Ohio Compass: Guidance at Life’s Crossroads Grant Program

The Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council administers this funding opportunity as part of its broader mission to improve independence, productivity, and inclusion for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. Established under federal authority, the Council supports system-level change, community capacity building, and equitable access to services. This particular initiative, titled Ohio Compass: Guidance at Life’s Crossroads, aligns with federal priorities to eliminate barriers, redesign systems, and enhance participation in community life for underserved populations. The purpose of this grant is to support a statewide initiative that provides individualized and culturally responsive transition services to youth and young adults with developmental disabilities between the ages of 14 and 30. The program specifically targets individuals in underserved communities, including those facing geographic, economic, or cultural barriers to accessing services. The overarching objective is to reduce disparities in access to transition supports and ensure that participants can successfully move from school-based systems into adult life with appropriate guidance and resources. Funding for this opportunity consists of a single competitive award totaling 129000 dollars in federal funds, with an additional required match of 43000 dollars, bringing the total project investment to 172000 dollars. Matching contributions may include both cash and in-kind resources and must comply with federal cost principles. The project period runs from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027, with continued funding contingent upon federal availability. Allowable uses of funds include service delivery, outreach, training, partnership development, and evaluation activities that directly support transition outcomes such as employment, education, housing readiness, and community participation. Eligible applicants include a wide range of entity types, as there are no restrictions on the type of organization that may apply. However, applicants must demonstrate the capacity to operate across multiple regions in Ohio and serve the full age range of 14 to 30 either directly or through formal partnerships. Proposals limited to a single region will not be accepted. Additional mandatory requirements include collaboration with County Boards of Developmental Disabilities, incorporation of peer support components, and submission of a Diversity Assurance Plan that outlines strategies for inclusive outreach and culturally responsive service delivery. The application process is conducted through the DD Suite platform and requires submission of several components. Applicants must provide a detailed budget justification, three letters of recommendation, a resume of the project director, and organizational documentation such as board member listings and proof of nonprofit status if applicable. Additional required forms include assurances, disclosure statements, and federal compliance certifications. Applicants must also maintain an active registration in SAM.gov and obtain a Unique Entity Identifier, as well as a State of Ohio Supplier ID prior to award issuance. Applications will be evaluated through a competitive review process conducted by a panel consisting of subject matter experts and Council members. Evaluation criteria include organizational qualifications, project design and impact, outreach to underserved populations, inclusion strategies, and budget justification. The application deadline is July 10, 2026, with awards expected to be finalized prior to the project start date of October 1, 2026. The Council emphasizes data-driven outcomes, requiring grantees to track performance metrics and use evaluation findings to improve service delivery and reduce disparities over time. This initiative is expected to produce both short-term and long-term impacts, including increased access to transition services, improved self-advocacy and independent living skills among participants, and stronger coordination among service systems. Over time, the program aims to reduce inequities in service access, enhance community integration, and establish sustainable systems that support successful transitions into adulthood for individuals with developmental disabilities across Ohio.

Strong proposals will demonstrate statewide reach, culturally responsive service delivery, formal partnerships, and clear outcome tracking tied to employment, education, and independent living metrics.