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 a funding opportunity under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). This forecasted opportunity, slated for fiscal year 2026, seeks to support projects that enhance dental care access and outcomes for children diagnosed with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), such as autism spectrum disorders and other developmental conditions. HRSA, a key federal agency dedicated to improving health care access for underserved populations, aims to leverage this grant to pilot innovative service delivery models and enhance workforce competencies across eligible health centers. The core objective of this funding is to improve both preventive and additional dental services for children with NDDs by building on existing evidence-based models. The program mandates that applicants design projects that not only expand access to these critical services but also advance the skills and knowledge of their health center workforce to better support the targeted patient population. This dual focus on service innovation and professional development is central to the grant’s intended impact: sustained improvements in health outcomes through enhanced, inclusive care models. Applicants must be Health Center Program award recipients with an active H80 award funded under Section 330(e) of the Public Health Service Act. This eligibility criterion ensures that only organizations already embedded within HRSA's primary care safety net are eligible to apply. Each project must be constructed around a detailed work plan, incorporating specific evidence-based and innovative approaches tailored to the needs of children with NDDs. The work plans are expected to be measurable, realistic, and aligned with the program’s objectives, particularly in improving accessibility and patient outcomes. This is a one-time funding opportunity, with no cost-sharing or matching requirement. HRSA anticipates awarding approximately 25 grants, each ranging from $2,000,000 to a ceiling of the same amount, indicating a fixed funding structure per recipient. The total program funding is projected at $50 million. Awards are expected to be announced on August 24, 2026, with projects commencing by September 1, 2026. The estimated application due date is April 13, 2026, and submissions must be completed electronically by 11:59 p.m. ET on that date. The opportunity is categorized under the Health funding activity and falls within Assistance Listing 93.224, which pertains to the Health Center Program. Applications will likely be evaluated on the strength of the proposed innovative models, potential to improve access and outcomes, and the degree to which workforce capacity building is embedded into the plan. Although the application guidance and review criteria have not yet been released in full, interested applicants are encouraged to begin developing projects aligned with the described priorities. Applicants seeking more information can contact HRSA at 301-594-4300 or via email at bphcfunding@hrsa.gov. Additional updates and the full Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) will be made available at https://hrsa.my.site.com/support/s/. As of now, this is a forecasted opportunity, with an estimated post date of April 8, 2026.