Small Grant Opportunities

Small Grants Overview

In recognition of the fact that sometimes a little funding can have a huge impact, the New York State (NYS) Council on Developmental Disabilities (CDD) is proud to offer these Small Grant Funding Opportunities:

  • Growing Advocacy ($5,000 - $10,000)
  • Conference Access ($1,000 - $5,000)
  • Language Translation ($1,000 - $5,000)
  • Inclusive Transportation ($2,000 - $10,000)

These grant opportunities are released periodically. Sign up for the CDD listserv to receive notice when these small grant opportunities become available. 

Growing Advocacy

The application period for this opportunity has closed.

The NYS Council on Developmental Disabilities (CDD) is seeking grant applications that support new and budding advocacy initiatives in New York State, as well as strengthen the capacity of existing advocacy organizations. Applications should focus on one of the following focus areas:

  1. Self-Advocacy Organizations: Supporting the growth or building the capacity of advocacy organizations run and led by people with developmental disabilities (DD). 
  2. Family & Caregiver Advocacy Organizations: Supporting the growth or building the capacity of advocacy organizations run and led by families or caregivers of people with DD. 
  3. Other Non-profit Organizations: Creating new advocacy opportunities for people with DD in organizations across NYS.  

Follow this link to learn more: Growing Advocacy Small Grant Opportunity 2026 | Council on Developmental Disabilities

Targeted Disparity Small Grant Opportunity: Chautauqua County

The application period for this opportunity has closed.

The NYS Council on Developmental Disabilities (CDD) is offering funds for eligible organizations in New York State located in Chautauqua County to address the needs of low-income people with developmental disabilities (DD) and their families and caregivers identified by a community needs assessment. In 2024, the NYS CDD conducted a community needs assessment in partnership with the Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH), which identified areas of need for two New York counties, including Chautauqua County. In response, the NYS CDD is making funding available to organizations to select an identified need and enact a project or initiative that addresses the need in Chautauqua County.

Follow this link to learn more: https://cdd.ny.gov/targeted-disparity-small-grant-opportunity-chautauqua-county

Targeted Disparity Small Grant Opportunity: Bronx and Chautauqua Counties

The Application period for this opportunity has closed.

The NYS Council on Developmental Disabilities (CDD) is offering funds for eligible organizations in New York State located in either Bronx or Chautauqua Counties to address the needs of low-income people with developmental disabilities (DD) and their families and caregivers identified by a community needs assessment. In 2024, the NYS CDD conducted a community needs assessment in partnership with the Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH), which identified areas of need for both the Bronx and Chautauqua Counties. In response, the NYS CDD is making funding available to organizations to select an identified need and enact a project or initiative that addresses the need in Bronx or Chautauqua Counties.

Follow this link to learn more: https://cdd.ny.gov/targeted-disparity-small-grant-opportunity-bronx-and-chautauqua-counties

Bilingual Housing Navigation

The application period for this opportunity has closed.

The NYS Council on Developmental Disabilities (CDD) is offering funds for non-profit organizations in New York State to support their staff to become Certified Housing Navigators and provide educational opportunities on housing options to communities who speak English as a second language upon completion of the Housing Navigation Course.

Follow this link to learn more: Bilingual Housing Navigation

Conference Access

The application period for this opportunity has now closed.

The New York State Council on Developmental Disabilities (CDD) is seeking grant applications that support the participation of people with developmental disabilities, their families and caregivers at conferences, workshops, and events.

Follow this link to learn more: Grant Opportunity Announcement: Conference Access Funding

Language Translation

The application period for this opportunity has now closed.

The New York State Council on Developmental Disabilities (CDD) is seeking grant applications that support the translation of existing documents or materials related to the CDD approved State Plan into other languages.

Follow this link to learn more: Language Translation Funding

Inclusive Transportation

The application period is closed.

The New York State Council on Developmental Disabilities (CDD) is seeking grant applications to implement innovative transportation projects that support people with DD to better access their communities. Applicants can apply for between $2,000 and $10,000 to put towards improving transportation for individuals with IDD. 

Follow this link to learn more: Inclusive Transportation Funding

Eligibility

Eligible organizations:

  • Nonprofit organizations (note: the lead applicant cannot be a for-profit organization; however, for-profit organizations may serve as subcontractors to the lead applicant)
  • Public or private institutions, such as universities, colleges, or hospitals
  • Disability-service organizations
  • Community-based organizations
  • Tribal organizations
  • Consortia, groups, or partnerships among organizations 

 

Eligibility requirements:

All applicants must be a registered and pre-qualified Vendor in the NYS Statewide Financial System (SFS). Proposals received from eligible applicants who have not been registered and pre-qualified will be disqualified from further consideration. Find more information on NYS grants management at the following address: https://grantsmanagement.ny.gov/