Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Quality Improvement Fund - Improving Access to Dental Services for Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders (QIF-DNDD)

The Quality Improvement Fund - Improving Access to Dental Services for Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders (QIF-DNDD) is administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. HRSA is responsible for improving access to health care services for underserved and vulnerable populations across the United States. Through its Health Center Program, HRSA provides funding and support to community-based organizations that deliver comprehensive primary care services. This specific funding opportunity builds upon HRSA’s broader mission by targeting a critical gap in oral health care access for children with neurodevelopmental disorders. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to increase access to preventive and comprehensive dental services for children diagnosed with neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder and other developmental conditions. The program seeks to improve overall dental health outcomes for this population by supporting health centers in implementing innovative, evidence-based approaches. These approaches are expected to address both systemic barriers to care and patient-specific challenges that may limit access to dental services. Funding under this opportunity is designed as a one-time investment to support pilot initiatives and quality improvement efforts. Award recipients are expected to build upon existing service delivery models while introducing new strategies that enhance care accessibility. Allowable uses of funds include implementing evidence-based dental care models, expanding service capacity, and developing workforce competencies. A significant emphasis is placed on training and equipping healthcare staff with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively serve children with neurodevelopmental disorders. Eligibility for this funding opportunity is restricted to organizations that are current recipients of a Health Center Program award under section 330(e) of the Public Health Service Act, specifically those with an active H80 designation. This ensures that applicants already have an established infrastructure for delivering primary care services and are positioned to integrate enhanced dental services into their existing operations. The program does not require cost sharing or matching funds, reducing financial barriers for eligible applicants. Applicants must submit a comprehensive project work plan outlining how they will implement evidence-based models and innovative strategies to improve access to dental services. The application must also include detailed plans for workforce development, demonstrating how staff skills and competencies will be enhanced to support the initiative. While specific evaluation criteria are not detailed in the summary, proposals are expected to be assessed based on their potential to improve access, feasibility of implementation, and alignment with program objectives. The application process requires electronic submission through the designated federal grants platform by the stated deadline. The opportunity was posted on June 5, 2026, and applications must be submitted no later than July 8, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. There are no pre-application requirements such as letters of intent indicated in the available materials. Applicants seeking additional information or assistance may contact HRSA directly via the provided email address. This funding opportunity appears to be a single-cycle initiative rather than a recurring program. Awards are expected to be distributed to approximately 25 recipients, each receiving a fixed amount. While the exact performance period is not specified in the summary, the funding structure suggests a defined project timeline associated with the implementation of proposed quality improvement initiatives. Organizations interested in applying should ensure timely submission and alignment with all stated program goals and requirements.

Focus on clearly demonstrating evidence-based approaches and measurable improvements in access to dental care for children with neurodevelopmental disorders; emphasize workforce training impact