The Funding Gap is Critical: Here’s What It Means
Government funding for community-based disability services continues to fall short of the actual cost of providing them. Learn what that means below.
June 3, 2026
Every day at Little City these opportunities are often where confidence is built, skills are learned, talents are discovered, and independence takes root.
But these essential programs face a growing challenge.
Government funding for community-based disability services continues to fall short of the actual cost of providing them. That shortfall creates a funding gap that must be filled through donations from friends like you to ensure individuals continue receiving the opportunities they deserve.
What Could Happen Without Funding?
Without donor support to help close the funding gap, the impact on individuals could be significant.
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- Fewer opportunities to participate in Horticulture Therapy programs, where individuals build confidence, responsibility, and valuable employment-related skills.
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- Reduced access to Special Olympics activities, limiting opportunities for physical wellness, teamwork, achievement, and belonging.
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- Fewer Recreation programs and community engagement experiences, which help reduce isolation and promote meaningful social connections.
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- Reduced access to Studio Arts programming, where individuals express themselves creatively and develop confidence through artistic achievement.
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- Fewer opportunities to build independence, develop new skills, and experience personal growth.
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- A loss of experiences that bring purpose, joy, connection, and fulfillment to everyday life.
These Programs Are Not Extras. They Are Essential.
When people think about services for individuals with disabilities, they often think first about housing, healthcare, or daily support.
Those services are critical.
But meaningful lives require more than basic needs alone.
Programs like Horticulture Therapy, Studio Arts, Recreation, and Special Olympics help individuals discover their strengths, build relationships, express themselves, and participate fully in their communities.
These programs create opportunities for growth that cannot be measured solely in dollars and cents.
They create confidence.
They create connection.
They create purpose.
And they help individuals reach their unique potential.
What Does It Cost to Close the Gap?
The annual funding gap for one individual receiving these essential opportunities at Little City is $2,554.
That means:
$2,554 helps fund the gap for one individual for an entire year.
$5,108 helps fund the gap for two individuals.
$7,662 helps fund the gap for three individuals.
$10,216 helps fund the gap for four individuals.
There are over 200 individuals at Little City who rely on these underfunded programs.
Every donation helps ensure that individuals continue to have access to the programs that make growth, connection, and opportunity possible.
How You Can Help Today
The funding gap is a challenge to the opportunities, experiences, and life-changing moments that help individuals thrive.
With your support right now, Little City can continue providing programs that foster creativity, independence, social connection, physical wellness, and personal growth.
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- Start a small monthly gift today to help fund the gap all year long.
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- Give a generous one-time gift today to take immediate action.
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- Make a significant contribution of $2,554 to help fund the gap for one individual.
Together, we can ensure that these essential programs continue to remain available for the hundreds of individuals who depend on them today — and for the days, weeks, and months ahead.
Please give a donation today and help fund the gap.