Some Promising Grants
I am often asked if I know of any good grant opportunities specific to kids with special needs. My wish would be to have a full time grant researcher/writer at my fingertips as both searching for then applying for funds can be a daunting task. For now, this concept will have to stay as just that...a wish, but I did come across a couple of grants that look promising so thought I would share them in the hopes they may be helpful to the children, families and/or teachers that you serve.
The CVS/Caremark Community Grant program focuses on inclusive programs for children/individuals with special needs. Up to $5,000 may be awarded for focusing on health and rehabilitation services as well as enabling/encouraging developmental movement and play. There are also grants for organizations that provide access to healthcare and health education for at risk populations and underserviced populations. Finally grants to support academic enrichments programs at schools are also an option. Organizations applying must be in a community where CVS/Caremark has a presence (so excludes Colorado, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, South Dakota and Arkansas).
The Dorthea Haus Ross Foundation works with charities/non-profit organizations to help fund projects for children who are medically ill/disabled as well as those with emotional/learning/behavior disorders. It also includes children that are orphans and those physically abused/neglected. You can review their annual reports for the last three years to get some ideas on projects and the amounts funded, usually between $1,000 to $15,000.
The Aetna Foundation has grants highlighting 3 areas:
- Fighting the Obesity Epidemic among U.S. adults and children,
- Racial and Ethnic Healthcare and Equality to work on eliminating health disparities for chronic conditions and infant mortality
- Integrated Healthcare to improve healthcare access and lower costs.
Proposals are accepted quarterly throughout the year
Although not a grant, DonorsChoose.org is an online charity which connects individuals/organizations with classrooms in need. If you work in the schools, this may be a quick way to raise awareness and get an equipment project funded. There are multiple topic areas such as this these requests that turned up under their keywords Sensory Integration.
Are you aware of any ongoing grants/opportunities for our kids? Please do share them!