Commonwealth Community Trust (CCT) established the Charitable Fund Award to provide funds for equipment or services to individuals with disabilities who demonstrate a financial need. The maximum amount of the award per individual in 2026 is $1,000.00.

The application must be completed and verified by a representative from a nonprofit organization or public agency that serves people with disabilities. 

This program is not intended to pay off an applicant's debts, to fund services that are normally provided at no cost to the applicant, to pay for utility bills, or to provide a general source of income to the applicant or to the applying organization/agency.

Evaluation Criteria

A committee of CCT Board Members and staff will review applications based on how the request will impact the applicant's quality of life. Preference will be given to applications that:

• Effectively communicate how the request will impact the applicant's quality of life (of primary importance),
• Demonstrate lasting impact (versus a short-term benefit),
• Are for a one-time expense (versus an ongoing expense), and
• Cover the entire cost of the equipment or service requested.

Before starting an online application, please be sure that ALL of the following requirements are met:

1. The applicant has a disability that meets the SSA definition of disabled*.
2. The applicant meets Federal poverty guidelines and/or receives Supplemental Security Income (SSI). For the HHS Poverty Guidelines, visit http://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty-guidelines.
3. The application will be completed and verified by a representative from a nonprofit organization or public agency that serves people with disabilities. THE APPLICATION MAY NOT BE SUBMITTED BY A PARENT.
4. The requested funds of up to $1,000.00 will be used for the purchase of either equipment or services (not paid for by Medicaid, private insurance, or another source of funds) that will increase the applicant's  ability to perform activities of daily living, or to perceive, control, or communicate within the environment in which they live. 
5. A price quote or estimate will be included from the vendor.
6. Other sources of funds have been exhausted, denied, or are unavailable.         

_{* Disability for adults is defined as the inability to engage in “substantial gainful activity.”  There must be a physical or mental impairment that can be expected to last at least 1 year.  A child must have a physical or mental condition that very seriously limits his or her activities and is expected to last at least 1 year.}

Timeline:

Click to access the 2026 timeline.

Contact the CFA Program Manager via email at cfa@trustCCT.org with questions or for assistance with the application.