Funding

Funding, Resources, Grants & Programs For Special Needs

Funding & Program suggestions for Special Needs

USA, Canada & UK

United States (USA)

Easterseals provides opportunities for people of all ages with a range of disabilities to achieve their full potential. Together, we’re changing the way the world defines and views disability.

With a network nationwide, we’re proud to serve approximately 1.5 million people with disabilities and their families. From therapy and early intervention services, to camps and employment placement, we help children and adults with disabilities, caregivers, veterans and seniors be at their best as they live, learn, work and play.

Kiwanis helps kids around the world. Local clubs look out for our communities and the international organization takes on large-scale challenges, such as fighting disease and poverty. We are generous with our time. We are creative with our ideas. We are passionate about making a difference. And we have fun along the way.

For more than a century, Kiwanis has created opportunities for children to be curious, safe and healthy regardless of the community in which they live. When you give a child the chance to learn, experience, dream, grow, succeed and thrive, great things can happen.

SNAP works with families and children to determine the equipment, resources, or services that would best promote child and family independence and quality of life.

SNAP is interested in finding ways to supply homes with equipment that increases a child's ability to gain mobility, communicate, and improve education.

SNAP will be a mentor to families by identifying financial assistance, grants, and pro grams designed to meet your circumstances.

In 2012, Reagan’s Journey became a not-for-profit corporation whose sole purpose is to assist families of with children who have special needs to obtain therapies, equipment and support that their traditional health insurance will not pay for. From expensive medical equipment to traveling assistance, we strive to support these families during their time of need.

Robbie Foundation is bridging the gap for children with developmental disabilities by funding adaptive equipment, assistive technology and therapy treatment not covered by insurances.

The Children with Special Needs Fund provides support for children in Michigan with special health care needs not available through any other funding source. The Fund helps with the purchase of equipment and services that promote optimal health, mobility, and development, enhancing the lives of children and their families.

The Peyte Foundation is a 501(C)3 non profit organization, whose main focus is to assist families of children with exceptionalities, who do not have the financial ability or insurance coverage to purchase adaptive equipment, We assist these families in finding additional service needed for their child through partnered opportunity. At the Peyte Foundation we take a team approach at getting our families the equipment they need in a timely manner, as well as taking the time to connect them with services that are a "right fit" for their child and family.

Thumbuddy Special's mission is that all children have the right to live to their maximum ability. We purchase adaptive equipment such as adaptive bikes, wheelchairs, strollers, computers and ramps. We also sponsor Special Recreation programs.

Angel Flight Oklahoma was created by a group of pilots who believe in the benefit of volunteering. We strive to keep all aspects of the organization volunteer. We are a non-profit charitable organization of pilots, volunteers, and friends that are proud to serve the heartland area of Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, and Kansas. We will arrange free air transportation for any legitimate, charitable, medically related need. This service is available to individuals and to health care organizations. We will also arrange transportation of those people who are financially distressed, or who are in a time-critical, non-emergency situation due to their medical condition.

Financial Assistance to persons with Down syndrome. Mark’s Money is a non-profit organization started by the Coonrod family in August 2006 to provide financial assistance to people with Down syndrome to help improve their quality of life. Financial assistance will be awarded to help meet their daily living, educational, employment, medical, residential or social needs.

The Ray Tye Medical Aid Foundation's charter and mission is dedicated to funding in-hospital life saving medical treatment and surgeries for those who do not have medical insurance, and for which no other financial resources are available.

Provide needed medical equipment and supplies to families of children with special needs and who are medically dependent.

Sunshine Foundation’s sole purpose is to answer the dreams of chronically ill, seriously ill, physically challenged and abused children ages three to eighteen, whose families cannot fulfill their requests due to financial strain that the child’s illness may cause.

The Maggie Welby Foundation is a charity that assists children to be able to experience as much of life as Maggie Welby did. Her family and friends created this memorial fund so that her memory would continue to make an impact in the lives of children, as Maggie has made such an impact on all of us.

GoodLife Kids Foundation is currently only accepting requests for funding for ongoing physical activity programs for children with special needs - primarily physical and/or intellectual disabilities.

Friends of Man helps people of all ages with a large variety of needs:

Mobility Equipment: (prostheses, wheelchairs, van lifts, and modifications, ramps, home modifications)
Medical Equipment and Procedures
Hearing Aids, Dentures, Glasses
Basic Needs: Clothing for Children, Food
Short-term Daycare, Prescriptions, Cobra/Health Insurance
And More!!

The Help A Little One Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for children with neurological disease by providing tangible items and supporting programs which increase physical comfort, facilitate social interaction, and build acceptance in the greater community. Additionally HALO endeavours to assist and support the caregivers of these children.

The goal of Holton's Heroes is to serve the community by connecting children who have suffered a life-threatening, post-birth brain injury with therapeutic tools and devices, enriching activities, educational information and resources for them and their loved ones.

FOCUS + Fragile Kids is here to help children who are medically fragile or have significant developmental and/or physical disabilities. We comfort with hospital visits and support groups, offer hope by information and education, provide fun activities for parents and kids and help to make equipment available to children in need.

Since 1923 Kosair Charities has had one primary mission – helping children in need. Kosair Charities knows that the quality of a child’s tomorrow depends largely on the quality of health, medical treatment, and support a child receives today. Kosair Charities supports over 100 pediatric agencies in our community with funding for research, clinical services, health education and care every year.

If you know a child living in Kentucky or Southern Indiana who needs our assistance with medical service referrals and financial support.

Autism Speaks is dedicated to promoting solutions, across the spectrum and throughout the lifespan, for the needs of individuals with autism and their families through advocacy and support; increasing understanding and acceptance of autism spectrum disorder; and advancing research into causes and better interventions for autism spectrum disorder and related conditions.

Children’s Wish Foundation will fulfill the favorite wish for any child having a limited life expectancy with medical-science as we know it today. Each wish will be complete while the child is healthy enough to fully enjoy it. The immediate family is included in the wish fulfillment so that the child and family can share in the experience and create happy memories together.

If a grant is approved by the Regional Board of Directors for a child, the grant will help pay for approved medical services/items after the family's commercial health insurance plan submits payment, if any. Grant funds are not paid to the family or the child outright. Grant families must work with the Foundation on submitting invoices/bills for approved medical services/items after their commercial health insurance plan submits initial payment (if any) to the health care provider (see graphic to the right). Grants for kids 16 years old or younger for services health insurance does not cover. Minneapolis, MN

McLindon Family Foundation provides adaptive bicycles for children with special needs.

In 2008, the McLindon family donated our first adaptive bike to a young boy with hydrocephalus, who desperately wanted a bike of his own - just like every child.

Since then, we have rallied a network of extended family, great friends, dedicated therapists, compassionate donors and people just like you to give away over 200 bikes in twenty-seven states.

The Arya Foundation serves to provide financial aid for the purchase of medical supplies and equipment for children with the medical condition.

The Arya Foundation believes that the medical supplies and adaptive equipment are lifeline for children with special needs and necessary to support their health and learning.

First Hand is dedicated to impacting the health of children, their families and communities through reactive and preventative initiatives. To fulfill that mission, we provide funding for individual children with health-related needs when insurance and other financial resources have been exhausted. We also create and support programs that identify issues before they become critical and that empower people to take charge of their health.

The Lindsay Foundation is a non-profit organization whose primary goal is to assist families with resources necessary to provide medical treatment, therapies and rehabilitative equipment in order to improve the quality of life for their special needs children.

Stepping Stones for Stella is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide Buggies to children with disabilities to ensure they and their families experience the joy and freedom of the great outdoors to its fullest.

Therapy Equipment Available Lexi's Closet provides an opportunity for a "test drive" of a special piece of equipment before making a commitment to purchase it.
Lexi's Closet provides a variety of therapy equipment for children with special needs. When families seek equipment for their child with special needs, they are confused by options, brands, styles of apparatus and equipment available. Our closet gives families a chance to try out what is needed before an expensive, non-refundable purchase is made.

Danny Did Foundation provides seizure & epilepsy devices to children that need them.

In addition to providing guidance, resources and gently used disability equipment free of charge to these families, the organization has recently created a new therapeutic/recreational option for families in Brevard and surrounding counties that focuses directly on the sensory functions of their child with special health care needs – designed just for children with physical disabilities and/or sensory processing disorders.

Small Steps in Speech is a 501(c)(3) charitable non-profit organization which provides grants on behalf of children with speech and language disorders for therapies, treatments, communicative devices, and other services aimed at improving their communication skills.

A grant from Small Steps in Speech provides financial support to families seeking speech and language services for their children, either not covered or not fully covered by their health care plan.

Our name may be Wheelchairs 4 Kids, but we do so much more. We have provided custom wheelchairs, widened doors, built ramps and provided wheelchair lifts and carriers for vehicles. We have given children standers and gait trainers and even installed a stairlift allowing a child to reach the second level of their home. Everyone at Wheelchairs 4 Kids is working hard to address this much neglected need. Thank you for being part of the solution.

The mission of the Foundation is to assist special needs children with a physical disability or illness aged 21 or younger throughout the United States. The Foundation awards grants to lower income families to enhance the everyday life of the child. Funds are awarded on a case by case basis. Families who wish to receive assistance must complete an application and demonstrate financial need. Applications are accepted throughout the year. Grants are only to be awarded once per child (for clarification, families who have multiple children who qualify are eligible to be awarded once per child).

Since 2003, BB4K has assisted more than 650 children with a variety of needs including therapy, therapy equipment, hearing aids, communication devices, home modifications, vans with wheelchair lifts, special beds, displacement costs when needing to see a specialist in another city, adaptive bikes, adaptive strollers, seizure dogs, and so much more!

"The Humanitarian Foundation believes that children with special needs should live life as fully and as independently as possible. We are passionately committed to helping alleviate the suffering and improving children's quality of life by providing dental care for those who otherwise might go without, One Smile at a Time."

The Autism Cares Foundation is a Pennsylvania Non-Profit Corporation and a 501C3 charity.

Our offerings provide an environment that enriches the life experiences of an individual with autism whereby he/she can engage in the type of play and other activities that other people enjoy. Some of our present offerings include: music events, arts & crafts, bowling, bounce events, race events, movie at theaters, weekly physical fitness program, glee club, iPad enrichment programs and much more. The intent at each event is to encourage participation in the type of play and activities that others enjoy while providing this in a safe and secure environment.

ACT Today! Our goal is to introduce and help facilitate early and on-going treatment by providing the necessary resources (including referrals, funding and guidance) to individuals with autism and their families. Studies demonstrate that early and intense intervention is important when treating individuals with autism, yet sadly very few of the effective treatments are covered by medical insurance and families are often delegated to piece together a treatment program for their child via multiple funding sources. Often, the child with autism must go without vital interventions due to financial restraints.

PAWSITIVITY SERVICE DOGS BRING INDEPENDENCE.

Pawsitivity is a nonprofit organization on a mission to rescue dogs and train them as service dogs for people with disabilities.

Fund It Forward is a volunteer run non-profit organization which believes that parents of children with special needs are strong, willing and able to endure daily struggles.

Because of the constant battles to provide the best quality of life for their children, Fund It Forward believes these families deserve help in addressing their concerns: We help them obtain expensive medical and adaptive equipment such as augmentative communication devices, bathing and feeding chairs, enclosed beds or sensory equipment.

Every child deserves the chance to hear and we are here to help! It is our joy to provide hearing devices for children with hearing losses between the ages of newborn and twenty years whose parents are unable to meet this special need financially.

Kya’s Krusade identifies and creates programs, services and tools that enable children with physical disabilities to reach their maximum potentials and support their families throughout their special journeys. We provide support, education and assistance through our website, provision of resource information and Art Therapy and Financial Assistance Programs. We strive to form a diverse community network and provide opportunities to enable equal access to all available informational, emotional, medical and financial sources of support..

Autism Escapes will serve as an Angel Network for families of children with autism. Its primary purpose is to arrange air travel on private jets for families in need of medical care for their children.

MIRA USA, Inc. is a non-profit corporation established to provide guide dogs for eligible blind children between the ages of 11 and 16, completely free of charge. MIRA is the first organization in the US that provides guide dogs to children under the age of 16. In addition, we provide ongoing seminars for families of blind children with reference to daily living skills, psychology of blindness, and what to emphasize in orientation and mobility training in preparation for a guide dog.

MyGOAL Inc. Enrichment Grant is a grant program that will enable families to take advantage of socialization and educational opportunities designed for individuals with special needs.

Such interactive activities are beneficial for the development of individual(s) with Autism Spectrum Disorders, but often times these programs are not covered privately or by other third-party funding sources such as school districts.

The purpose of the grants is to enrich the body, mind, and spirit of individual(s) with Autism Spectrum Disorders, resulting in a higher quality of life.

Zane’s Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c) 3 organization. We help children and adults with special needs by educating their families about beneficial resources that will improve their loved one’s academic achievement. We also assist with financial support. Financial support can be designated for things such as: camps, therapies, respite, assistive or adaptive equipment, communicative devices that help to meet daily challenges.

The mission of the Molly Bear Foundation, named in loving memory of Molly Elizabeth Brown, is to provide supplemental financial support to families raising children with Trisomy 18 and the organizations and professionals that care for them. We strive to promote a caring, compassionate community where families traveling this challenging road can find some comfort and relief in knowing we can help fund some of the care and equipment their insurance may not cover.

All children are special. However, Variety – the Children’s Charity’s purpose is to serve children who are less fortunate – children who live and grow up with a serious illness, disability or disadvantage. These are extra special children who require a special kind of help.

Under three core programs Variety – the Children’s Charity delivers on its promise to provide a future without limits for every child, regardless of their background or ability, and to be the most trusted and effective children’s charity in the world.

Since 1958, Muscular Dystrophy Family Foundation (MDFF) has provided financial assistance, quality programs and services for the Muscular Dystrophy community in Indiana. We focus on providing adaptive equipment and direct support services to individuals and family members affected by a neuromuscular disease.

Direct support services include annual social events and other equipment and services that enable those with Muscular Dystrophy to enjoy greater mobility and independence.

The Marty Lyons Foundation (MLF) was established in 1982 to fulfill the special wishes of children, ages three (3) to seventeen (17) years old, who have been diagnosed as having a terminal or life-threatening illness by providing and arranging special wish requests. We are unique in that we will grant a second wish to a deserving child.

The Foundation has 10 Chapters granting wishes in 13 states – Alabama, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia.

Rest Haven’s Mission is to provide funds for health related services for children in San Diego and Imperial counties when no other funds are available. Funds will also be provided to assist health care development and to purchase needed services. To fulfill this Mission Rest Haven provides one time or short term funding for all health related needs including developmental health, physical health and mental health for children who meet our eligibility requirements.

Shriners Hospitals for Children has a mission to:

Provide the highest quality care to children with neuromusculoskeletal conditions, burn injuries and other special healthcare needs within a compassionate, family-centered and collaborative care environment.
Provide for the education of physicians and other healthcare professionals.
Conduct research to discover new knowledge that improves the quality of care and quality of life of children and families.

In 1980, The Dream Factory began with one all-volunteer chapter in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Since then, The Dream Factory has grown into the largest all-volunteer children’s wish-granting organization in the United States, all while maintaining a grassroots approach. The Dream Factory continues to operate all 32 of its local chapters with very dedicated volunteers. These hard-working individuals raise funds within their own communities and then use those funds to grant the dreams of local children.

Tens of thousands of volunteers, donors and supporters advance the Make-A-Wish^® vision to grant the wish of every child diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition. In the United States and its territories, on average, a wish is granted every 34 minutes. We believe a wish experience can be a game-changer. This one belief guides us and inspires us to grant wishes that change the lives of the kids we serve.

ACTION FOR AUTISM (AFA) recognizes that nearly 1 in every 68 children born today will be diagnosed with autism. In addition to increasing awareness and educating people about autism, we view our mission as one of continually striving to work with individuals, families, and organizations to see that anyone with autism should, to the extent possible, receive therapies, resources, and support to help them attain their highest potential.

The Joni and Friends Headquarters is the International Disability Center located in Agoura Hills, CA. As an extension of the headquarters, Joni and Friends has many area ministries (local offices) that operate across the United States. These area ministries help mobilize and equip local congregations to reach out to people affected by disability. Our area ministries serve alongside a network of volunteers and churches in communities nationwide.

United Kingdom (UK)

We provide grants for a wide range of items, such as washing machines, sensory toys, family breaks, bedding, tablets, furniture, outdoor play equipment, clothing and computers. It can be a struggle financially, emotionally and physically for families raising a disabled or seriously ill child, and these grants help break down many of the barriers families face, improving their quality of life and easing the additional daily pressures.

Family Fund are the UK’s largest provider of grants to low-income families raising disabled and seriously ill children and young people. They help ease the additional pressures families face. They can help with essential items such as washing machines, fridges and clothing but can also consider grants for sensory toys, computers and much needed family breaks together.

Canada

Autism Speaks Canada has granted over $4 million to service organizations across Canada promoting collaboration, best practices and building capacity to support individuals and families living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Autism Speaks Canada is committed to supporting research and services across the country; raising public awareness to encourage inclusion; and collaborating with other organizations to speak alongside the autism community.

Our Mission: To ensure that each individual with ASD is provided the means to achieve quality of life as a respected member of society.

Autism Ontario (formerly Autism Society Ontario) is the leading source of information and referral on autism and one of the largest collective voices representing the autism community. Members are connected through a volunteer network of Chapters throughout the Province of Ontario.

President's Choice Children's Charity receives applications from families whose children have been diagnosed with a range of disabilities including cerebral palsy, autism, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida and various developmental delays.

BC Autism Funding for children under age six: Families can access up to $22,000 per year per child to help pay for eligible autism intervention services and therapies. Parents are required to select professional service providers from the Registry of Autism Service Providers (RASP).

Funding for children aged 6-18: Families can access up to $6,000 per year per child to help pay for eligible out-of-school autism intervention services and therapies.

The disability tax credit (DTC) is a non-refundable tax credit that
helps persons with disabilities or their supporting persons reduce the
amount of income tax they may have to pay. An individual may claim
the disability amount once they are eligible for the DTC. This amount
includes a supplement for persons under 18 years of age at the end
of the year.

Starlight Children’s Foundation partners with experts to improve the life and health of kids and families around the world.

For over 23 years, Starlight Children’s Foundation has been transforming the lives of Canadian children who live with serious illness and their families. What makes us unique is that we are there for the entire journey—from the emergency room to recovery.

The Sunshine Foundation of Canada makes dreams come true for children living with severe physical disabilities or life-threatening illnesses.

Our vision is that every Sunshine child lives their dream.

The Foundation will assist individuals and institutions that are committed to enriching the lives of children and teenagers whose families have limited financial resources.

Some examples of situations where the Foundation will give assistance are:

•	certain medical or dental procedures (not including standard orthodontics).
•	assisting special needs children to attend summer camps and other recreational pursuits.
•	providing to other charities, equipment and facilities such as boats, special needs vehicles and playground equipment.

Enriching the lives of children who have special needs starts here with you. With your help, we can be there for kids all across the province.

Millions of children suffer from poverty, homelessness, hunger, abuse, neglect, disease and disabilities. Tragically, these children often must live without essential health and education services that would alleviate their distress – and give them hope for the future. That's why the Lions Services for Children Program continues Lions Clubs International's long tradition of helping the world's future generations.

A gift to the Kiwanis Children's Fund helps children in many places, in many ways. For the Kiwanis family, the Children's Fund is a way of reaching children through grants, scholarship programs and Kiwanis youth programs.

For The Love of A Child is a charitable organization helping kids in Durham Region, Ontario, dedicated to improving the lives of children with special needs and their families. Having a child with special needs changes a person's life forever.

The mental, physical, and financial strain can devastate families.

The goal of this organization is to alleviate some of the financial burden , and make a difference in the life of a child.

Giving in Action was established in 2006 by Vancouver Foundation, and supports individuals with disabilities and their families. Grants are provided to help individuals fully participate in their home and community as well as achieve financial security.

We provide financial assistance of up to $3000 per year, per child to help purchase essential mobility equipment such as wheelchair, walkers, ramps or lifts.

Jumpstart is more than just about getting kids active. It’s about giving kids from families in financial need the same chance to participate as their neighbours, their classmates and their friends. Whether it’s the chance to try a new sport or to continue with a favourite one, no kid should be left out.

As one of Alberta's longest serving charities - our mission is to provide funding to enhance the Independence of children and young adults with disabilities throughout Alberta. We do this by providing funding for specialized equipment.

DISCLAIMER: I am not an Occupational Therapist. I am an adult who has Sensory Processing Disorder, a sensory parent and a Grandma. The information on this website is not medical advice and does not replace the information that your child's therapists gives you. These are just ideas and information that I have learned myself over the years of being a parent and an adult living with SPD. If you are concerned for your child, please always seek medical attention through a family doctor, pediatrician or therapist. This website is for suggestions and informational purposes only. Each child is different and what works for one child may not for another because all children have different needs. Please always consult with a professional.

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Sensory Processing Disorder Parent Support

Friends of Man helps people of all ages with a large variety of needs:

PAWSITIVITY SERVICE DOGS BRING INDEPENDENCE.