2026 Grant Recipients
2026 Fall/Winter
BY THE NUMBERS…
23 grants were funded totaling $87,878!
The Theresa Foundation reached 11 states:
Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, Nebraska, New York, Ohio, and Virginia.
10 grants were first time applicants!
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A Rosie Place for Children is Indiana’s only nonprofit specialty hospital dedicated exclusively to children who are medically fragile. In addition to providing respite stays that give families much-needed time to rest and recharge, A Rosie Place creates meaningful recreational and creative experiences where children can have fun, build relationships, and simply enjoy being kids.
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Access2Independence is a nonprofit Center for Independent Living serving people with disabilities in West Central Georgia. Through advocacy, peer support, independent living skills training, assistive technology, and other services, the organization empowers people of all ages and abilities to participate fully in their communities and live as independently as possible.
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Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre is a nonprofit regional theatre in Coral Gables, Florida, offering professional productions alongside extensive educational and community programming. Its youth programs include professional Children’s Theatre, performing arts classes and camps, educational outreach, and opportunities designed to introduce young people to the creativity and confidence-building power of live theatre.
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Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation brings people together through the beauty and power of dance while making arts education accessible to young people from diverse backgrounds. Through performances, scholarships, and education programs for children, AILEY provides opportunities to experience dance, develop artistic skills, and discover the joy of creative expression.
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Amazement Square is an award-winning multidisciplinary children’s museum in Lynchburg, Virginia, where learning comes to life through play, creativity, and exploration. Its four floors of hands-on experiences incorporate art, performance, science, engineering, and storytelling while providing an accessible environment where children can explore at their own pace.
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Bright Mind Enrichment and Schooling is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on strengthening communities through education, wellness, mentorship, and outreach. Its programs provide underserved individuals and communities with educational resources, life skills, support, and opportunities designed to foster confidence, connection, independence, and long-term growth.
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Camp HorseAbility improves the lives of individuals with special needs through equine-facilitated activities, therapies, and programs. Based in Old Westbury, New York, HorseAbility offers adaptive riding, hippotherapy, summer camp, life-skills programming, and other horse-centered experiences that promote physical, social, emotional, and personal growth.
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Community Connections provides free extracurricular programs for children with special needs throughout Arkansas. Its inclusive programs give participants opportunities to explore interests such as art, sports, and recreation in positive, encouraging environments designed to build skills, confidence, creativity, and friendships.
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Endless Sports creates fun, safe, and inclusive opportunities for members of the special needs community to experience the joy of athletics. Through programs including lacrosse, bowling, golf, volleyball, martial arts, esports, and social activities, participants can stay active, learn new skills, make friends, and enjoy sports in a supportive, no-pressure environment.
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Heartland Equine Therapeutic Riding Academy (HETRA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Nebraska that improves the physical and emotional quality of life of children and adults of all ability levels through equine-assisted services. Led by certified instructors and licensed therapists, HETRA’s programs use interactions with horses to support physical, cognitive, social, and emotional growth.
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Heuser Hearing & Language Academy provides specialized education and early intervention for children who are deaf or hard of hearing or have speech, language, and communication disorders. Based in Louisville, Kentucky, the Academy combines individualized learning, audiology support, enrichment, and family involvement to help children develop the communication and life skills they need to thrive.
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Limitless Performing Arts is a 501(c)(3) dance education program in Cincinnati, Ohio, dedicated to bringing dance and arts education to underserved communities. Through accessible performing arts opportunities, the organization helps young people build self-esteem, develop a strong work ethic, and discover a lasting love of the arts, regardless of their financial circumstances.
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Long Island Children’s Museum is a hands-on learning destination in Garden City, New York, where children discover, play, and create through interactive exhibits and educational experiences. Through its LICM4all initiative and other accessibility resources, the Museum works to ensure children and families of varying abilities can fully participate in the joy of exploration and play.
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Mephibosheth Farms Angelic Riders is a 501(c)(3) therapeutic horseback riding center in Marshville, North Carolina, serving children and adults with physical, psychological, and developmental disabilities. With specially trained horses and PATH-certified instructors, its programs use riding to encourage strength, balance, confidence, social awareness, and emotional well-being, regardless of a participant’s ability to pay.
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National Dance Institute uses the power of dance and music to foster joy, creativity, confidence, and belonging in children. Its DREAM Project (Dancers Realize Excellence through Arts and Movement) brings children with and without disabilities together to dance and perform as partners, using adaptive instruction and individualized support to celebrate each child’s abilities and the joy of inclusion.
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New York City Ballet brings the art of ballet to children and families through education, engagement, and accessibility programs. Its Access Programs include specially designed movement workshops for children with physical disabilities, movement challenges, and autism, giving young people of varying abilities the opportunity to experience ballet in an inclusive and supportive environment.
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Nassau/Suffolk Autism Society of America (NSASA) is a nonprofit serving individuals with autism and their families across Long Island. NSASA provides recreational and social activities in welcoming, supportive environments where children and adults with autism can participate, build connections, and enjoy new experiences without fear of judgment.
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Pal-O-Mine Equestrian is a Long Island nonprofit that uses horses to facilitate growth, learning, and healing for children and adults with disabilities and other vulnerable populations. Its comprehensive programs include adaptive riding, hippotherapy, equine-assisted learning and psychotherapy, vocational opportunities, and other experiences designed around the individual needs of each participant.
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Richard M. Brodsky Foundation works to improve the lives of people affected by HIV and cancer while providing assistance to children and orphans in need. Its work includes providing food, medical care, and other support to children in Kenya, raising awareness about HIV and cancer, supporting research, and creating community activities for people living with serious illnesses.
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RISE Life Services, formerly Aid to the Developmentally Disabled, is a Long Island nonprofit serving individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities and mental health challenges. Through residential services, day and community programs, and enrichment opportunities, RISE helps individuals build skills, form connections, and reach their fullest potential.
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Special Olympics New York provides year-round sports training, athletic competition, and inclusive opportunities for children and adults with intellectual disabilities throughout New York State. Through traditional and Unified Sports programs, athletes build physical fitness, confidence, friendships, and teamwork while experiencing the joy and excitement of authentic competition.
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St. Mary’s Kids provides specialized care, rehabilitation, education, and support for children and young adults with medically complex conditions and special healthcare needs. Through a family-centered continuum of inpatient, day, home, and community-based services, St. Mary’s helps children manage their conditions, build skills, and achieve a better quality of life.
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Sundog Theatre is a Staten Island-based nonprofit performing arts organization that expands the way people see themselves and the world through arts education and live theatre. Its programs bring theatre, music, dance, and visual arts into schools while also offering performances and acting opportunities that encourage young people to explore their creativity and self-expression.
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.

