We get federal funds to act as an agent for change. We use funds to advocate for people with developmental disabilities and their families. We do this, in part, by giving grants to organizations. These include nonprofits, for-profits, local and state agencies and education groups. We do not give grants to individuals.
Grant projects match our state plan goals and assessment recommendations.
We fund projects that bring change to policies, programs and systems. Projects should be effective and meet specific needs. They should be able to continue without constant funding. The aim is to change or grow existing community programs in a positive way.
We may also fund projects about: outreach; training; technical assistance; community support and education; collaboration and coordination; getting rid of barriers; systems design; development of citizen groups or informing policymakers.
Self-Advocate Scholarship Funding
To help reach the goals outlined in the State Plan, the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities can give money to organizations. This money comes in the form of scholarships and is meant to help people with developmental disabilities (DD) attend conferences or events. Organizations should read the procedures document to see if they qualify and understand the rules for getting funds. On the Application for Self-Advocate Scholarship Funding, organizations need to show how the event or conference will help achieve at least one of the objectives in the State Plan.
Current RFPs
There are no open Requests for Proposal (RFPs) at this time. Please check back soon.
Grantee Highlights
This project taught people with developmental disabilities (DD) how to use Supported Decision-Making (SDM). SDM makes people’s lives better. With SDM, people with DD have power to make their own choices, lead their own lives and avoid guardianship.
The ENDependence Center of Northern Virginia (ECNV) gave COVID-19 shots to people with disabilities. They got this done through many ways. They worked with pharmacies. They also had pop-up events. (A pop-up is an event that happens for a short time.) Disability Champions shared info about the shots in many languages and with many cultures.
The pilot program aims to provide training about Support Service Providers (SSPs). An SSP is a person who acts as a deafblind person’s eyes and ears. An SSP empowers a deafblind person with the info they need to make their own choices. Through the program, providers will learn how to perform SSP duties. Deafblind people will learn how to work with SSPs. The program will then help to assign SSPs to people who are deafblind.
Ability First is a fitness and wellness program. They help people with developmental disabilities (DD) who live in rural areas. The program helps people to live healthy.
With funding from the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities, Ability First can connect people with disabilities to opportunities within their communities to improve their physical and mental wellbeing. I believe that we can create more inclusive communities where everyone — regardless of ability, race or gender — are looked at equally.
– Dr. Thomas E Moran, Executive Director of Empowerment3 and JMU Kinesiology ProfessorGrant Resources
Grantee Tip Sheets:
- Best Practices in Survey Design
- Demographic Data Collection
- Accessible Survey Design
- Evaluation Plan Tips
Applicants must register through the DD Suite system. There, please submit a Letter of Interest (LOI) and/or Proposal Application. At DD Suite, you can download the current RFP, proposal forms and other documents.
For More Information
Jason Withers
Grants & Contracts Administrator
(804) 786-9375
Jason.Withers@vbpd.virginia.gov