The SAC Developmental Disabilities Fund within the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region annually supports community organizations dedicated to improving the lives of people with developmental disabilities through education, independence, and social opportunities.
In December 2025, the fund awarded $21,750 in grants to 17 nonprofit organizations to support inclusive and accessible programs from sailing and horseback riding to musical therapy and independent living
The fund traces its roots to the Sheltered Activity Center (SAC), which was formed by concerned citizens and parents of children with developmental disabilities in 1964 and operated until 1989. Following the center’s closing, Larry Abler and John Cumicek founded the SAC Developmental Disabilities Fund in 1990 to continue the center’s mission. The fund has awarded more than $910,000 in grants to community organizations since it was launched.
The SAC Developmental Disabilities Fund awarded the following grants in 2025:
- Appleton Area School District: $1,500 to provide itinerant speech-language pathologists with iPads to deliver engaging, evidence-based therapy for young learners with speech and communication challenges.
- BEAMING: $925 to support Hold Your Horses Camp, a four-day inclusive camp with enriching experiences for neurodiverse participants.
- Bridge the Gap for Autism- Shawano: $2,225 to support enhanced resident safety at their new Community Living Apartment Complex.
- The Building for Kids: $925 to support the Access for All Initiative which cultivates intergenerational play-based learning experiences.
- City of New London: $925 to support the purchase of an ADA-compliant pool chair lift at the New London Community Aquatic Center.
- Clarity Care: $925 to support the Chance Program which provides positive, enriching recreational experiences for individuals with disabilities.
- Fox Cities Performing Arts Center: $925 to support Music in Motion, a sensory-inclusive experience in collaboration with the Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra and Expressive Therapies.
- Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra Association: $925 to support the In Harmony program which features live performances and music therapists who lead participants in interactive musical experiences.
- Green Bay Sail & Paddle: $925 to support the Adventures in Sailing program which creates accessible sailing opportunities.
- MyTeam Triumph: $925 to support the adaptive athlete program in the Fox Valley.
- Remarkable: $925 to provide individuals with developmental disabilities with the opportunity to explore their talents and connect with others through art.
- SOAR Fox Cities: $3,000 to support general operating expenses.
- Special Olympics of Wisconsin – Fox Valley: $3,000 to support general operating expenses.
- VPI: $925 to support monthly adaptive fitness sessions at GRIT 920 for individuals with disabilities participating in VPI’s day services program.
- Waterways Association of Menominee and Shawano Counties, Inc.: $925 to support outdoor education lessons for youth with disabilities.
- Wisconsin Badger Camp: $925 to provide financial assistance to individuals with developmental disabilities in the Fox Valley area to attend camp.
- YMCA of the Fox Cities: $925 to support a field trip to Titletown and Lambeau Field for children ages 6-18 with disabilities.
To learn more about the SAC Developmental Disabilities grant, visit the webpage here.
To support the SAC Developmental Disabilities Fund, you can donate here.
