Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Other Related Disabilities (LEND)

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), a sub-agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is forecasting the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Other Related Disabilities (LEND) grant program under opportunity number HRSA-26-019. HRSA plays a key role in improving health outcomes and achieving health equity through access to quality services, a skilled health workforce, and innovative programs. This LEND program supports HRSA’s broader mission by training future professionals to serve children and youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities (DD). The purpose of the LEND program is to improve the quality of care and services for children and youth with autism and other DD across their lifespan. It aims to strengthen the capacity of the health and related workforce to meet these needs through leadership training in an interdisciplinary setting. LEND programs provide long-term, graduate-level training to health professionals from various disciplines, enabling them to diagnose, treat, and support individuals with ASD/DD. The program supports development and dissemination of evidence-based practices and the use of family-centered, culturally competent, and interdisciplinary care models. The grant is a discretionary funding opportunity under Assistance Listing 93.877, part of the Autism Collaboration, Accountability, Research, Education, and Support (CARES) Act. The forecast indicates approximately $37.5 million in total program funding, with an estimated 60 awards to be issued. Awards are expected to range between $446,000 and $710,000 per recipient. Funding is for a performance period starting July 1, 2026, with the estimated award announcement and project start date also set for July 1, 2026. Eligible applicants include public or nonprofit agencies, including institutions of higher education, and a broad spectrum of governmental and nonprofit entities at the city, county, state, tribal, and territorial levels. Private and public institutions of higher education are eligible, along with other nonprofits regardless of 501(c)(3) status. Individuals are not eligible to apply. All applicants must be domestic, which includes entities based in the 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Northern Mariana Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau. The application process is expected to open on March 10, 2026, with a deadline for submission on May 9, 2026, by 11:59 p.m. ET. All applications must be submitted electronically. Although the full application package is not yet available, previous cycles suggest that required components typically include detailed project narratives, budget justifications, and supporting documentation demonstrating capacity and expertise to carry out LEND training programs. Questions related to this funding opportunity can be directed to the Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB) via phone at 301-443-2170 or by email at [email protected]. As the opportunity is recurring, applicants should note that future rounds may follow similar timelines, with the next estimated application cycle projected to begin in Spring 2027. The program emphasizes national reach, with no restrictions based on state or regional boundaries, making it accessible to eligible organizations across the United States and its territories.