Disability Services Funding from Community Fund

Disability Services Funding from Community Fund is sponsored by Community Fund Management Foundation (Ohio). This opportunity supports mission-aligned projects and measurable outcomes.

## Grants That Empower Ohio’s Disability Community ## Enriching Lives Through Individual and Nonprofit Grants At Community Fund Ohio, our overarching mission is to create opportunities that empower Ohioans with disabilities and enable them to live fuller, more independent lives.

Through our grants program, we provide vital support to individuals with disabilities and the nonprofit organizations that serve them, helping to fund essential resources, enhance accessibility, and foster a more inclusive community across the state. **Our grant program is highly competitive. **We know the need is great and we wish we could fund every worthwhile application, but that is not always possible.

Please review our eligibility criteria to determine if you qualify for a grant. Our individual grants are used to provide access to resources that improve a person’s daily life.

From life-changing home and vehicle adaptations to registration for a specialized summer camp, grant funds can be used for a variety of needs, including, but not limited to: * Assistive technology and adaptive equipment * Home modifications (ramps, bathroom modifications) * Specialized therapy services (aquatic, equine, art, etc.) **Individual Grant Eligibility** Applicants shall be eligible to receive a grant up to $7,500 (lifetime cap) if they are an Ohio resident and they: * Have a developmental disability documented by their medical provider or their local Board of Developmental Disabilities representative * Are currently receiving services through Ohio's Early Intervention (EI) program.

NOTE: Summer camp applications are accepted winter quarter only. If the applicant has a county Developmental Disabilities (DD) Waiver, those funds must be used first, if available. ### 2026 Individual Grant Review Timeline Although we would love to provide grant funds for any need, there are requests we are unable to fund.

### How to Apply for an individual grant The Fall quarter individual grant application will be available until 4:00 p. m. on November 15, 2026.

## Individual Grant in Action: Meet Gregory For years to come, a young Ohio resident named Gregory will be able to better enjoy life experiences thanks to one of Community Fund Ohio’s individual grants. Gregory, who was nine years old when his mom Lisa submitted an individual grant application for her son, has autism, phenylketonuria, and an intellectual disability.

Lisa requested a grant to purchase a new stroller for Gregory, as he had recently outgrown his previous one. We were happy to approve their application and provide the funds for a new adaptive stroller for Gregory. Unlike typical strollers, adaptive equipment is designed to meet the specific needs of a person with a disability.

The new stroller will continue to support Gregory as he grows into adulthood. For Lisa, the stroller offers peace of mind and provides Gregory with a safe, secure space during outings. Most importantly, it allows their entire family to participate more fully in community life.

**Nonprofit Organizations**: Nonprofit grants from Community Fund Ohio are intended to support Ohio-based, 501(c)3 organizations whose principal mission aligns with our focus area of serving individuals with developmental disabilities. Organizations whose primary mission does not fall within this focus area may apply for a project specifically focused on including individuals with developmental disabilities.

Such applications will be evaluated and may be funded, contingent upon alignment with this focus area, number of people impacted, and the availability of resources.

**Permissible uses of grant funds**: Grant request purposes may include, but are not limited to, expansion of disability-related services, purchase of accessible vehicles for transporting clients, facility improvements for greater accessibility, or purchase of equipment or technology that will enable the organization to better serve people with developmental disabilities.

A grant will not be awarded for expenses that may be categorized as typical operating expenses or overhead, including, but not limited to, rent, property taxes, or employees’ salaries. ### 2026 Nonprofit Grant Review Timeline ### How to Apply for a nonprofit grant The fall nonprofit organization grant application will be open until 4:00 p. m.

on November 15, 2026. ## Nonprofit Grant in Action: Toledo Zoo & Aquarium In 2024, we received a grant application from the Toledo Zoo & Aquarium requesting funds to make it easier for individuals with various disabilities to access the zoo in a meaningful way. We were delighted to select this deserving organization as a recipient, providing three separate grants in support of their “Zoo for All” strategy.

The Toledo Zoo allocated its grant funds to several impactful initiatives, including: * The Aira Visual Interpreting Aide for zoo guests who are blind or have low vision * The ZOOTeen Program Advocates for Disabilities and Partners Team (ADaPT) * Vouchers for onsite scooters and wheelchairs for visitors in need of mobility support This is just one of many examples of how our nonprofits grants have led to real change in accessibility and inclusivity in the community.

## How Our Grants Are Funded When individuals establish a trust with us, they have the option to leave any remaining assets to Community Fund Ohio upon the beneficiary’s passing. These funds allow us to continue our mission, providing grants that directly benefit individuals with disabilities and the organizations that serve them.

Disclaimer: Community Fund Ohio cannot guarantee that a beneficiary will retain their government benefits but will assist the beneficiary in answering questions about a Community Fund Ohio Pooled Special Needs Trust. This website is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor is it a substitute for obtaining legal advice from a licensed attorney.