• According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau, about one in every five Americans has some type of disability, and more than 82 percent of those are unemployed, making the disabled one of the most poverty-stricken populations. Individuals with disabilities and organizations that support those with disabilities often seek grants to provide physical assistance, transportation, small business start-up and a myriad of other help. There are many opportunities available for those seeking funding.
  
  

MSU Library Connects You to Resources

• Some free, reliable resources for grant opportunities are available at the library at Michigan State University (see the resources section below). The Ethyl Louise Armstrong Foundation provides grants for education, training, advocacy, leadership, mentoring and the arts. There is a June first deadline to apply.
  
  The Everyday Miracles Autism Support Network provides grants to strengthen, educate and financially support families with autistic children. To apply you must contact contactus@autismcanend.org. The Multiple Sclerosis Foundation also offers Brighter Tomorrow Grants intended to improve the applicant's quality of life. Individuals who apply must provide personal and financial information.
  
  

Federal Connection

• Grants.gov and Federal Grants Wire are your connections to federal grant opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Americans With Disabilities Technical Assistance grants are available to organizations that provide employment training to individuals with disabilities. Only nonprofits are qualified to apply. Individuals and families affected by mental illness can apply for assistance via Protection and Advocacy for Individuals With Mental Illness grants. The program provides advocacy for those who must live in institutions or group homes.
  
  

Education

• If you are a disabled person seeking funding for continued education, the American Foundation for the Blind provides scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 for visually impaired students. 1800Wheelchair provides several $500 scholarships to U.S. students aged 16 or older who attend an accredited high school, college or university, and who have grades in good standing. The Alexander Graham Bell Foundation for the Deaf provides educational assistance for students aged 5 through 19 and will even help purchase assistive devices for deaf children.
  
  

Housing

• HUD, the United Stated Department of Housing and Urban Development, offers housing grants to a variety of people in need and facing hardship, including those with disabilities. You can find HUD on the Internet at HUD,gov, or get information from your local housing authority. HUD also offers assistance to disabled renters. Applicants must apply locally and provide personal and financial information.
  
  

Other Types of Financial Support

• Many individuals with disabilities receive Social Security Disability benefits, SSI (Supplemental Security Income) and/or SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance). Individuals receiving these benefits who want to start their own business may qualify for a PASS or Plan for Achieving Self-Support. A PASS is a work incentive developed by the Social Security Administration that allows disabled individuals to set aside a portion of their benefits and save them to use for business purposes, such as purchasing equipment or transportation.