Spencer Fane LLP is pleased to announce MaxMods, a Colorado-based charity created to “make the world accessible for all” through adaptations and modifications of toys and devices for individuals living with disabilities, as the recipient of the firm’s 2025-2026 charitable grant program in Denver.
As part of its charitable grant program, Spencer Fane will donate $25,000, paid in installments over the next two years, to MaxMods to support its mission of hosting an annual event called Santa’s Little Hackers that modifies toys to adapt them for use by individuals with disabilities.
“As an organization that exists solely on donations and grassroots involvement from the community, every dollar that comes into the organization is used to fulfill our mission. Each year, the number of requests we receive surpasses the previous year. In 2024, we had more first-time applicants than ever before. This incredible multiyear grant from Spencer Fane gives us the opportunity to continue our mission of making the world accessible for all by reaching even more individuals with disabilities who rely on assistive technology to play,” said Steve and Deana Watson, founders of MaxMods.
MaxMods is one of the leading organizations worldwide in providing adapted toys and devices to individuals with disabilities. Since being founded in 2014, the organization has sent out over 10,000 adapted toys and devices across the U.S. and to over 35 countries around the world. An adapted toy is a toy that has been altered for use by individuals living with disabilities. Toys are rarely designed with the needs of those with different abilities in mind. By making modifications to the electronics of toys, they can be enjoyed by children and adults with limited fine motor skills and physical abilities.
“The Watson family started the organization out of their own story with their son Max and have created a truly unique and phenomenal organization that makes a difference for so many families in not just here in Colorado, but around the world. As a firm dedicated to making a positive impact in all of our communities, we are honored to advance the mission of MaxMods and annual spirit of all of the volunteers at the Santa’s Little Hackers toy workshop event,” said Spencer Fane partner Jim Wooll. “Their mission is inspiring and fulfills a fundamental need for people of all abilities – to play.”
The Spencer Fane Charitable Giving Program provides significant support to select local nonprofit arts organizations through a $25,000 donation over two years. The program is designed as a rotation so that one new recipient enters the program each year, with another exiting upon completion of its three-year cycle. Current and past recipients include the Anchor Center for Blind Children, Craig Hospital, and the Heart of America Shakespeare Festival.
The program’s primary goal is to encourage long-standing relationships with nonprofit organizations and provide Spencer Fane employees with additional opportunities to become involved with the firm’s charitable causes.