Without choice and access there can be no full participation in society. When individuals with developmental disabilities have greater choice in their housing options, have access to resources in order to make pivotal changes affecting their quality of life, and receive the benefit of local and nationwide advocacy and policy change, transformation will occur and America will finally be the place where ALL people are created equal.

Access to Resources
FFC is interested in breaking down barriers for people with developmental disabilities but it seeks to do so with innovative approaches that get at the root of social problems, specifically increasing access to resources.  In 2006, FFC incubated an innovative program called the Community Living Fund using $50,000 of operating revenue to provide $1,000 grants to individuals with developmental disabilities to assist with community lifestyle needs. By 2009, the program had given over $134,000 of grants to individuals.  That number currently stands at $136,500.

Building Capacity
FFC also believes that strengthening the infrastructure of organizations that benefit people with developmental disabilities will improve the lives of people with developmental disabilities.  For this reason, FFC is launching a new program to benefit advocacy and provider organizations in Ohio to increase their capacity and strengthen their infrastructure.

In order to maximize our impact within the Developmental Disabilities community, the Foundation For the Challenged has re-structured its grantmaking program. In addition to grants made to individuals for basic living necessities, strategic grants in FFC’s service areas are now available to DD support/advocacy organizations and providers. Interested individuals and organizations should carefully examine the Eligibility Requirements and Grant Grid before applying.

Click here for Grantmaking programs for individuals
Click here for Grantmaking programs for non-profit organizations