People With Disabilities Foundation Grant

The People With Disabilities Foundation (PWDF) provides grants to nonprofit organizations that benefit individuals with psychiatric and/or developmental disabilities. The foundation's funding focuses on the impact of proposed programs on beneficiaries and the financial need of the organization in relation to the services it provides. Eligible applicants must be registered as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and have been in operation for at least three years, with the mission and program centered around serving people with psychiatric or developmental disabilities. Programs must include direct contact with this population, whether through advocacy, education, destigmatization, or other relevant services. Applicants must submit documentation proving their operational history, such as IRS Form 990 or alternative financial records for the past three years. Additionally, organizations are required to maintain administrative expenses at or below 25% of their total budget, as reported in their most recent financial filings. While PWDF does not fund public entities or organizations that receive significant government support, organizations with clear statements of service and impact can apply. The foundation will not fund organizations with large budgets or resources unless they can demonstrate exceptional need and impact. Other funding exclusions include endowments, organizations solely established to obtain funding for public/private entities, and organizations supported by large benefactors such as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Programs that duplicate the work of other organizations, speculative projects dependent on future licensing or approvals, and general equipment purchases are also ineligible. Additionally, PWDF does not provide grants for short-term events, individual needs, or general operational reserves. Exceptions may be made for specific equipment purchases directly related to disability programs or for advocacy efforts tied to legislative purposes. However, the foundation does not support travel, lodging, or food costs for conferences and community events unless these are essential to legislative advocacy for disability rights.