Financial Assistance

We recognize that program costs can be a barrier for some families. That's why we accept a variety of funding sources—and each year, we offer financial assistance through the Eileen Hewitt Scholarship Fund to support access to Rec2Connect programs.

Rec2Connect Eileen Hewitt Scholarship Fund

The Eileen Hewitt Scholarship Fund is open to individuals of all ages, with and without disabilities, for use in our recreation programming such as:

  • Adapted Aquatics/Aquatic Therapy
  • Bike Connect
  • Group Fitness Classes
  • Outdoor Adventure
  • Razorsharks Swim Team
  • And more!

This fund was created in memory of Eileen's bright legacy and represents a commitment to providing recreation and opportunities for those with and without disabilities. We're incredibly grateful for the Eileen and Harry Hewitt family, whose support is making a lasting impact on the lives of our participants!

Applications are open January 1st–March 31st annually. Thanks to Eileen and Harry Hewitt and family, and all of our amazing donors, we offer $40,000 in 2026 through the Eileen Hewitt Scholarship Fund to many of our families! Funding covers up to 50% of the total cost of Rec2Connect programming over the course of 24 weeks. 

Other Funding Opportunities

MCCD Cares

MCCD provides families the means to pursue medical treatments and therapies that are not covered by health insurance.

Learn more: https://www.mccdcares.com/

Community Fund Ohio

Applications may be sent to CFO at any time but will be reviewed after the end of each quarter. CFO’s deadline to receive completed applications is the last day of each quarter as follows: March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31. Apply early so funds aren’t exhausted.

Learn more: https://www.communityfundohio.org/resources/forms/grant-applications/

Beyond Words

Applications for summer scholarships, with services between June 1–August 31, 2025 are currently available. Our application deadline is April 15, 2025.

Learn more: https://foundation.beyondwordscenter.org/home

Share a Vision

Share A Vision is a charitable organization that is committed to providing recreational activities for individuals with Autism and other disabilities through grants, fundraising events and community support.

Learn more: https://shareavision.org/

Connor’s Hope

Connor’s Hope may provide funding for dependent young adults with disabilities to have access and seamless delivery of those goods and services which may provide them with more independence, or provide activities that promote health and joy. The applicant must be 18 years of age or older and a legal dependent of his or her parent/legal guardian and a resident of Ohio

Learn more: https://www.connorshope.com/

Disability Relief Aid Foundation

They offer a variety of assistance programs to cover the costs of essential household and disability related expenses which can be a significant financial burden for families. These programs cover a wide range of items and services aimed at supporting individuals and households in need

Learn more: https://dararelief.org/

Cuyahoga County Board of DD

Lists lots of different grants for individuals in Cuyahoga County

Learn more: https://cuyahogabdd.org/resources/funds-and-grants/

Avenues for Autism

Scholarships are to help families pay for autism services not covered by traditional insurance or grants. Such services include recreational activities. Award amounts depend on fund availability, yearly fundraising activities, and the number of qualified applications received.

Learn more: https://avenuesforautism.org/funding/

Maggie Welby Foundation

Dates:  Application is available March 1st - March 31st. Spring applications will be reviewed and you will be notified in May 2025. The Maggie Welby Foundation offers scholarships for children grades Kindergarten through twelfth grade.  The scholarships are awarded annually to children who demonstrate a financial need, and complete the Maggie Welby Foundation Scholarship Application

Learn more: https://www.maggiewelby.org/

Parker’s Purpose

Funding for children 18 and younger with a life altering illness or disability facing financial crisis due to unforeseen medical expenses. Assistance can be given to bills, equipment, or needs stated in the application up to $1000

Learn more: https://parkerspurpose.net/864-2/

Kaufman Foundation

Provides a list of grants available for children with special needs.

Learn more: http://www.kidspeech.com/programs/special-needs-grants/

My Gym

Requests, limited to gifts of $500 or less, may include but are not limited to rehabilitative therapy, My Gym classes, assistive devices, medical equipment, and sensory items. Please specify exact items needed and where they can be purchased. Must be for children under the age of 18

Learn more: https://www.mygymfoundation.org/apply-for-a-gift/

Kelly Bush Foundation

Through the Active Fund, we provide grants for individuals with paralysis caused by spinal cord injury to purchase adaptive sports equipment

Learn more: https://kellybrushfoundation.org/theactivefund/

Doug Flutie Jr Foundation for Autism

We provide immediate relief to families by funding critical needs like safety and wandering devices, technology for communication, access to art and music lessons, and admission to camps for people with autism

Learn more: https://flutiefoundation.org/helping-families/direct-financial-support/

C.O.O.L Kids

This program is designed to help fulfill the dreams of pediatric patients who have significant physical or mental challenges, but who are not terminally ill. Through "Fulfill a Dream," Southwest General Therapy Services staff members are able to help children who wish to do something special that their families can't afford, often due to medical expenses

Learn more: https://www.swgeneral.com/community-services/program-for-special-needs-children/

Christa And Saul Welger Foundation

Applicants can apply for funds up to $1,500 in the following categories:

  • Travel expenses (transportation, flights and lodging for a sporting event)
  • Training/Competition expenses (entry fees, participating on a team, attending a training camp

Learn more: https://welgerfoundation.org/grants/

Be Perfect Foundation

Financial assistance for individuals with spinal cord injuries

Learn more: https://beperfectfoundation.org/online-sponsorship-app

Challenged Athletes Foundation

In order to apply for a CAF grant, an individual must have a permanent physical disability that impairs mobility, affects the neuromuscular system, or impairs balance or motor control

Learn more: https://challengedathletesfoundation.my.site.com/Grants/s/

The Foreseeable Future Foundation

Individuals can apply for a scholarship to participate in events such as marathons, triathlons, para cycling events, or even Paralympic events taking place in the United States.

Learn more: https://foreseeablefuture.org/funding/

The High Fives Foundation

The Empowerment Fund provides resources and inspiration to those who suffer a life-changing injury. These include spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, amputation or other mobility-limiting injuries that occurred in an individual's lifetime

Learn more: https://highfivesfoundation.org/grant-application/

Tommy Wilson Memorial Grant

The grant supports recreational programs for individuals with disabilities. Grants are awarded for up to $1,500 total per year. Applicants may apply for $500 to $1,500.

Learn more: https://www.shapeamerica.org/grants/tommywilsonmemorialgrant.aspx

Triumph Foundation

Triumph’s Keep Moving Forward (KMF) Grant is for people with spinal cord injury that have limited financial capability to help them triumph over obstacles they face and enhance their quality of life

Learn more: https://triumph-foundation.org/outreach/grants-and-equipment/

J-Rob Foundation

We want to make a difference by providing adaptive sporting equipment to children with physical disabilities or challenges, who are 18 years of age or younger. The JRob Foundation grant cycle opens June 1, 2025. Grants must be received by August 15, 2025 to be eligible for consideration

Learn more: http://www.jrobfoundation.com/grant-application.html/

Accepted Funding Sources

Accepted

Not Accepted

  • Individual Options Waiver (I/O)
  • Autism Scholarship
  • Insurance*

Prepayment is required. Some insurance plans cover recreation therapy, but most do not.