Best Grants for Nonprofits Serving Disabled in Wisconsin

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.

The Rotary Club of Appleton offers a grant to support projects benefiting children with disabilities in Appleton and the surrounding area. Funded through the Helen Thom Fund, this initiative aims to assist eligible charitable organizations with impactful programs within a 50-mile radius. However, the funds cannot be used for employee salaries or general operating expenses. This grant represents a commitment to improving the lives of challenged children through dedicated community efforts.

The Instrument Donations Program by Music Movement supports children and young adults with Autism and learning differences by providing funding for musical instruments. This initiative fosters self-expression, personal growth, and emotional well-being through music. Grants typically range from $500 to $1,500 and are available to applicants within the United States. The program encourages artistic development and enhances social skills, making a significant impact on the lives of those facing developmental challenges.

Music Movement offers grants for music therapy aimed at children and young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other developmental challenges. Grants typically range from $1,500 to $2,500, providing financial relief to families seeking therapeutic resources. Eligible applicants include legal guardians of children in the U.S. who select qualified therapists. The organization focuses on enhancing communication, social skills, and emotional well-being through music, benefiting diverse communities and promoting personal growth.

The Van London Memorial Scholarship Fund, established in 1953 by Communities Foundation of Texas, offers a one-year scholarship up to $15,000 for students who are blind. This scholarship supports tuition, fees, books, and on-campus housing for those pursuing college or trade school certifications, ensuring that education is accessible to all. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens or legal residents and in good standing as students.

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 Gilbert W. Mead III Memorial Scholarship, managed by the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, supports students from Southeastern Connecticut who show talent in the Arts and have financial need. Offering an award of $500, the scholarship aims to assist these students in pursuing their educational goals. Priority is given to those with physical limitations or disabilities, reinforcing the foundation's commitment to inclusive education since 1983.

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.

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. 

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

The Oshkosh Area Community Foundation offers Youth Program Grants to support initiatives that enhance youth development in Winnebago County. These grants prioritize projects that promote environmental education, establish new services for youth, strengthen existing programs, and provide adaptive equipment for children with disabilities. Eligible organizations include public charities and government agencies, while individuals and private schools are ineligible. The foundation aims to create better opportunities for children through these funding efforts.

The Brinker International Charitable Giving Program focuses on giving back to communities through support for kids, hunger, and education. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501c(3) non-profits and submit requests at least six weeks prior to events. The program does not support individuals, political or religious organizations, or explicit discrimination policies. Funding is provided through monetary donations or in-kind contributions like dining certificates.

The 100 Men of Dane County Grants provide essential funding to 501(c)3 organizations that focus on supporting children and families in Dane County, WI. The grant process involves a rigorous review by the Executive Board, which selects three organizations to advance based on measurable outcomes. Each selected organization must submit a video proposal to further detail their programs, reinforcing the organization's commitment to making a significant impact in the community.

The Karen Colina Wilson Foundation Grant supports programs for children, youth, and women, enhancing their health and well-being through education, art, literature, and music. Established in 2006, the foundation aims to make a positive difference in their lives, particularly in Southern and Western Wayne County, Michigan. Grants typically range from $500 to $10,000, often as matching funds, fostering broader fundraising efforts by local nonprofit organizations.

The GSF Foundation Grant supports 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations that enhance the lives of children and families in need. Applications must be submitted by a current GSF Associate who nominates the organization and its project. Since 2002, the foundation has funded over 600 organizations nationwide. It emphasizes personal involvement and contributions from associates, focusing on essential needs such as education tools, food, and shoes for children. Grants are reviewed at local and national meetings.

The Jordan Fund, established by John & Kelly Olerud in 2003, is dedicated to supporting children with special needs and their families. This grant-making organization assists children with substantial disabilities up to age twenty-one, covering costs for respite, therapy, and essential equipment not provided by insurance. By funding 501(c)(3) organizations, the Jordan Fund aims to enhance the quality of life for these children and their families.

Theresa Alessandra Russo Foundation Inc

The Theresa Foundation honors the memory of Theresa Alessandra Russo by touching the lives of children with special needs and their families. The Foundation fosters each child’s unique abilities by supporting programs focusing on art, music, dance, drama, and recreation.

The Theresa Foundation has a vision of the world where artistic expression and physical recreation are just as important to adults as they are to children. We believe in a world where every child, regardless of ability or challenging conditions, is free to communicate through and participate in every art or recreational activity. A society without art is a society without soul. Art enables us to express our inner thoughts, fears, joys, and sadness.  

The Theresa Foundation Grant Program

The Theresa Foundation Grant Program is committed to providing financial support for programs in art, music, dance, drama, or recreation that are designed specifically for children with special needs in order to ensure that no one is excluded from these activities. 

We believe that every individual should have the opportunity to participate in art, music, dance, drama or recreation if they so choose. Our grant program works to provide direct funding for the success of these activities, while also promoting an environment of acceptance and inclusiveness where all can take part without judgment or fear. 

As of 2026, the Theresa Foundation has provided over $3,300,000 in grant funding for over 200 programs in 29 states throughout the country and 4 international grants. With your help we can continue to make a difference in the lives of those with special needs by providing them access to enriching experiences that would otherwise be out of reach. 

The Wisdom Family Foundation Grant Program supports organizations that empower children and strengthen communities. Founded in 2007, this 501(c)(3) nonprofit focuses on providing essential resources such as food security and educational assistance. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $5,000, with larger capital grants considered on a case-by-case basis. The Foundation operates primarily in Greater Chicago, Northern Wisconsin, and the Twin Cities, promoting a spirit of generosity and collaboration within communities.

The Starseed Foundation Grant offers support to 501(c)(3) organizations focused on enhancing the arts, environmental protection, literacy, and social services. Grants are available to organizations throughout the United States, with a specific emphasis on programs based in Oregon. Interested parties must first submit a Letter of Inquiry to be considered for funding. This initiative aims to improve the quality of life for underserved communities through cultural and educational enrichment.

The 15 and the Mahomies Foundation Grants aim to enhance the lives of children by supporting health, wellness, and community initiatives. This private foundation seeks to fund 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations, focusing on charitable causes. Grant requests are reviewed quarterly, and applicants must meet eligibility criteria. However, the foundation does not accept applications from individuals or for non-charitable items such as autographs or game tickets.

The Christine A. Loetel Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, aims to support students with cerebral palsy or similar disabilities. Applicants must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher and demonstrate financial need through FAFSA-SAI. This renewable scholarship requires an essay and may involve an interview. By providing financial assistance, the scholarship fosters educational opportunities and enhances the quality of life for deserving students in the region.

The Kids Fund Grant is a charitable initiative dedicated to supporting disadvantaged children and youth in Dane County. As a tax-exempt organization, it provides grants up to $5,000 to public charitable organizations that aim to promote positive development, address challenges like substance abuse, and assist children with disabilities. The fund seeks to enhance community services and foster recreational activities, ensuring a brighter future for local families and children.

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.

About Us

The American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine (AACPDM) is an Academy of over 1,100 health professionals dedicated to advancing the health and well-being of all individuals with cerebral palsy and other childhood-onset disabilities. AACPDM is like no other professional society! The “teamwork” mindset of our members solidifies a worldwide network that provides the most effective outcomes for patients. We are pediatricians, neurologists, surgeons, rehabilitators, therapists, nurses, special educators, engineers, and scientists.

AACPDM Mentored Research Grant 

A key part of the AACPDM mission is to foster innovative research as well as its dissemination and implementation. One way the Academy promotes research is through the annual Research Grant Program.

AACPDM Research Grants provide support to bring together investigators from diverse geographical locations to obtain pilot data, statistical consultation and develop a multi-center research study plan.

AACPDM is excited to accept research grant applications that align with the Academy's mission to support a collaborative multidisciplinary community that provides robust scientific education, fosters innovative research, and advocates for equitable access to evidence-based care.

Research grant funding supports high-quality clinical research projects/programs. The award may be used to fund planning for a project or to complete a small research project.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

The CAPTRUST National Partnership Grant aims to support local and national charities that serve children's needs. Each year, a Charity of Choice is selected, typically receiving a grant of over $100,000, while additional national grants are awarded to organizations aligned with the CCF mission. This initiative represents 40% of the CAPTRUST Community Foundation's annual giving budget, underscoring its commitment to impactful charitable partnerships.