CFF Innovation Grant Program

We’re looking for organizations that ideally meet all of the following criteria:

• Experienced: You’ve been providing services or programs for at least two years.
• IDD-Focused: Your work directly supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in one or more of our focus areas:
  • Affordable co-housing models for individuals and families
  • Accessible day programs and inclusive job opportunities
  • Tools and technologies that enhance accessibility at home and in community spaces
  • Cross-sector collaborations between public, private, and nonprofit organizations
• Serving Underserved: You’re working in communities where people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) face a lack of affordable housing, inclusive programs, and day-to-day accessibility.
• Collaborative: That’s why your work includes collaborating with strategic public partners such as local governments, housing authorities, and school district whenever possible to create real, community-wide change. Proposals are encouraged to highlight the partnerships in place across all nonprofits, schools, city agencies, or employers.
• Innovative & Scalable: You have a bold, creative model that has the potential to grow, be replicated in other communities, and adapt to changing needs and requirements.

Proposals must be submitted through the current grant program only.

We are offering innovation grants between $10,000–$50,000 in this first, exploratory funding cycle and we anticipate awarding approximately 10 to 20 grants in this cycle. We are excited to announce the launch of our first, exploratory funding cycle. This round is designed to uncover and support bold ideas from across the country with high potential for impact and scale. Whether you're testing a new approach, expanding a successful model, or tackling a problem from a fresh angle, we want to hear from you.

We prioritize bold, community-rooted projects that fall under at least one of these areas:

• Affordable co-housing for individuals and families
• Employer and community-partnered day programs offering inclusive experiences and work opportunities
• Home and community accessibility tools that make everyday life more equitable
• Cross-sector collaborations that unite nonprofits, public agencies, and the private sector

• Projects located outside of the United States at this time
• Grants for an individual person or family
• Political campaigns or lobbying
• Events, travel, or conference sponsorships
• Organizations without nonprofit status or a fiscal sponsor
• Projects that don’t directly benefit adults with I/DD
  

Your LOI should be a single PDF or Word document, no more than 600 words total, and must include:

• A brief project summary (max 300 words)
• How your work aligns with at least one CFF priority area
• An estimated budget and your requested grant amount
• Plans for scalability and sustainability
• Identification of any additional significant funders (if applicable)

Upload your LOI directly through our application portal (the portal is closed for this cycle). Make sure your file is in PDF or Word format, and includes all required components.

The deadline to submit your Phase 1 application (Letter of Intent) is June 30th.

This is a two-part application process:

• Phase 1: Submit your Letter of Intent (LOI)
• Phase 2: Selected applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal

To be ready for Phase 2, please prepare the following documents in advance:

If you are a registered nonprofit, have:

• IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter
• List of current board members and their affiliations
• Current-year annual operating budget
• Most recent IRS Form 990

If you are not a registered nonprofit but do charitable work aligned with this grant:

• A Letter of Support from your fiscal sponsor(s)
• Your most recent financial statements

Phase I is primarily for us to get to know the organizations applying and ensure they meet our eligibility requirements and fit the scope for this round of funding. Scores are not disclosed prior to Phase 2 but are used internally to guide advancement. Upon request, organizations not selected for funding may receive summary feedback following final decisions.

All grantees advancing to the second round will have the opportunity to expand upon their Letter of Intent (LOI) and submit a detailed budget for review. Phase II applications are evaluated and scored by an external review board with expertise in disability justice, grant evaluation, public health, and community development. Finalists are determined based on a combination of the composite review score and financial assessment.

• Grants of $10,000 and under will support small-scale projects with big potential, especially early-stage pilots and community-based programs that uplift families.
• Grants ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 will be awarded to innovative models that serve individuals across the lifespan and demonstrate potential for scalability.
• Award amounts are also informed by the number of individuals served, particularly low-income adults with I/DD in underserved areas. Overall duration and scope of the proposed project is also considered.