All In Play: Empowering Inclusive Sports in K-12 Schools Grant

The Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council (ODDC) is a federally funded state agency tasked with advancing inclusion, independence, and community participation for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. Through competitive grant programs aligned with federal Developmental Disabilities Act priorities, the Council funds initiatives that emphasize systems change, capacity building, and long-term impact rather than direct service delivery. This funding opportunity, titled All In Play: Empowering Inclusive Sports in K-12 Schools, reflects ODDC’s mission to strengthen community infrastructure and expand inclusive opportunities for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The purpose of this grant is to support the development and expansion of inclusive K-12 athletic programs that enable meaningful participation for students with developmental disabilities, including those with significant support needs. Rather than funding direct services, the grant focuses on building sustainable systems within schools and communities. Projects are expected to enhance the ability of educators, coaches, and partners to design and implement inclusive sports programming that accommodates a wide range of abilities while fostering peer engagement and social inclusion. Funding under this opportunity totals 57,000 dollars in federal support, with an additional required match of 19,000 dollars, contributing to a total project investment of 76,000 dollars. Funded activities may include the development of training curricula, delivery of train-the-trainer sessions, technical assistance to schools, partnership development with university physical and occupational therapy programs, and the collection and dissemination of best practices. All expenditures must comply with federal cost principles under 2 CFR Part 200 and align with approved budget justifications that clearly distinguish between federal and matching funds. Eligibility for this opportunity is broad, with no restrictions on the type of entity that may apply. Applicants may include nonprofits, educational institutions, government entities, and other organizations capable of implementing the proposed activities. However, all applicants must meet federal and state administrative requirements, including registration in SAM.gov with a valid Unique Entity Identifier, maintaining active registration throughout the award period, and obtaining a State of Ohio Supplier ID. Additional submission requirements include letters of recommendation, a project director resume, organizational documentation, and multiple required federal compliance forms. The application process is conducted through the DD Suite platform, where applicants must complete structured sections including project narrative, budget, work plan, and supporting documentation. Applications must include a detailed budget justification, three letters of recommendation, and all required compliance forms. The grant review process is competitive and involves evaluation by a panel based on criteria such as project design, organizational qualifications, outreach strategies, inclusion efforts, and alignment with Council priorities. Successful applicants will be notified following the review process and must accept the award through the system before project implementation begins. The application timeline for this funding opportunity opened with a notice posted on April 29, 2026, and closes on July 10, 2026. The project period is scheduled to run from October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027. This aligns with the federal fiscal year structure used by ODDC. While this specific opportunity is part of a broader state plan cycle, it is issued as a competitive grant for a defined period, and continuation funding beyond the initial year is contingent upon performance and federal funding availability. Overall, this grant emphasizes long-term systems change by equipping schools and communities with the tools, training, and partnerships necessary to sustain inclusive athletic programming. By focusing on capacity building, peer engagement, and collaboration with higher education institutions, the initiative aims to create lasting improvements in accessibility, participation, and community integration for students with developmental disabilities.

Focus on demonstrating capacity building and sustainability rather than direct service delivery; clearly articulate train-the-trainer model and long-term systems impact; ensure strong partnerships and measurable outcomes