Private and Nonprofit Organizations

• Minority women with disabled children can look to private and nonprofit organizations for grant support. These organizations offer funding, equipment and services to children with special health-care needs and their families. Some organizations serve families on a state level, such as the Native Daughters of the Golden West, which offers grants to families with disabled children residing in California. Other organizations, both small and large, such as the Kaitlin Marie Bell Foundation and the American Cancer Society, serve on the national level offering an array of services and grant support to mothers and their children.
  
  

Federal Resources

• Many grants offer assistance with prescription drugs.Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Lee Nachtigal
  
  Federal resources offer funding and services to minority women who have children with disabilities or chronic illnesses. The Social Security Administration (SSI) and Women, Infants and Children (WIC) provide financial support for treatments, equipment, food, medication and medical bills to families with limited income and resources.
  
  

Tax Deductions

• Federal income tax deductions provide annual assistance to women with children or disabled dependents. Each year when filing income taxes, the head of household can apply for a standard deduction of $3,000 per child or disabled dependent. Fill out IRS Rorm 2441 to access deductions for expenses relating to child or dependent care while women work or look for work. Deduct itemized medical expenses using IRS Form 1040. Visit IRS.gov to access instructions for filing and all necessary forms.
  
  

Local Churches

• Local churches provide a reliable source of support. Offering money, food, shelter, clothing and transportation, local churches historically have a reputation as places of refuge and emotional support for women with disabled or chronically ill children. Many churches have established programs in place, while others respond to needs on a case-by-case basis.
  
  

Support Organizations

• Brave Kids supports families.Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Honza Soukup
  
  Mothers of children with disabilities can find the resources and support they need through national nonprofits such as Bravekids.org. Though not necessarily a direct source of funding, type of organization offers newsletters and links to grant and funding opportunities. Additionally, these support organizations connect women with a community of people who work with, care for or parent children with special health-care needs.