TBI State Partnership Program

The TBI State Partnership Program is a federal funding opportunity administered by the Administration for Community Living within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, specifically through the Administration on Disabilities. This program builds on longstanding federal efforts to address traumatic brain injury as a major public health issue in the United States. Traumatic brain injury affects millions of individuals each year and often results in long term functional impairments that require coordinated, multi system support. The program is rooted in the Traumatic Brain Injury Program Reauthorization Act of 2018 and reflects a continued federal commitment to improving outcomes and independence for individuals living with TBI across all age groups. The purpose of this funding opportunity is to strengthen and transform statewide systems of services and supports for individuals with traumatic brain injury. The program emphasizes person centered approaches that improve access, coordination, and quality of care. Grantees are expected to enhance cross agency collaboration, identify and reduce service gaps, and improve statewide infrastructure to support individuals with TBI and their families. Key outcomes include increased independence, improved quality of life, and better access to evidence based and culturally competent services. The program also prioritizes reaching underserved populations and ensuring equitable access to care. Funding is provided through cooperative agreements, indicating substantial federal involvement in project implementation and oversight. The total expected program funding is over six million dollars for a single budget period, with approximately thirty two awards anticipated. Individual awards range from approximately one hundred ninety thousand to two hundred five thousand dollars per year, with a three year period of performance. Funds may be used for activities such as maintaining a state advisory board, developing and implementing a comprehensive state plan, expanding resource facilitation services, and participating in national workgroups. However, funds cannot be used for construction, basic research, or direct service provision such as home and community based services. A key requirement of this program is cost sharing, with recipients required to provide a match equal to one third of the total project cost. Matching contributions may include cash or in kind resources such as volunteer time, donated space, or services. Applicants must document and justify all matching contributions in their budget narratives. Additional requirements include maintaining a state advisory board with at least fifty percent representation from individuals with TBI, developing a statewide strategic plan within the first year, and ensuring participation in national collaboration efforts. Eligible applicants are limited to state governments, territorial governments, federally recognized tribal governments, and Native American organizations. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov and require active registrations with both SAM.gov and Grants.gov. Required application components include a project narrative, budget narrative, standard federal forms, and supporting documentation such as resumes and letters of commitment. The project narrative is limited to twenty pages and must clearly describe the problem, proposed approach, expected outcomes, and evaluation plan. Applications are due by August 13, 2026 at eleven fifty nine pm Eastern Time, with an optional notice of intent due July 20, 2026. An informational webinar is scheduled for July 16, 2026. Awards are expected to be issued by September 30, 2026, with the project period beginning on the same date and extending for three years. Applications are evaluated through a merit review process based on criteria including project relevance, approach, impact, organizational capacity, and budget. Program contacts are provided for eligibility, financial, and application questions, including a named program contact and email address for inquiries.

Align proposal closely with scoring criteria emphasize measurable outcomes and strong cross agency collaboration ensure advisory board requirements are met and include clear data driven state plan