Projects of National Significance: Achieving Economic Mobility

The "Projects of National Significance: Achieving Economic Mobility" funding opportunity is administered by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The ACL is responsible for increasing access to community support and long-term services and promoting opportunities for older adults and people with disabilities to live independently. This specific grant initiative falls under the broader umbrella of the Developmental Disabilities Projects of National Significance (PNS), as authorized by the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act. The overarching aim of this opportunity is to support initiatives that promote economic security and mobility for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD). Funded projects may address several focus areas, including assisting youth with ID/DD in their transition to adulthood, expanding access to employment and post-secondary education opportunities, and providing access to assistive technology necessary for achieving employment goals. All activities must contribute to enabling individuals with developmental disabilities to be fully included in all aspects of community life, supporting their independence, self-determination, and productivity. To be eligible, applicants must fall into one of the following categories: state governments, county governments, city or township governments, special district governments, independent school districts, public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, public housing authorities or Indian housing authorities, federally recognized and other Native American tribal governments or organizations, and nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status (excluding higher education institutions). Faith-based and community organizations that meet these criteria may also apply. Foreign entities are not eligible. Projects funded under this grant will contribute to key performance metrics, such as policy change advocacy, leadership development among people with ID/DD and their families, increased knowledge about life support tools and resources, and use and dissemination of data resources. Outcome and output measures are clearly defined, including the number of policy changes achieved, the number of individuals engaged in advocacy or training, the dissemination and creation of policy tools, and increased leadership capacity and awareness among ID/DD individuals and their families. This is a forecasted opportunity, with an estimated application opening date of May 30, 2025, and a closing date of July 30, 2025. The estimated award date is August 29, 2025, with projects anticipated to start by September 1, 2025. The total estimated program funding is $1,875,000, with individual awards ranging from $300,000 to $375,000. Up to five awards are expected to be made. Matching funds are not required. Interested applicants should refer to the ACL website for more details as the opening date approaches. The main point of contact for this opportunity is Larissa Crossen, who can be reached at (202) 795-7333 or via email at larissa.crossen@acl.hhs.gov.