Special Needs Advocacy is a self-funded 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Fees from our trust administration work fully fund the programs below, so every client we serve also helps support others in the disability community.
Scholarships
We fund scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students preparing for careers serving people with special needs, including special education, occupational and physical therapy, speech pathology, social work and early intervention. Each scholarship is named in memory of someone who made a difference in the community.
Our scholarships are administered through Bold.org by the Bold Foundation, an independent 501(c)(3) public charity. The Bold Foundation manages applications, makes the final selection of recipients on an objective, non-discriminatory basis, and pays awards directly to students or their schools.
Since 2025, we have committed $11,000 in scholarships, including $7,500 already awarded to three students through the Kathleen Lehman, Teresa Politano and Bogdan Radich Memorial Scholarships.
Now accepting applications: George Taylor Memorial Scholarship, $3,500, deadline March 29, 2027.
Pro bono services
We provide trust administration and advocacy at no cost to individuals and families who could not otherwise afford a professional trustee. In 2025, we provided nearly $20,000 in pro bono trustee services.
Grants to individuals and nonprofits
When benefits are delayed or fall short, people with disabilities can quickly face a crisis over basic needs. Our emergency microgrants provide fast, short-term help with urgent essentials so individuals and families can stay stable. We also support nonprofit organizations serving people with disabilities in our community.
In 2025, we made 34 grants to individuals and organizations, totaling $15,750.