Grants for Ontario families with members who have an intellectual disability

Following the success of the inaugural family engagement grant initiative in 2023, Community Living Ontario (CLO) is offering grants of up to $10,000 to families with loved ones with an intellectual disability, to create inclusive environments and bolster inclusivity across Ontario. 

Families with loved ones who have an intellectual disability consistently report feeling isolated and frustrated at the lack of support. This grant program and associated virtual and in-person gatherings hope to address these issues.  

“Central to our organizational mission, this grant initiative supports family-led activities, fosters family-to-family connections and strengthens networks for families with members who have an intellectual disability,” explains Payal Khazanchi, director of inclusion at CLO. 

Feedback from the 15 grants awarded through the 2023 inaugural program has demonstrated just how effective these are in achieving the goal of empowering and enriching family groups and providing positive social impact across the board. “The biggest change this group has made in my life is to connect with other caregivers, share experiences, and get support from social workers for emergency challenges,” explains a grant recipient from the 2023 program. 

“In 2023-24, our family engagement grant initiative impacted more than 500 families across Ontario through supports facilitated by grant recipients,” shares Chris Beesley, CEO of CLO. “This inspiring result underscores the importance of empowering families so that they may create supportive environments where families learn from one another, facilitate change, and, ultimately, are able to thrive.”