Ability Central Grants

Ability Central Grants has provided over $14.3 million to 122 organizations since 2010, focusing on projects that enhance digital accessibility, assistive technology, workforce development, and communication access for individuals with disabilities. Grants are available only to nonprofit organizations in California, with a preference for innovative projects addressing urgent needs and promoting inclusive practices. The initiative fosters measurable impacts and prioritizes effective governance within recipient organizations.

Since 2010, Ability Central has awarded 281 grants to 122 disability-focused organizations, providing more than $14.3 million to projects and events that support individuals whose disabilities impact their access to information or communication.
Letter of Intent Details
The four Focus areas for this cycle are:

• Digital Accessibility Software and Applications

This initiative funds programs based on continued development and implementation of web and mobile based applications of innovative software and technologies, services, and solutions benefiting people with disabilities. It also supports the creation of new technologies, services, and solutions, with an emphasis on expanding access and inclusion.
Assistive Technology
This initiative funds programs based on developing and utilizing tools like screen readers, speech-to-text software, and other assistive technologies that help individuals with disabilities overcome barriers to learning and performing tasks.
Workforce Development
This initiative funds programs to support training, assistive technology, experience and support for people with disabilities, emphasizing both hard and soft skill development in relation to the workforce. This can include training, mentorships, work-based learning programs, and coaching assistance. This includes developmental opportunities and tailored training for targeted communities, such as communication differences and disabled individuals, while promoting the use of existing resources.
Communication
This initiative funds programs to support the expansion of communication access programs and/or support the increase in the inclusion and participation of communication differences and disabilities individuals and others with disabilities in events and programs. It also promotes the use of existing resources to support equitable access and engagement.

Eligibility

Ability Central only funds nonprofit organizations operating in California.Ability Central aims to support organizations where our funding can make a measurable, positive impact. Grant eligibility shall be determined by where the program operates or where the population served resides, not the location of the Organization’s headquarters.

Ineligibility

Projects that involve discriminatory practices—including preferential treatment based on race, national origin, ethnicity, physical ability, gender, political affiliation, or religious belief—will not be considered. Additionally, organizations with an exclusively sectarian purpose are not eligible for funding. Ability Central does not provide grants to fund capital campaigns or endowments.