission for Behavioral Health provides expertise-focused partners with resources to build integrated, sustainable care networks.

Students with intellectual disabilities connected to Rockford Public Schools who plan to enroll in post-secondary education may be eligible for the Colleen Maher Inspirational Scholarship, supporting life-enhancing employment goals. Grants from Community Foundation of Northern Illinois help individuals, including those in California program contexts, pursuing higher education and independent living skills development.

Individuals ages 18–25 with intellectual disabilities pursuing post-secondary education or life-skills programs in Boone, Ogle, Stephenson, or Winnebago County can apply for the Ann W. Dooley Advancement Scholarship, administered by the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois. Students focused on employment, independence, and disability-related supports may benefit, including those in California-style intellectual and developmental disability programs who meet these residency requirements.

U.S.-based 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. Programs in California, including research and initiatives enhancing practitioner competency, care coordination, advocacy, or digital health for the I/DD community, may be especially competitive.

California research institutions and healthcare organizations focused on intellectual and developmental disabilities can access funding through the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute for patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research projects. Eligible projects must study health or healthcare approaches for people with IDD, engaging patients and other decision makers throughout the research process to improve care and outcomes.

Caregivers of individuals with Angelman syndrome can receive up to US $5,000 to improve their loved one’s quality of life, including equipment, educational assistance, or necessary clinic travel. Grants from Angelman Syndrome Foundation help families in California and across the U.S. with disability-related needs when no other funding sources are available.

Nonprofit organizations providing programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including those in California, 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 serving people with special needs may benefit.

Nonprofit organizations serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in California and the broader Pacific Northwest may be eligible for flexible support addressing immediate needs and root causes. Focused on disability inclusion, Jtmf Foundation also funds programs for children, older adults, and veterans, especially those improving health, well-being, and long-term quality of life.

California human and social service nonprofits supporting people in need, especially children and individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, can seek program funding through the Nailba Charitable Foundation. U.S.-based, nonsectarian charities with NAILBA member or corporate partner support and sound fiscal practices may be eligible for a wide range of basic needs, mental health, and disability-related projects.

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.

First, second, or 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. Projects must focus on neurodevelopmental disabilities in children or young adults and be supervised by a child neurology/NDD subspecialist, which may benefit California-focused work.

California 501(c)(3) and similar tax-exempt organizations supporting people with intellectual or developmental disabilities can apply for McGraw Foundation grants of US $2,000 - US $10,000 for general operations, specific projects, or occasional capital needs. Grants generally go to the greater Chicago area, so California programs may be eligible only if they fit this geographic focus.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving intellectually or developmentally disabled and otherwise disadvantaged people in California can receive project-based support to improve quality of life. The Robert & Joan Dircks Foundation provides U.S. disability care and poverty alleviation programs with one-year grants of US $1,000 - US $15,000 for innovative services rather than ongoing operations.

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.

California nonprofits providing basic needs, youth enrichment, workforce readiness, or domestic violence safety can access funding via TJX Foundation if they are 501(c)(3)s located within 15 miles of a TJX store, distribution center, or office. Programs serving vulnerable children and families, including those with intellectual or 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, can seek US $5,000 - US $250,000 for programs that build self-reliance. Gupta Family Foundation provides California and global human and social services organizations with annual or multi-year funding, prioritizing smaller groups where at least 90% of grant funds reach beneficiaries.

California 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting children, education, or health and human services can seek program funding that benefits local communities. Costco Foundation supports these efforts in areas where it does business; organizations serving children with intellectual or developmental disabilities may be eligible if their work fits these priorities and demonstrates measurable outcomes and strong community collaboration.

Organizations working in California on education, childhood health, or family economic stability for urban low-income children and youth can apply for Michael & Susan Dell Foundation grants; awards are more than US $50,000 for project support or scaling. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, social enterprises, schools, government entities, and other mission-aligned organizations in the U.S., India, and South Africa.

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.

This funding opportunity from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute aims to enhance health decision-making through comparative clinical effectiveness research, focusing on critical areas such as cancer, maternal health, and mental health. The initiative encourages robust observational studies that utilize existing data to derive patient-centered insights. Applications must address specific themes approved by PCORI and demonstrate potential benefits to the U.S. healthcare system, thus ensuring relevance and stakeholder engagement in research efforts.

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.