Disability Application Support Grant

The Colorado Disability Funding Committee (CDFC), established under the Laura Hershey Disability Support Act (C.R.S. § 8-88-200 et seq.), is a state-run body tasked with enhancing the quality of life and increasing the independence of persons with disabilities in Colorado. The Committee operates under the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) and is primarily funded through innovative mechanisms such as the sale of rights to use special Colorado license plates and historic plate backgrounds, as well as a portion of the fines collected from disability parking violations. Since its inception, the CDFC has awarded over $5.3 million in grants to disability-focused organizations throughout the state, supporting both direct service and pilot projects. This grant round pertains specifically to the Disability Application Assistance Grants (DAAG), with a designated focus on serving rural Coloradans. The purpose of this funding opportunity is to support nonprofits that assist individuals with disabilities in completing applications for critical benefits such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Colorado Medicaid, and other state or federal disability-based support programs. Awards under this round will be under $50,000, with a total of $800,000 available. Eligible applicants must demonstrate either direct governance by individuals with disabilities or a contractual relationship with an organization that meets these governance criteria. The grant application must be submitted via Bidnet.com. Organizations must first create a free account on the platform before submitting their completed applications. The application window opened on December 3, 2025, and will close on January 2, 2026, at 11:59 PM. A pre-application conference, intended to provide detailed guidance and respond to applicant inquiries, is scheduled for December 9, 2025, from 1:00 to 2:00 PM and will be recorded for those who cannot attend live. For further questions beyond this session, applicants are encouraged to email [email protected]. Applications will first undergo a completeness review by the CDLE Procurement and Contracting Services team. Those deemed complete will be forwarded to the CDFC Allocations Sub-Committee for evaluation within approximately 90 days post-deadline. The sub-committee will then select finalists, who will be asked to provide additional documentation such as detailed budgets and board member rosters. Following review of this additional material, the sub-committee will issue recommendations to the full CDFC, which will make final funding decisions. Applicants will be notified of their status within ten days of the full committee’s decision. Successful grantees will receive reimbursement-based funding, unless a need for advance funds is pre-approved. Grant recipients are required to submit mid-term and final reports detailing project progress and fund utilization. These reports must be submitted electronically, and failure to comply may result in forfeiture of funds. The CDFC emphasizes accountability and may request further clarification or documentation at any point during the grant period. All communication regarding the grant process will be handled through the PCS and CDFC administrator. The CDFC prioritizes programs that serve those facing the most significant barriers to accessing disability benefits, including rural residents, individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness, former foster youth, and recipients of Aid to Needy Disabled (AND). The Committee also places high importance on applicants who demonstrate a commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), particularly as it relates to individuals with disabilities in Colorado.

Ensure complete submission by deadline; incomplete applications will not be reviewed.