2026 Grant Recipients
2026 Spring/Summer
BY THE NUMBERS…
24 grants + 1 sponsorship were funded totaling $89,735!
The Theresa Foundation reached 15 states:
Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee.
18 grants were first time applicants!
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ABC Behaviors Solutions by Alea provides therapeutic music and art-based services designed to support children with special needs, using creative expression to improve communication, emotional regulation, and social skills. While the organization is best known locally through its ALMA Therapy offering, it focuses on integrating art and music therapy into individualized support plans.
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Aspiring Attitudes is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dance studio that offers inclusive dance classes where students with and without special needs learn and perform together, celebrating movement and personal growth. Their programs range from ballet and tap to hip hop and cheer, all adapted so every participant can shine in an integrated community.
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Autism & Music (AnM) is a nonprofit that uses the power of music and art to create inclusive, joyful experiences for individuals with autism and their families, fostering connection and neurodiversity awareness through creative programs. They aim to expand these offerings into a sanctuary space where healing, workshops, and community gatherings can flourish.
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Autism Families CONNECTicut provides social, recreational, and community-building programs designed to create meaningful, supportive experiences for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. From active play sessions to Teen Nights and Young Adult social events, AFC helps participants build confidence, friendships, and lasting connections.
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Autism Society San Francisco Bay Area (SFASA) is a grassroots, volunteer-run affiliate of the Autism Society of America working to grow a stronger, more connected autism community throughout the Bay Area. The organization provides information, resources, advocacy, education, and community-building opportunities to support individuals with autism and their families.
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The Be Kind People Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to youth development and character education that inspires respectful, responsible, and kind behavior through The Be Kind Pledge and related school and community programs. Their evidence-based approach is used in classrooms and community settings to improve interpersonal skills, academic success, and school culture.
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Camp Kehilla is a longstanding, inclusive summer camp program created by Sid Jacobson JCC that offers children and young adults with developmental differences a customized and supportive camp experience. Campers engage in traditional camp activities—such as arts and crafts, sports, drama, swimming, and social skill building—designed to strengthen friendships, independence, and self-esteem in a neurodiverse environment.
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Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to serving children and young adults with disabilities through inclusive summer camp and year-round programs that promote confidence, community, and skill development. Activities range from traditional camp experiences such as swimming, hiking, arts and crafts, and sports to special events and social nights, all in a welcoming setting where “summer is for everyone.”
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Carolina Dance Collaborative, also known as DanceCollab, is a mobile nonprofit that brings accessible dance education to communities across North Carolina and South Carolina, ensuring classes in ballet, jazz, hip-hop, creative movement, and adaptive dance for people of all ages and abilities. Their inclusive programs are offered in partnership with schools, YMCAs, and community centers, empowering students through movement, collaboration, and artistic expression.
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The Carroll Center for the Blind provides education, rehabilitation, and support services for people of all ages who are blind or visually impaired, including specialized instruction, mobility training, and assistive technology services. Their programs help individuals build confidence, independence, and access opportunities in education, employment, and daily living.
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Catskill Recreation Center is a nonprofit community recreation facility offering year-round swimming, fitness, and other healthy lifestyle activities for all ages in the Catskills. They focus on promoting physical activity, wellness, and connection through accessible programs and events.
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The Children’s Learning Center has provided individualized education, evaluation, and therapeutic services to children with a wide range of disabilities since 1948, emphasizing inclusion, skill development, and family support. It offers early intervention, preschool, and school-age programs tailored to each child’s needs.
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Children’s Health Foundation invests in pediatric research, education, and care throughout Oklahoma, aiming to improve health outcomes through funding for scientific studies and community health initiatives. It supports diverse programs ranging from autism services to neonatal care, helping children access vital treatments and clinical advancements.
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Great Lakes Center for the Arts is a nonprofit performing arts venue that offers year-round music, theater, dance, comedy, and educational programs to engage and enrich the Northern Michigan community. The center provides cultural experiences for audiences of all ages and serves as a hub for arts education.
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Horse Play, Inc. offers therapeutic horseback riding and related activities at no cost for children with disabilities, helping them build strength, confidence, and social skills through equine-assisted experiences. Founded in 1997, this nonprofit relies on volunteers and a community of supporters to deliver safe, adaptive riding programs.
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Janus Developmental Services supports adults with disabilities by providing opportunities for education, employment training, independent living, and community engagement, fostering confidence and achievement. Programs like “Hidden Talents” help individuals develop artistic and entrepreneurial skills, while other services focus on work experience and life skills.
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KEEN Chicago (Kids Enjoy Exercise Now) is a volunteer-led nonprofit that provides free, non-competitive, one-to-one recreation and fitness opportunities for youth and young adults with physical and developmental disabilities. Their programs are designed to build confidence, social connection, and a love of movement in a supportive community environment.
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The Laughing Feet Performers is an inclusive theatre organization that builds friendships between individuals with special needs and their typical peers through musical and artistic expression. They provide workshops, activities, and annual shows that give participants performance opportunities, skill-building, and confidence in a welcoming, community-centered setting.
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League of YES provides inclusive sports programs, including baseball and basketball, that bring children and young adults with disabilities together with volunteer “buddies” to build skills, confidence, and friendships through teamwork and play. Their adaptive leagues focus on social connection, physical activity, and community support to ensure every participant gets the chance to experience the joy of sports.
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Master Mix Academy is a nonprofit music education program offering hands-on instruction in DJing, production, and performance for youth of diverse backgrounds. Through accessible classes and mentoring, the academy empowers students to explore creativity, build technical skills, and pursue careers in music and sound arts.
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The Nassau County Games for the Physically Challenged is a long-running inclusive athletic event offering adapted sports competition for children and young adults with physical and developmental disabilities, including track, field, swimming, wheelchair basketball, and more. Held annually without cost to athletes, the Games promote confidence, physical fitness, and community recognition of participants’ abilities.
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Princeton Child Development Institute offers science-based education, therapy, and support services for children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities, promoting skill development, independence, and social engagement. Their programs are tailored to individual needs and include inclusive recreational and enrichment activities.
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Shining Stars Therapeutic Riding provides therapeutic horsemanship programs that help children, adults, and families with special needs improve physical strength, balance, confidence, and emotional well-being through equine-assisted activities. Their inclusive programming includes therapeutic riding, cart driving, veteran-focused sessions, and summer camps.
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Spirit of Huntington Art Center is a community arts nonprofit that nurtures creative expression for individuals of all ages and abilities through visual arts, digital media, and inclusive programs that foster confidence and artistic growth. Their ArtABILITY exhibitions and classes celebrate the talents of people living with physical and cognitive challenges and build community through shared artistic experiences.
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STRIDE Adaptive Sports empowers individuals with disabilities through life-changing sports and recreation programs designed to sustain healthy, active lifestyles for youth, families, and veterans. Their adaptive offerings include kayaking, sailing, skiing, wheelchair basketball, and social programs that build strength, community, and confidence.

