Empowering Independent Living Grant

The Empowering Independent Living grant is offered by the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council, a state-level body tasked with advancing independence, inclusion, and self-determination for individuals with developmental disabilities. The Council operates under federal authority and funding structures, including compliance with federal regulations under Title 2 CFR Part 200. Its mission centers on improving systems and supports so that individuals with developmental disabilities can actively participate in community life and make decisions about how they live. This funding opportunity reflects that mission by targeting a critical life transition: independent living for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The purpose of this grant is to expand support systems and resources for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are living alone for the first time and engaging in future planning. The program seeks to improve outcomes by equipping participants with practical life skills, knowledge, and community connections. These may include financial literacy, household management, health and wellness practices, social engagement, and navigating support services. The initiative emphasizes both individual capacity building and broader systems change, including outreach, training, research, interagency coordination, and policy influence. Funding for this opportunity is structured as a competitive award with a federal allocation of 50000 dollars for the project period, supported by a required matching contribution of 16666.67 dollars. A reduced match may apply for projects serving federally designated poverty areas. The project period runs from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027, with the possibility of continuation for up to three years contingent upon funding availability and performance. Funds may be used for a wide range of allowable costs including personnel, training activities, outreach efforts, and program implementation, provided all expenditures comply with federal cost principles and are clearly justified in the application budget. Eligibility for this grant is broad, as there are no restrictions on the type of entity that may apply. This includes nonprofit organizations, government entities, educational institutions, and potentially individuals applying through an organizational structure. However, applicants must meet federal requirements such as maintaining an active registration in SAM.gov, obtaining a Unique Entity Identifier, and securing a State of Ohio Supplier ID. These administrative prerequisites are mandatory before an award can be issued. The application process is conducted through the DD Suite platform and requires submission of a comprehensive proposal including a detailed budget justification, three letters of recommendation, a resume for the project director, and various compliance forms such as assurances and federal certifications. Additional documentation may include proof of nonprofit status and indirect cost agreements if applicable. Applications must be complete at submission, as missing components will result in disqualification. The deadline for submission is July 10, 2026 at 11:59 PM. Applications are evaluated through a competitive review process involving a panel that assesses proposals based on criteria such as organizational qualifications, project design, outreach to underserved populations, inclusion of individuals with disabilities, budget appropriateness, and clarity of outcomes and activities. Successful applicants are expected to implement structured work plans, track performance measures, and submit periodic reports. The program also requires adherence to accessibility standards and active efforts to engage underserved communities. Key timelines include the posting of the funding opportunity on May 1, 2026, a question period ending May 29, 2026, the application deadline in July 2026, and anticipated project start in October 2026. The grant aligns with a recurring state planning cycle, suggesting similar opportunities may be offered annually. Overall, this funding opportunity represents a structured, compliance-driven initiative designed to foster independence and improve quality of life for individuals with developmental disabilities through targeted, measurable interventions.

Ensure all required attachments are included as missing documents will disqualify the application; provide detailed and clear budget justification aligning each cost to project objectives; use clear language to improve reviewer comprehension; align workplan with required performance measures; ensure SAM.gov registration is active before submission