Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS): Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP): Community Parent Resource Centers (CPRCs)

The Special Education Parent Information Centers – Community Parent Resource Centers program is administered by the U.S. Department of Education through the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services. This federal discretionary grant program is authorized under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and is designed to strengthen the capacity of community-based parent organizations. The program reflects the Department’s broader mission to ensure equitable access to education and improved outcomes for children with disabilities by empowering families with knowledge, training, and resources. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to ensure that parents of children with disabilities receive high-quality, relevant, and useful training and information. These services are intended to help families better understand their rights and responsibilities under IDEA, navigate special education systems, and support the academic and developmental progress of their children. The program specifically emphasizes outreach to underserved populations, including low-income families and those with limited English proficiency, ensuring inclusivity and equitable access to services across diverse communities. Funding under this program supports a wide range of allowable activities, including training workshops, dissemination of informational materials, individualized assistance to families, and collaboration with schools and service providers. Funds may also be used to build organizational capacity, enhance outreach strategies, and improve service delivery systems. While the notice does not explicitly state cost-sharing requirements, the focus remains on maximizing federal support to strengthen community-based infrastructure and service provision. The funding is structured as annual awards with a maximum of 150,000 dollars per 12-month budget period and a total project cap of 750,000 dollars over the project duration. Eligibility is restricted to local parent organizations, which are defined in statute as private nonprofit entities that are governed primarily by parents of children with disabilities. These organizations must have a board of directors where the majority are parents of children with disabilities aged birth through 26, and the board must also include professionals in relevant fields and individuals with disabilities. Additionally, organizations must demonstrate that their leadership reflects the diversity of the communities they serve and that their mission is centered on supporting families of children with disabilities across the full range of IDEA-defined conditions. Applications must be submitted electronically through the Grants.gov system using the APPLY function. Applicants are required to complete standard federal forms such as the SF-424 and budget documentation, and to adhere to formatting and submission requirements outlined in the Department’s common instructions. The application process involves preparing a comprehensive proposal that addresses program priorities, outlines planned activities, and demonstrates organizational capacity. Applications must be fully submitted and time-stamped by 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the deadline date, with no exceptions for late submissions unless caused by verified system issues. The application deadline for this funding opportunity is June 5, 2026. Awards are expected to be made following a competitive review process based on established selection criteria and priorities outlined in the official notice. While specific review criteria are not detailed in the summary, applicants can expect evaluation to consider factors such as program design, organizational capacity, and alignment with program goals. The performance period is structured in annual increments, with continued funding contingent upon satisfactory progress and compliance with federal requirements. The program is part of a recurring federal funding cycle, suggesting future opportunities may be available in subsequent years.