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CFF Innovation Grant Program

Now Accepting Letters of Inquiry

The CFF Innovation Grants initiative is now accepting Letters of Inquiry (LOIs). We’re looking for bold, scalable solutions focused on one or more of these priority areas:

  • Affordable co-housing models for individuals and families
  • Employer-partnered day programs creating inclusive job opportunities
  • Tools and technologies that enhance accessibility at home and in community spaces
  • Cross-sector collaborations between public, private, and nonprofit organizations

Grants of $10,000–$50,000 will be awarded to nonprofits, social enterprises, and cross-sector partnerships with fiscal sponsors with at least two years of operational experience.

If your organization is piloting or expanding a sustainable model that advances equity, independence, and community connection for the disability community—we want to hear from you!

Deadline to submit Phase 1 of your application by clicking on the button below: June 30th

CFF Innovation Grant Application

FAQs

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
    • Employer-partnered day programs that create 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. You recognize these gaps aren’t just about services—they’re about systems.
  • Collaborative: That’s why your work includes collaborating with strategic public partners—such as local governments, housing authorities, and school districts—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—to make your impact stronger.
  • Innovative & Scalable: You have a bold, creative model that’s not only effective now—but has the potential to grow, be replicated in other communities, adapt to changing needs, and deliver lasting, system-level change.

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-partnered day programs offering inclusive 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
We still want to hear from you!

Even if you’re not applying for this grant cycle, we’re still open to collaboration. We encourage you to submit your organization to our Resource Library Project, where we’re building a directory of regional partners and programs serving the I/DD community.

Our goal is to spotlight local resources and foster future partnerships that strengthen the systems supporting individuals and families with I/DD across our initiative areas.

Submit your organization here

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 linked above. 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
Need help or have more questions?

No worries—we’re here for you. Reach out to Hayley Sayrs at Hayley@cfarrell.org with questions throughout the application process. We’re excited to hear about your work and your vision!

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