University Centers for Developmental Disabilities in Education, Research, and Service

The University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service funding opportunity is administered by the Administration on Disabilities within the Administration for Community Living, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This program is rooted in the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act, which aims to ensure that individuals with developmental disabilities and their families have access to services, supports, and opportunities that promote independence, inclusion, and full participation in community life. The funding supports existing University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, which are interdisciplinary units affiliated with universities or nonprofit entities connected to higher education institutions. The primary purpose of this grant is to fund UCEDD programs that conduct interdisciplinary training, community service, research, and information dissemination activities. These centers are expected to address a wide range of areas affecting individuals with developmental disabilities, including education, health, employment, housing, transportation, and other community-based services. The program emphasizes systemic change, capacity building, and collaboration with stakeholders, including individuals with disabilities, their families, advocacy groups, and state agencies. Applicants must demonstrate how their proposed activities will enhance self-determination, promote inclusion, and support families in achieving improved outcomes. Funding is structured as a five-year grant with annual budget periods. Each award provides federal funding within a defined range per year, with total funding distributed across the performance period. The program requires a cost-sharing contribution of 25 percent of total project costs, although reduced cost-sharing may be permitted under specific conditions, such as serving populations in designated poverty areas. Funds must be used in alignment with federal regulations and program guidelines, and certain activities such as construction or basic scientific research are not allowable. Additionally, recipients must adhere to specific indirect cost limitations and compliance requirements outlined in federal grant regulations. Eligibility for this opportunity is highly restricted. Only entities that were previously designated as UCEDDs and received five-year core funding in a prior fiscal year are eligible to apply. Applicants must also meet additional criteria, including maintaining active registrations in federal systems such as SAM.gov and Grants.gov. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov and include a comprehensive project narrative, budget narrative, required forms, and supporting documentation such as proof of nonprofit status and commitment letters from partners. The application process requires detailed planning and documentation. The project narrative, which is the primary evaluation component, must outline a five-year strategic plan addressing program goals, objectives, interventions, and measurable outcomes. Applicants must describe how they will implement the four core UCEDD functions and demonstrate collaboration with relevant stakeholders. The evaluation process includes both an initial compliance review and a merit-based scoring system that assesses project relevance, approach, impact, organizational capacity, and budget justification. Applications are due by July 22, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time, and awards are expected to be issued by September 30, 2026, with the project period beginning immediately thereafter. Successful applicants will be notified through a formal Notice of Award and must comply with ongoing reporting and administrative requirements. Program and financial contacts are available to assist applicants throughout the process, ensuring that organizations can effectively prepare and submit competitive proposals aligned with the program’s objectives.

Align project with DD Act goals; provide measurable outcomes; demonstrate stakeholder collaboration; ensure detailed budget justification