Willy’s World Sunflower Friend Grant Application

About the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower

Not every disability is visible.

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a globally recognized symbol that allows individuals with non-visible disabilities to discreetly indicate that they may need additional time, patience, understanding, or support.

People living with autism, ADHD, anxiety, sensory processing differences, chronic illnesses, hearing or visual impairments, and many other non-visible conditions may choose to wear the Sunflower lanyard or other Sunflower products.

Willy’s World is proud to support the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program throughout Western Pennsylvania and Eastern Ohio. By helping local businesses and organizations understand and recognize the Sunflower, we are working to create communities where individuals and families feel welcomed, supported, and understood.

A small symbol can make a meaningful difference when the people around it understand what it represents.

Willy’s World Sunflower Friend Grant

Willy’s World is proud to help local businesses and organizations create more welcoming and inclusive environments for individuals with hidden disabilities through our Sunflower Friend Grant.

The grant supports selected businesses and organizations in joining the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program and provides staff with the education and resources needed to better recognize and support individuals who may need additional understanding, patience, or assistance.

What the Grant Includes

Each selected organization will receive:

One year of Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Basic Membership
One Sunflower starter materials package
Staff training facilitated by Willy’s World
Support and guidance for implementing the Sunflower program

Businesses & Organizations With Multiple Locations

Organizations with multiple locations are welcome and encouraged to apply.

The Sunflower Friend Grant is awarded to the organization and includes one starter materials package for one designated location. The organization may select which location will receive the grant materials and serve as the primary location for implementation.

Willy’s World will facilitate staff training at the designated location. With prior approval, organizations may record the training for internal use at their additional locations and for future employee onboarding.

Additional Sunflower materials for other locations are not included in the grant. Organizations interested in expanding the program to additional locations may work with Willy’s World to obtain additional materials, subject to availability and Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program requirements.

Recipient Commitment

Becoming a Sunflower Friend is more than displaying the Sunflower. Selected organizations are expected to:

Complete Sunflower training
Educate staff about hidden disabilities and the meaning of the Sunflower
Treat individuals with patience, understanding, dignity, and respect
Use and display Sunflower materials appropriately
Incorporate Sunflower education into future staff onboarding whenever possible
Maintain a commitment to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment

Continuing Your Sunflower Commitment

Willy’s World funds the initial year of participation through the Sunflower Friend Grant. Following the grant-funded year, participating organizations are encouraged to continue their involvement with the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program and assume responsibility for future membership costs and additional materials.

Apply to Become a Sunflower Friend

Thank you for your interest in becoming a Willy’s World Sunflower Friend. Local businesses and organizations throughout Western Pennsylvania and Eastern Ohio are encouraged to apply.

Applications will be reviewed by Willy’s World. If your organization is selected, a member of our team will contact you to coordinate membership, training, materials, and implementation.

Apply For Willy’s World Sunflower Friend Grant

Questions about the program or bringing the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower to your organization?

Contact Tammy Thomas at tammythomas@willysworld.org.

Together, we can build a community where individuals with hidden disabilities and their families feel understood, supported, and included.

Become a More Inclusive Community

Inclusion begins with understanding.

For individuals with hidden disabilities, everyday experiences such as shopping, dining, attending an event, visiting a healthcare provider, or participating in the community can sometimes present challenges that others may not see.

Recognizing the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower helps create an environment where individuals and families can feel more comfortable asking for additional time, patience, understanding, or support without having to explain their disability.

By recognizing the Sunflower, local businesses and organizations can help build a community where hidden disabilities are understood, differences are respected, and everyone has a greater opportunity to participate.

Together, we can make Western Pennsylvania and Eastern Ohio more welcoming and inclusive, one Sunflower Friend at a time.

Our Sunflower Friends

Meet the local businesses and organizations helping create a more understanding and inclusive community.

Our Willy’s World Sunflower Friends have taken meaningful steps to recognize the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower and better support individuals and families living with hidden disabilities.

We are proud to recognize their commitment to making Western Pennsylvania and Eastern Ohio more welcoming, understanding, and inclusive for everyone.