14 Best Grants For Disabled Females

If you are a disabled woman, and you are struggling a lot to get a business loan,  grants for disabled females will help you start your startup or grow your current business.

For the empowerment of women with disabilities, many organizations provide business grants to women with disabilities for their maximum participation in the business world. 

Grants for disabled females are provided to address specific challenges arising from the intersection of gender and disability. These grants provide financial assistance, promote inclusivity, increase education and employment opportunities, and facilitate social inclusion.

Single moms facing financial challenges can also explore our comprehensive guide on scholarships for single mothers. While this article focuses on grants for disabled females, we’ve got you covered with a range of resources to help you find the financial support you need.

Here are 10 grants for disabled females that aim to eliminate inequalities, empower women with disabilities, and advocate for their rights and equitable treatment.

Key Takeaways

• Grants are available for women with disabilities to start or grow businesses.
• These grants help level the playing field for women with disabilities who want to be entrepreneurs.
• There are many reasons why grants are given to women with disabilities, including:
  • Promote equality and inclusivity in business
  • Increase diversity in the business world
  • Help women with disabilities become economically empowered
• There are different types of grants available, including government assistance, scholarships, and grants from non-profit organizations.
• To find grants, you can research online, talk to local government officials, and contact disability advocacy organizations.

List of the Top 14 Grants For Disabled Females

1. SoGal Startup Grant

The SoGal Startup Grant is a financial aid program focused on assisting early-stage entrepreneurs and startups, particularly underrepresented founders, such as women, Black women, and individuals from diverse backgrounds. This grant is part of the SoGal Foundation’s broader mission to promote diversity in entrepreneurship.

Winners of this grant for disabled females are awarded a $5,000 or $10,000 cash prize or $10,000 startup money.  Additionally, they also receive expert advice to assist in their fundraising efforts.  This business grant aims to provide a level playing field for business and more equal opportunities for women founders to expand their businesses.

2. Cartier Women’s Initiative Award

The Cartier Women’s Initiative Award is a global competition designed to empower and acknowledge female entrepreneurs who are driving positive change in their communities and beyond. 

This initiative was established in 2006. Its purpose is to provide financial support, mentorship, and networking resources to female business owners and to highlight the importance of women’s contribution to the business sector.

Each of the 10 regions receives a total of 3 awards. A total of 30 awards are given under this grant for disabled females. Each first-place prize winner will earn $100,000; the second-place winner will each receive $60,000;  and each third-place prize winner will receive $30,000.

3. Eileen Fisher Women-owned Business Grant

The Eileen Fisher Women-Owned Business Grant is an initiative aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs. This grant for disabled females provides financial assistance and resources to women-owned businesses to aid their growth and success. It helps women participate in decision-making processes.  Additionally, this grant promotes women’s participation in a sustainable economy.  Under this business grant, each eligible candidate will receive a grant ranging from $10,000 to $40,000.

4. Amber Grant

The Amber Grant is a business grant program created by WomensNet in 1998 to provide financial assistance to female entrepreneurs. It offers grants ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars to help women start or expand their businesses.

Each month, the group awards at least $30,000 to women. The group increased its grant offerings to include a “Business Category Grant” “Marketing Grant,” and two “$25,000 Year-End Grants” in acknowledgment of the diversity of women-owned businesses.

5. Atomic Grants

This is another of the best grants for disabled women who are 21+ and want financial assistance to grow their businesses. No matter which region of the world you live in, you can receive grant money digitally. 

The Atomic Grant program provides $1,500 microgrants to women entrepreneurs along with individual strategy coaching sessions. Applications are accepted continuously and grants are distributed quarterly.

6. Fearless Strivers Grant Contest

Through the Fearless Strivers Grant Contest, the Fearless Fund and MasterCard award $20,000 grants to Black women-owned businesses. Additionally, winners receive a one-on-one session with a Mastercard small-business consultant and digital tools to help them operate and maintain their businesses online.

For this grant, there are four entry periods throughout the year. So, you can take advantage of the opportunity to get a grant for disabled females. The grant operates a national grant program in addition to regional award competitions in cities, such as Birmingham, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Alabama, New York City, etc. This small-business grant is only available to U.S.-based companies with 50 or fewer employees.

7. Tory Burch Foundation Fellowship

The Tory Burch Foundation Fellowship is a program geared toward supporting and empowering women entrepreneurs. It provides resources, such as education, mentoring, and networking to help women advance their businesses. 

The charity offers a one-year fellowship program to 50 female business owners each year. Each participant receives a $5,000 grant in addition to learning materials and networking opportunities through the fellowship.

8. 37 Angels

You can apply for this grant for the purpose of growing your business. Through education, the organization aims to open up the opaque world of startup funding to investors and founders. Every two months, eight finalists are selected to present their businesses. Under this grant for disabled females, you can get from $50,000 to $200,000.

9. Women Founders Network Fast Pitch Competition

The Women Founders Network Fast Pitch Competition is an event where women entrepreneurs can present their business ideas or startups to a panel of judges, potential investors, and an audience. It is a platform that empowers women-led businesses by providing exposure, funding opportunities, and valuable feedback.  

Under the grant for disabled females, you can win $55,000, which you can use to expand your business.

10. Halstead Grant 

The Halsted Grant is an annual award aimed at supporting emerging silver jewelry designers and artists. This grant is available to female jewelry designers with disabilities. 

The mission of this grant for disabled females is to help creative people advance their careers in the jewelry design industry by providing them with financial support, guidance, and experience. The jewelry sector highly values and respects this grant. Under the Halsted Grant, you can receive $7,500.

11. Disabled Women’s Program (DWP)

The Disable­d Women’s Program helps women with disabilitie­s. It gives up to $10,000 for living costs and health care. The­ money can pay for doctor visits, school and job training, rent, and other ne­eds. To get help, you must show you require it and have a lasting disability. The Social Se­curity office decides if your disability is pe­rmanent.

12. Grants to Encourage Adoption of Disabled Children (GEADC) 

Kids with special ne­eds need pe­rmanent homes too. The Grants to Encourage­ Adoption of Disabled Children (GEADC) helps make­ this happen. Families who adopt kids with disabilities can ge­t up to $25,000 per child. This grant assists families where­ someone has a disability.

13. The Department of Education’s grants for students with disabilities

The Department of Education’s grants for students with disabilities gives money for disable­d people to go to college­. This money helps pay for school costs. Disabled wome­n can use this cash to cover both fee­s and other things required for school. The money is called grants. It is the­re, so people with disabilitie­s can get an education too. The grants make­ it possible to learn without having to pay all costs upfront. 

14. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) 

Females who are sick or injure­d get aid from the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Social Security helps people who cannot work. The­y send money to females who are down and cannot e­arn. This money helps cover food, rent, doctors, and othe­r needs. Social Security le­nds a hand when life gives them a heavy blow. If they cannot toil or e­arn, this cash can ease their suffering.

Why Disabled Females are Given Business Grants?

Grants targeted at women with disabilities in entrepreneurship and business development are provided for several compelling reasons. They include:

• Promoting Equality and Inclusivity: These business grants for disabled females help advance the ideals of gender equality and inclusivity. By providing support to women with disabilities, who often face unique challenges, these grants help create more equal opportunities.

• Increase Diversity: Encouraging diversity within the business world is essential as it brings a wealth of different perspectives and experiences. This diversity can foster innovation and contribute to the success of businesses.

• Addressing Workplace Inequalities: Persons with disabilities, including women, face barriers in the job market resulting in higher unemployment rates and lower incomes. These business grants for disabled females help reduce these disparities by providing financial assistance and resources to establish or expand a business.

• Economic Empowerment: Supporting women with disabilities in entrepreneurship can lead to economic empowerment. This increases financial independence and improves their overall quality of life.

• Widespread Social and Economic Benefits: Empowering women with disabilities in business has far-reaching social and economic benefits, including job creation, increased tax revenues, and reduced reliance on social assistance programs.

• Fulfilling Legal and Social Responsibilities: Many countries have legal and moral obligations to support persons with disabilities and promote gender equality.  Offering these business grants for disabled females is a concrete way to meet these responsibilities.

What Types of Grants are Available for Disabled Females to Support Their Specific Needs and Goals?

There are many financial aid and grant programs available to help females with disabilities achieve their specific needs and objectives. Here are some typical types of grants and resources, although they may vary depending on location and specific circumstances:

• Government Assistance: Many nations provide support services and benefits for people with disabilities. For example, in the United States, the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs provide financial assistance to people with disabilities, including women.

• Nonprofit Organizations: Many foundations and non-profit organizations provide funding and other resources to help people with disabilities, including women.  Grants and scholarships may be available from organizations, such as the National Disability Organization.

• Educational Grants: Female students with disabilities can consider scholarships and grants suited to their needs. For example, scholarships for women with disabilities are offered by the American Association of University Women (AAUW).

• Employment Assistance: Programs, such as the Vocational Rehabilitation Program in the US can help people with disabilities, including women, acquire the skills and opportunities they need to find work.

• Housing Assistance: Some communities offer housing grants for disabled females or subsidies to help people with disabilities find housing that is accessible and reasonably priced.

• Entrepreneurship Grants: Some initiatives fund and support women with disabilities who want to start or grow their own businesses.

• Grants for Special Health Conditions: Depending on the nature of the disability, there may be organizations or grants available for special health conditions, such as organizations supporting people with mobility or vision problems.

It is advisable to do an in-depth study, talk to local government officials, visit disability advocacy organizations, use online resources, and explore grant databases to discover relevant grants for disabled females. 

It is important to fully evaluate the requirements and deadlines for each opportunity as each program may have unique eligibility requirements and application processes.

What Are the Considerations in Selecting the Ideal Business Grant for Women?

To select the most appropriate business grant for women, you can follow these steps:

• Conduct Research: Start by researching the different grants available. Explore government grants, private sector options, and grants from non-profit organizations.

• Check Eligibility: Check the eligibility criteria for each grant.  Make sure that your business meets the set requirements regarding factors, such as size, industry, location, and ownership.

• Purpose Alignment: Understand the intended purpose of each grant. Some grants may be awarded for specific purposes, such as research and development. Hence, choose a grant that best suits your business needs.

• Application Process: Familiarize yourself with the application process, deadlines, and required documentation for each grant. Get all the required materials ready in advance.

• Local Resources: Reach out to local trade associations, women’s groups, and chambers of commerce for guidance. They often have information about grants specifically available in your area.

• Professional Assistance: Consider engaging grant writers or small business consultants who can provide valuable assistance moving forward with the application process.

• Prioritize Options: If you qualify for multiple grants, prioritize them based on their potential impact and likelihood of securing them.

• Review the Terms: Fully review the terms and conditions of each grant, including any reporting requirements and associated obligations.

• Strategic Applications: Tailor your grant applications to demonstrate how your business aligns with the goals and objectives of each specific grant.

Keep in mind that grant competitions can be fierce. So, it’s essential to present your business in the best possible light in your applications.

FAQs.

Conclusion 

Grants for disabled women are significant to advance inclusivity and level the business playing field. These financial resources serve as an important support system, empowering women with disabilities and reducing the economic inequalities they often face. 

By acknowledging and addressing the unique challenges these individuals face, grants play a vital role in promoting a more equitable society, facilitating independence, self-reliance, and a better quality of life for disabled women.