The Administration for Community Living (ACL) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is offering funding for University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service (UCEDD). This funding opportunity supports entities designated as UCEDDs in carrying out their core functions, including interdisciplinary pre-service preparation and continuing education, community services, research, and dissemination of information. These centers aim to enhance the quality of life for individuals with developmental disabilities by focusing on areas like education, health, employment, housing, and community supports.

The program is expected to award up to three grants for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025, with an estimated total funding of $1,908,576. The award amounts will range between $620,675 and $636,192 annually, for a five-year grant period. A cost-sharing or matching requirement applies. Only UCEDDs designated under Section 151(a) of the Developmental Disabilities (DD) Act of 2000 and funded in FY 2020 are eligible to apply. Eligible applicants may include public or not-for-profit entities affiliated with universities. Foreign entities are ineligible, but faith-based and community organizations that meet eligibility criteria may apply.

Applicants must address the four core functions and how their proposed activities align with the areas of emphasis in the DD Act. This may include providing technical assistance, conducting research, and disseminating information on services and supports that impact community quality of life. The grant will fund the federal share of program administration and operation costs.

Applications must be submitted electronically by February 24, 2025, at 11:59 PM ET. Proposals should adhere strictly to submission guidelines, as late applications will not be accepted. Detailed information on the funding opportunity, including application instructions, is available on the ACL grants webpage. For further assistance, applicants can contact Pamela O’Brien at Pamela.O’Brien@acl.hhs.gov.