Developmental Disabilities Mill Levy (DDML) Grant Program

The Developmental Disabilities Mill Levy (DDML) Grant Program is administered by Douglas County, Colorado as part of a broader funding mechanism established in 2001 through a voter-approved property tax. This dedicated mill levy supports services for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD). The majority of funds are distributed to Developmental Pathways, the County’s designated Community-Centered Board and Case Management Agency, while a smaller portion is reserved for a competitive grant program. This grant program has awarded more than $6.8 million since its inception and is designed to expand, enhance, and innovate services available to residents with IDD within Douglas County. The primary purpose of the DDML grant is to support programs, projects, and scholarships that directly benefit individuals with IDD who reside in Douglas County. The County prioritizes funding for initiatives that improve quality of life, increase independence, and promote inclusion within the community. Funding is intended for direct service delivery rather than administrative overhead or general operating expenses. Applicants are encouraged to propose innovative approaches or services that address gaps in the current system of care. While there is no formal matching requirement, applicants are advised to demonstrate funding diversity and leverage additional resources where possible. Eligibility for the grant is broad but geographically restricted. All local agencies currently serving or planning to serve individuals with IDD in Douglas County are eligible to apply. This includes nonprofit organizations, local governments, educational institutions, private sector entities, and other community-based organizations. Agencies may submit multiple applications for different projects, provided each proposal is distinct and aligned with program goals. All funded activities must exclusively benefit Douglas County residents with IDD, as defined by the State of Colorado. The application process is conducted through an online grant management system, accessible only during the official application window. For the 2026 cycle, applications open on June 15, 2026, and close on July 14, 2026. Applicants must complete several required components, including an organizational profile, financial documentation, detailed project description, and project budget. Required attachments include a W-9 form, organizational budgets for prior and current fiscal years, a balance sheet, and the most recent audit if applicable. All submissions must be completed electronically using supported browsers such as Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge. Applications are evaluated using a formal scoring rubric established by the County. Review is conducted by the Developmental Disabilities Mill Levy Advisory Council, which makes funding recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners. Evaluation criteria emphasize alignment with long-range planning goals, program effectiveness, innovation, and direct impact on residents. The County explicitly prioritizes funding for direct services rather than administrative costs, and applicants are encouraged to clearly demonstrate measurable outcomes and community benefit. The grant timeline follows an annual cycle. Applications are submitted in the summer, reviewed in the fall, and funding decisions are communicated in the fourth quarter of the year. Successful applicants receive contracts and funding in early 2027, contingent upon execution of grant agreements. Funded projects must take place within the 2027 calendar year. A final report documenting outcomes and use of funds is required in early 2028. This recurring structure indicates that the program operates on an annual basis, providing ongoing opportunities for eligible organizations. Technical assistance is available for applicants encountering issues with the grant management system through eCivis support. For program-specific inquiries, applicants may contact Jennifer D’Ambrosio via email. The County also provides a grant user guide to assist applicants in navigating the system. Overall, the DDML Grant Program represents a sustained local investment in services for individuals with IDD, emphasizing community-based solutions, accountability, and measurable impact.

Prioritize direct service impact over administrative costs align proposal with DDML long range plan demonstrate measurable outcomes and address service gaps