Christian Fund for the Disabled (CFD)
Online Application
Christian Fund for the Disabled Online Applicationnlazo2026-01-05T12:01:36-08:00
Christian Fund for the Disabled (CFD)
Online Application
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The Christian Fund for the Disabled (CFD) is a matching grant and educational
scholarship program of Joni and Friends that demonstrates Christ’s love by meeting
practical needs of people living with disability. Grants are also available to help
churches and Christian organizations start or expand their service to individuals
navigating disability. CFD grants and scholarships have a maximum award of $2,500.
No international grants offered.
1. Minister to the spiritual and practical needs of the disabled.
2. Connect those living with disability with a Bible-teaching church.
3. Raise disability awareness in the church and community.
4. Train Christians in disability ministry, equipping them to meet the spiritual and practical needs of the disabled.
There are four grant cycles each year:
• February – May
• May – August
• August – November
• November – February
Please contact the CFD grant coordinator for the current deadline.
Grants are available to qualified individuals with disabilities who are sponsored by a church or Christian organization willing to provide matching funds.
Exceptions: Consideration will be given to individuals who are not able to procure matching funds. However, a letter from the sponsoring church or organization is required. (See Grant submission package must include section below.)
Churches or Christian organizations wishing to apply for a CFD grant must have a specific disability-related need. Churches and organizations must contribute to the budget of the project. For projects that exceed the grant limit of $2,500, 80% of the total budget amount must be funded prior to submitting a grant request.
Grants awarded through CFD must directly serve people with disabilities or organizations that seek to minister to them. Typically, applicants are restricted to one grant award.
Funds are available for the following needs if not covered by insurance, Social Security, or any other support or funding source:
• Adaptive needs
• Equipment
• Rehabilitation
• Special treatments
A CFD grant may also be used for training or special education, such as:
• Scholarships for Christian college ($2,500 limit)
• Seminars and conferences with a disability focus
Funds are available for such things as:
• Ramps, elevators, and lifts
• Handrails
• Accessible bathrooms
• Braille printer
• Special Needs classroom equipment
• ASL programs and training
• Training and support for disability ministry
• Medical bills, prescriptions, equipment, rehabilitation, or special treatments that are covered by insurance or any other funding source
• Non-prescription drugs
• General living expenses such as mortgage, rent, repairs, car payments, utilities, food, etc.
• Paying off debts of any kind (including credit card charges or loans)
• “Wish-list” items, i.e. items that are not current, disability-related needs
• Salaries or general operating expenses
• Joni and Friends programs such as retreats, getaways, courses, or internships
• Needs of Joni and Friends staff/staff family do not qualify for CFD funds
• International grants (funds may be distributed with the U.S. only)
• Complete application form and budget. Note: All applicants must have a permanent street address.
• A single page endorsement letter from the sponsor organization (i.e. church, Christian organization, or Joni and Friends Area Ministry office)
This letter should be on the organization’s letterhead and signed by an officer of the organization. The letter should summarize the need, state the amount requested, and verify the willingness of the sponsoring organization to receive and distribute the grant funds as needed, (funds are not sent directly to individual applicants); and, if applicable, the organization’s intention to provide matching funds. Also include the name, address, phone number, and email address of the contact person.
• Relevant support documents such as written estimates, physician’s letter, college acceptance letter, conference application form, etc.
• Price quote: You must submit a written price quote from the supplier for every item.
• Hold Harmless Agreement. Must be signed by the applicant.
• Statement of Faith. Must be signed by an official of the sponsoring organization.
• W9 form. Must be signed by an official of the sponsoring organization.
• All supporting documents must be scanned, pictures from phones will not be accepted.
[email protected]
(818) 707-5664