Loading page…
◦ Northeast Ohio · Est. 2008
Special Needs Grants in Ohio
Northeast Ohio families with lifelong developmental or intellectual disabilities can receive free quarterly grants through Zane's Inc. — up to $2,000 per year for therapy, adaptive equipment, camps, respite care, and more. Zane's has served 350+ families across 20 NE Ohio counties since 2008.
About Zane's Inc.
Free Quarterly Grants for NE Ohio Families
Since 2008, Zane's Inc. has provided free quarterly funding to individuals with lifelong special needs across 20 Northeast Ohio counties. We've disbursed over $398,988 to 350+ families. Zane's is all-volunteer with no paid staff — donations fund our family-program disbursements.
Zane's is designed as a last-resort funder — meaning we help families cover what insurance, Medicaid, SSI, and other programs won't. If you've been told "no" everywhere else, that's exactly who we're here for.
$2,000
Max per year
20
Counties served
4x/year
Funding cycles
$0
Cost to apply
Eligibility
Who Qualifies for Zane's Grants?
To qualify for a Zane's Inc. grant, applicants must:
- ✓Have a lifelong developmental or intellectual disability (all ages — children and adults)
- ✓Reside in one of 20 NE Ohio counties: Ashland, Ashtabula, Carroll, Columbiana, Cuyahoga, Erie, Geauga, Holmes, Huron, Lake, Lorain, Mahoning, Medina, Portage, Richland, Stark, Summit, Trumbull, Tuscarawas, or Wayne
- ✓Demonstrate financial need (assessed case by case by our Finance Officer — no fixed income cutoff)
- ✓Have exhausted other funding sources (insurance, Medicaid, SSI, other grants) first
- ✓Request funding for future services — Zane's does not cover current or past bills
What's Funded
Services & Equipment Covered
Therapy
Speech, OT, PT, ABA, music, art, hippo/therapeutic riding, vision, and more
Assistive & Adaptive Equipment
Orthotics, sensory tools, and mobility aids
Communicative Devices
AAC devices and other communication technology
Summer & Day Camp
Up to $1,200 for 3 weeks
Respite Care
Temporary relief care for caregivers
Adult Living Essentials
For adults 18+ with lifelong special needs
How to Apply
Applying for a Zane's Inc. Grant
Applications are temporarily paused while the board updates the funding process. Join the newsletter on our News page to hear the moment they reopen, and see Other Ohio Resources below for organizations that can help now.
Applications are normally accepted on a rolling basis and reviewed at four quarterly disbursement dates: January 30, April 30, July 30, and October 30. Adults 18+ requesting under $500 may be considered on an expedited basis.
The process includes submitting an online application, a Zoom interview with a board member, and board review. If approved, Zane's pays the provider directly — never the family.
LEARN ABOUT APPLYING →Other Ohio Resources
Additional Special Needs Grants in Ohio
Beyond Zane's, several other organizations fund services for Ohio families with special needs:
Midwest Council for Children with Disabilities (MCCD)
Visit Site →Medical expenses and therapies for Ohio families not covered by insurance.
The Orange Effect
Visit Site →Speech therapy and assistive technology funding, ages 21 and under. Quarterly deadlines: Feb 1, May 1, Aug 1, Nov 1.
Community Fund Ohio
Visit Site →Grants and special needs trusts protecting government benefit eligibility.
UnitedHealthcare Children's Foundation
Visit Site →Medical expenses not fully covered by commercial health insurance.
Ready to Apply?
Applications are free. Call (330) 677-9263 or start online today.