Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Other Related Disabilities (LEND)

The Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Other Related Disabilities (LEND) program is administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. HRSA focuses on improving access to health care services for underserved populations, particularly maternal and child health populations. This funding opportunity falls under the Autism Collaboration, Accountability, Research, Education, and Support program and is designed to strengthen workforce capacity in addressing the needs of individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. The primary purpose of the LEND program is to improve the quality of care provided to children and youth with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities by enhancing the training of health and related professionals. The program supports interdisciplinary leadership training that equips professionals with the skills necessary to screen, diagnose, and provide comprehensive services across the lifespan. Emphasis is placed on building competencies in culturally competent care, family-centered practices, and systems-level coordination. Funding through this opportunity is intended to support training programs that develop future leaders in maternal and child health fields, particularly those specializing in neurodevelopmental disabilities. Allowable uses of funds include curriculum development, trainee support, faculty engagement, and program infrastructure necessary to deliver interdisciplinary training. While the announcement does not explicitly detail restrictions, funds are expected to align strictly with training and workforce development objectives tied to improving health outcomes for affected populations. Eligibility for this program is broad but limited to domestic organizations. Eligible applicants include public or nonprofit agencies, institutions of higher education, state and local governments, tribal governments and organizations, and special district governments. Both nonprofit organizations with and without 501(c)(3) status may apply, provided they meet program requirements. Individuals are explicitly excluded from eligibility. The definition of domestic includes all U.S. states and territories, as well as several affiliated Pacific jurisdictions. The application process requires electronic submission through the designated federal grants system by the stated deadline. Applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the due date. While specific application components are not detailed in the forecast notice, typical HRSA applications include narrative sections, budget justifications, and supporting documentation outlining program design and expected outcomes. No cost sharing or matching requirement is associated with this funding opportunity. The timeline for this opportunity indicates an estimated posting date in mid-May, with applications due approximately one month later in mid-June. Awards are expected to be issued by early July, with project activities beginning immediately thereafter. This suggests a rapid review and award cycle. The program is expected to make approximately 60 awards, with individual award amounts ranging from $460,000 to $734,000, contributing to a total program funding level exceeding $38 million. Contact for the program is provided through HRSA’s Maternal and Child Health Bureau, which can be reached via phone or email for additional guidance.