Planning for a Successful Future Grant

The Planning for a Successful Future grant is offered by the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council (ODDC), a state-level body funded through federal resources to improve independence, productivity, and inclusion for individuals with developmental disabilities. The Council operates under federal oversight and adheres to Uniform Administrative Requirements under 2 CFR Part 200. Its mission centers on empowering individuals with developmental disabilities and their families to fully participate in community life, with a strong emphasis on self-determination, advocacy, and equitable access to services. This specific funding opportunity aligns with those goals by addressing a critical gap in long-term planning for individuals transitioning to independent living. The primary purpose of this grant is to expand support and resources for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) who are living alone for the first time and engaging in future planning. Future planning is defined broadly and includes financial planning, benefits navigation such as Medicaid and SSI, housing and employment exploration, guardianship considerations, and the development of long-term support networks. The program responds directly to findings from the Council’s statewide survey, which revealed that many families lack sufficient knowledge or resources to effectively plan for the future of their dependents. The grant therefore prioritizes initiatives that simplify and expand access to planning tools and professional guidance. Funding supports a wide range of allowable activities designed to build capacity and promote systemic change. These include outreach, training, technical assistance, research, interagency collaboration, demonstration of new service models, and efforts to inform policymakers. Projects must also address accessibility, cultural diversity, and inclusion of underserved populations. Grantees are expected to incorporate strategies for sustainability, replication, and measurable outcomes. The Council requires all funded projects to include structured work plans with defined objectives, activities, and performance measures aligned with federally established output metrics. Eligibility for this funding opportunity is intentionally broad, as there are no restrictions on the type of entity that may apply. This includes nonprofit organizations, for-profit entities, government agencies, educational institutions, and individuals applying through an organizational structure. Applicants must comply with federal requirements such as maintaining an active SAM.gov registration and obtaining a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). Additional administrative prerequisites include obtaining a State of Ohio Supplier ID and completing required certifications and assurances. These requirements ensure compliance with federal funding standards and accountability mechanisms. The application process is conducted through the DD Suite online system. Applicants must submit a complete proposal including a detailed budget and budget justification, three letters of recommendation, a project director resume, organizational documentation where applicable, and several required forms such as assurances and federal compliance certifications. The proposal must also include a structured narrative addressing project goals, outreach strategies, inclusion efforts, and measurable outcomes. Applications are evaluated by a review panel using a standardized scoring system that assesses narrative quality, organizational capacity, outreach effectiveness, budget appropriateness, and projected impact. The timeline for this funding opportunity begins with the Notice of Funds Available posted on May 1, 2026, with applications due by July 10, 2026. The project period runs from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027. Awards are competitive and subject to review panel recommendations. Successful applicants must comply with ongoing reporting requirements, including periodic program and expense reports, and may be required to submit continuation applications for multi-year funding. Matching funds are required and must be documented in the application budget. Overall, the Planning for a Successful Future grant represents a targeted investment in improving long-term outcomes for individuals with developmental disabilities. By supporting projects that enhance future planning capabilities, the Council aims to ensure that individuals with I/DD can live independently, make informed decisions, and maintain a high quality of life supported by sustainable systems and community integration.

Clearly align proposal with stated outcomes and performance measures; demonstrate strong outreach to underserved populations; ensure budget justification is detailed and mathematically sound; include measurable objectives and realistic timelines; ensure all required attachments are complete or application may be rejected