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Scholarships & Grants

Alexander Graham Bell (AG Bell) Association for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing

Promotes the use of listening and spoken language for infants, young children and adults who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing (rather than signed or visual languages). Their website provides a lot of resources for parents, including financial aid and scholarship opportunities.
3417 Volta Place Northwest, Washington, DC 20007
(202) 337-5220
agbell.org

American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD)

The country’s largest cross-disability membership organization advocating for political and economic power for those with disabilities. They offer academic scholarships, mentorship programs, paid internships, and the Fannie Lou Hamer summer leadership program for Black disabled individuals. Their website has helpful information on policies affecting people with disabilities, and current political news.
1030 15th Street Northwest, Washington, DC 20005
(202) 521-4316 or (800) 840-8844
aapd.com

Do More Foundation

Offers financial assistance for families who need financial help due to their child’s medical needs. Includes help with utility/rent bills, meal expenses while at the hospital, gas expenses for travel to and from hospital or doctor visits, non-covered medical expenses, non-covered supplies that would aid the child in their treatment and funeral expenses related to the death of a child. Go online for additional contact information and to apply for assistance.
PO Box 1981, Pompano Beach, Florida 33061
(954) 857-9059
thedomorefoundation.org

DO-IT (Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking & Technology)

Hosts programs and projects for precollege and college students with disabilities, and advocates for universal design in the workplace. Families and professionals can find a wealth of information on their website on career readiness, mentorship programs, accessible classrooms, and technology. They also have a list of Scholarships for students with disabilities.
Voice/TTY: (206) 685-3648 or (888) 972-3648
doit.uw.edu

Kiwanis Northwest Columbus

Volunteer organization serving kids in Northwest Columbus. They host several youth soccer programs, including Kiwanis Soccer Buddies for children K-6 with disabilities They also volunteer for habitat restoration at Upper Arlington parks, host Aktion Club for adults with disabilities, and award college scholarships to high school students with or without a documented disability. Find program details and contact information online.
northwestkiwanis.com

Lighthouse Guild’s Vision Loss Tele-Support Network

Non-profit healthcare organization for visually impaired persons. Provides free tele-support groups, including groups for high school students with vision loss and for parents of those with vision loss. Groups meet weekly by phone to share experiences and discuss related topics. Lighthouse also has a Vision & Health Blog and podcast with helpful information, scholarships, and more.
(212) 769-6318
lighthouseguild.org

Michael Dean Gibbs (MDG) Foundation Grants for Youth in Licking County

Awards scholarships for youth who live or go to school in or near Licking County. The Empowerment Scholarship may be used to cover tuition, equipment, supplies or other costs for academic, artistic, or athletic/recreational activities. The Inclusion Award provides funding for kids with disabilities, delays, or giftedness to reach their full potential. The Change-Maker Grant is for children or groups to implement a project that makes their community a better place. Scholarships are awarded to youth up to grade 12 or pursuing a GED. The MDG Foundation was founded in honor of Michael Dean Gibbs, a former resident of Granville, Ohio, who passed away from ALS/Lou Gehrig’s Disease in 2018. Application deadlines are quarterly throughout the year. Visit the website to apply.
michaeldeangibbs.org

National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS)

Their website provides lots of great resources and information about Down Syndrome throughout the lifespan. They offer regular webinars and family programs, scholarships, and more.
1155 Fifteenth Street Northwest, Washington D.C. 20005
(800) 221-4602
ndss.org

National Federation of the Blind (NFB)

Advances the lives of blind people in the United States, with chapters in each state. Their website has many resources for blind people, parents, and educators. Programs include the following, find specific application forms and requirements on their website:

  • Free White Cane Program: Any blind individual in the U.S. can request a free cane as frequently as every 6 months.
  • Free Slate and Stylus Program: Any blind individual in the US can request a free slate and stylus, the only Braille-writing device that has the same portability, flexibility, and affordability as a pen and pencil.
  • NFB-Newsline: A free audio news service for anyone who is blind, low-vision, deafblind, or otherwise print-disabled offering access to books, magazines, newspapers, emergency weather alerts, job listings, and more. They also have a youth version with kid and teen-friendly content. You must apply and register online for access.
    Columbus Newsline: (614) 448-1673
  • NFB Ohio Scholarship Program: Offers scholarships to outstanding blind students who currently live in or are attending college in the state of Ohio each academic year.
  • Braille Reading Pals Literacy Club: Sign up for free Braille books, activities, birthday cards, and more for blind children 0-8 years old.

PO Box 20544, Dayton, OH 45420
Ohio: (937) 829-3368
National: (410) 659-9314
nfb.org

Ohio Department of Education (ODE) Special Education

Find state-sponsored information and programs for parents and professionals about supporting students in special and gifted education. Provides information on accessing accommodations and behavioral supports, filing a complaint or requesting mediation, scholarships, and more. Their website also has helpful print-outs available in many languages.
25 South Front Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 466-2650 or (877) 644-6338
TTY: Call Ohio Relay Service at (800) 750-0750
education.ohio.gov/Topics/Special-Education

Ohio Department of Education (ODEW) Scholarship Programs

Ohio provides scholarships to private schools for students attending low-performing public schools, scholarships for families considered low income, and students with learning disabilities to schools or programs to meet students’ needs. Go online for information about the EdChoice Program, Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship Program, Autism Scholarship Program, and additional educational resources.
25 South Front Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 728-2743 or (877) 644-6338
education.ohio.gov/Scholarships

Ohio Department of Medicaid Waiver Services

Ohio Medicaid Waivers help eligible customers with disabilities or chronic health conditions pay for healthcare costs and access care at home or in the community rather than a long-term care facility. Covered services may include personal care, transportation, respite services, supported employment, nutrition services, assistive devices, home modifications and interpreter services. Each state has its own waiver program with distinct eligibility requirements, and there is typically a waiting list. Contact your local Board of Developmental Disabilities or Department of Job and Family Services to start the waiver application process.

Job & Family Services Offices: cap4kids.org/columbus/franklin-county-jfs
County Boards of Developmental Disabilities Offices: cap4kids.org/columbus/department-of-developmental-disabilities
Franklin County Board of Developmental Disabilities Service Coordination Department: (614) 464-2743
Franklin County Job and Family Services: (844) 640-6446
Ohio Medicaid Consumer Hotline: (800) 324-8680

Oracle Health Foundation

Provides financial grants to help cover costs related to children’s healthcare needs. Grants are provided for clinical costs, equipment costs, displacement, or vehicle modification. Examples of expenses covered include lodging and transportation related to a child’s care, clinical procedures, medicine, care devices/medical equipment, and assistive equipment. The grant recipient must be 21 years of age or younger, be under the care of a physician, and have no existing insurance coverage for the requested expenses. Families may request funds once per 12 months, with a maximum of three times in a child’s lifetime. Visit the website to complete an application.
(816) 573-6050
oraclehealthfoundation.org/pediatric-grants

Surfgimp Foundation

Provides financial grants for people with disabilities to pursue an active life. Funds may be used for equipment, travel, support personnel, entry fees, etc. to participate in physical activities. Grant applications open once per year, typically in the fall. Check the website for deadlines and application details.
PO Box 5153, Arlington, Virginia 22205
surfgimpfoundation.org

The LENN Foundation

Family-owned nonprofit providing grant assistance for children with Cerebral Palsy to receive pediatric intensive therapies. Visit the website to contact the organization.
102 West Main Street, New Albany, Ohio 43054
thelennfoundation.org/contact

The Mother Ship

Serves: Parents, Guardians, and Caregivers of special-needs children.
Nonprofit operating in Central Ohio including Franklin, Delaware, Licking, Fairfield, Pickaway, Madison, and Union Counties, supporting the needs of caregivers. They host fun events and gatherings for caregivers and provide financial assistance through grants that can be used towards their own school, medical needs, self-care, housecleaning, and more. Contact them online.
themothershipinc.com

UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation (UHCCF)

Provides medical grants for families to pay for healthcare services related to a major medical condition that are not covered by their family’s insurance plan. Children must be 16 years old or younger, be a U.S. citizen, and have coverage through a commercial health plan to qualify for a grant. Families must meet income eligibility requirements. Applications must be submitted on a computer, not phone or tablet. Visit the website for a full list of requirements and for application instructions.
(855) 698-4223
uhccf.org

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