GrantQuick

income_security_and_social_services · HHS-ACL

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

Administration for Community Living · HHS-2026-ACL-AOD-DDUC-0022

Closed

Award Range

$629.042K$629.042K

Total Program Funding

$1.3M

Expected Awards

2

Deadline

July 22, 2026

GRANTQUICK SUMMARYPlain-English Overview

ACL is funding 2 University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDDs) at $629K each ($1.26M total). UCEDDs are congressionally mandated centers at universities that provide interdisciplinary training, research, and services related to developmental disabilities. They're the academic backbone of the DD service system — training the next generation of disability professionals and conducting community-relevant research. Requires cost-sharing.

Who Should Apply

Universities with established developmental disabilities programs (or capacity to create one) that can provide interdisciplinary training across fields like special education, psychology, social work, medicine, and allied health. Must serve as a community resource.

Who Should NOT Apply

Service agencies without academic/training missions, research-only institutions without community service, or universities without commitment to interdisciplinary disability programming.

Key Requirements (Plain English)

  • Must provide interdisciplinary pre-service preparation in developmental disabilities
  • Must conduct community-relevant research
  • Must provide community services/technical assistance
  • Cost-sharing IS required
  • 2 awards of $629K each
  • Must disseminate information and best practices

💡 GrantQuick Tip

UCEDDs are a nationwide network (67 centers across states/territories). New UCEDD designations are rare — these 2 awards are likely re-competitions for existing centers OR new designations in underserved states. If your state doesn't have a UCEDD, this is a major opportunity but requires massive institutional commitment. If it's a re-competition, the incumbent has decades of community relationships. Either way, strong university backing and community partnerships are essential.

Competitiveness: High — 2 awards with likely incumbent advantage. New UCEDD designations require extraordinary institutional commitment and state-level support.

What This Grant Funds

AoD's Office of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (OIDD) within the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) forecasts the availability of Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 funds to make five-year grants to up to two entities designated as University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service (UCEDD). These grantees carry out four core functions: (1) interdisciplinary pre-service preparation and continuing education of students; (2) community services, including training, technical assistance, and/or demonstration and model activities; (3) research; and (4) dissemination of information. UCEDDs are interdisciplinary education, research and public service units of universities, or public or not-for-profit entities associated with universities that implement the four core functions addressing, directly or indirectly, one or more of the areas of emphasis (e.g., quality assurance, education and early intervention, child care, health, employment, housing, transportation, recreation and other services available or offered to individuals in a community, including formal and informal community supports, that affect their quality of life). Funds made available under this proposed funding opportunity will be used to pay for the Federal share of the cost of the administration and operation of programs.

Attachments

Who Can Apply

Section 151(a) of the DD Act of 2000 states that appropriations authorized under section 156(a)(1) of the DD Act shall be used to make five-year grants to entities in each State designated as a UCEDD to carry out the four core functions of interdisciplinary pre-service preparation and continuing education, community services, research and information dissemination. Entities eligible to apply for funds under this funding opportunity announcement are the grantees which were awarded in FY 2021. Foreign entities are not eligible to compete for, or receive, awards made under this announcement. Faith-based and community organizations that meet the eligibility requirements are eligible to receive awards under this funding opportunity announcement.

Eligible Applicant Types

Other (see NOFO for details)

Funding Details

Minimum Award
$629.042K
Maximum Award
$629.042K
Total Program Funding
$1.3M
Expected Number of Awards
2
Cost Sharing Required?
Yes
Funding Instrument
grant

Key Dates

Posted: June 22, 2026
Application Deadline: July 22, 2026 (0 days remaining)

Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 p.m., ET, on the listed application due date.

Agency Contact

Jack Brandt Jack.Brandt@acl.hhs.gov

Jack.Brandt@acl.hhs.gov

Ready to apply?

View the full NOFO and submit your application on Grants.gov