FIRE Foundation of Sacramento provides grants to Catholic schools within the Diocese of Sacramento to advance the inclusion of students with disabilities. Our grants support schools through funding for specialized personnel, professional development, educational resources, adaptive technology, and other inclusion-related needs.
We offer two grant opportunities: Partner School Grants, which provide annual support for sustainable inclusive education programs, and Project Grants, which provide smaller, one-time funding for specific inclusion-related needs.
Partner School Grants
Partner School Grants provide annual financial support to Catholic schools within the Diocese of Sacramento that serve or are preparing to serve students with significant intellectual or developmental disabilities or learning differences who would not otherwise be able to attend and meaningfully participate in a Catholic school environment without additional educational support.
Schools interested in becoming FIRE Sacramento Partner Schools must demonstrate:
- Commitment to Inclusive Education: A shared commitment from the school principal, faculty, parish pastor, and parent community to developing and sustaining an inclusive Catholic school environment.
- Appropriate Student Support: Qualified educational staff, individualized plans, and appropriate resources to meet the needs of the student(s) being included.
- Ongoing Partnership with FIRE: A commitment to collaborating with FIRE Sacramento through professional development, awareness initiatives, ongoing communication, and grant reporting.
- Community Awareness: A commitment to promoting inclusive Catholic education through a dedicated page or section on the school’s website, including a link to the FIRE Foundation of Sacramento website.
Partner School Grants may be used to fund:
- Special education teachers, inclusion coordinators, paraprofessionals, and other personnel directly supporting students with disabilities.
- Professional development and training for faculty and staff.
- Specialized curriculum, instructional materials, sensory resources, and adaptive materials.
- Adaptive or assistive technology and equipment.
Partner School Grant Timeline
December 1 | Applications Open |
February 1 | Application Deadline |
April 1 | Grant Awards Announced |
August 1 | Grant Period Begins |
Partner School Grant applications are by invitation only.
Schools interested in applying should contact info@firefoundationsacramento.org for additional information.
Project Grants
Project Grants provide smaller, one-time funding to Catholic schools within the Diocese of Sacramento for specific projects and resources that directly support the inclusion of students with disabilities, particularly those with significant support needs.
These grants help schools strengthen inclusive education and respond to needs that arise during the school year, including those that could not have been anticipated in advance.
Schools may request up to $2,500 per project. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis throughout the school year, subject to the availability of funds. Schools do not need to be current FIRE Sacramento Partner Schools to apply.
Project Grants may be used to fund:
- Professional development, continuing education, and conference opportunities related to inclusive education.
- Specialized curriculum and Tier II/Tier III supports.
- Adaptive or assistive technology.
- Sensory, instructional, or adaptive equipment.
- Adaptive sacramental resources.
- Inclusive classroom materials and resources that help educators support students with disabilities.
- Other specific projects directly advancing inclusive Catholic education.
To request a Project Grant application or learn more about eligibility and available funding, please contact info@firefoundationsacramento.org.