Notice of Funds Available (RFP) Print New Application

Specifications

Description

This grant will support a statewide initiative that provides individualized, culturally responsive transition services to youth and young adults with developmental disabilities (ages 14–30) in underserved communities across Ohio. The goal is to reduce disparities in access to services and ensure that young people—particularly those facing geographic, economic, or cultural barriers—receive the support they need to move successfully from school to adult life.

The selected grantee will deliver or coordinate services such as job readiness training, education and career support, life‑skills development, housing preparation, peer mentorship, and connections to adult systems. Programs must actively identify individuals who are not currently connected to services and engage families who may be unfamiliar with available supports.

This is a single competitive grant, and applicants must demonstrate the capacity to serve multiple regions in Ohio, reach underserved populations, and support the full 14–30 age range directly or through formal partnerships. A Diversity Assurance Plan is required, outlining strategies for inclusive outreach, culturally responsive service delivery, and representation in staffing and partnerships. Collaboration with County Boards of Developmental Disabilities and inclusion of peer support components are mandatory.

Applicants should demonstrate the ability to:

Conduct targeted outreach to rural, minority, and low‑income communities.

Provide individualized transition supports that promote employment, education, housing readiness, and community participation.

Build strong partnerships with schools, County Boards, service agencies, and employers.

Deliver culturally responsive services that reflect the needs of diverse populations.

Track outcomes and use data to improve services and reduce disparities.

This initiative aligns with ODDC priorities by strengthening community capacity, promoting equity, and expanding access to essential resources for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. The project aims to ensure that more young people—regardless of background or location—can transition into adulthood with confidence, opportunity, and meaningful support.

Requirements

Requirements There are no restrictions on the type of entity that may apply for this project.

This award is financed with federal funds and is subject to the requirements of the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards under Title 2 CFR Part 200, and the Terms and Conditions included in the Notice of Award. The Assistance Listing Number is 93.630.

All applications must include a detailed budget justification that explains the federal and matching expenditures included in the Project Budget. A Budget Justification Form, which will be available on the DD Suite application website, must be completed and uploaded as part of the application submission in DD Suite.

All applications must include three (3) letters of recommendation, the resume of the project director, and the names of the organization’s board members (if the applicant is an organization with a governing board), proof of non-profit status (if the applicant is a non-profit organization), a copy of the applicant’s current federally negotiated indirect cost rate agreement (if requesting indirect costs and not using the de minimis rate), a signed copy of the Council’s Assurances form, and completed Standard Affirmation and Disclosure Form and Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act Certification forms, which will be available on the DD Suite application website. These materials can be uploaded as part of the application submission in DD Suite.

All applicants, with the exception of those exempted under 2 CFR 25.110 (b) or (c), must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) before submitting their application and must include a valid Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) in the application. If your entity is currently registered in SAM.gov, your UEI has already been assigned and is viewable in your entity’s registration record. Entities not currently registered in SAM.gov will be assigned a UEI when they register. Applicants are required to maintain an active SAM.gov registration with current information at all times that an application is pending or the applicant holds this federal award. The Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council may not make an award to an applicant until the applicant has complied with these requirements. In the case of an applicant who does not meet the applicable requirements of SAM.gov, the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council may award this grant to another applicant.

Notices of Award cannot be issued to an applicant that does not have a State of Ohio Supplier ID. This is a two-part process. Applicants first need to establish an Ohio ID (OHID) by going to the following link and creating an account: https://ohid.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/ohid/login. Applicants will then need to go to OhioPays and follow the instructions at the following link to register as a supplier (payee): https://ohiopays.ohio.gov/getting-started/02-how-to-register/02-how-to-register. Once both steps have been completed, a Supplier ID will be issued.

Attachments

State Plan Language - This is a complete description of the project which includes intended outcomes and proposed performance measures.

DD Council Assurances - These assurances must be signed and attached as part of the application submission. Refusal to include a completed DD Council Assurances form will result in the application being removed from consideration.

Standard Affirmation and Disclosure Form - This form must be completed and attached as part of the application submission.

Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act Certification - This form must be completed and attached as part of the application submission.

Grantee Guidelines - This document includes important information about the requirements of a DD Council grantee.

Budget Justification Form - A Budget Justification that meets the following standards needs to be attached. The justification should clearly and specifically describe each cost element and how each item would support the achievement of proposed objectives. Include any equations/formulas used for applying pro-rated costs to the grant and an explanation of the details of the equation. Identify costs for which federal funds are requested and those that will be provided by match. Each line item in the Project Budget should be addressed individually in the justification. Please select the Budget Justification Sample & Instructions tab in the form for specific guidance and expectations.