Workforce Expansion in Excellence
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations working to expand and improve the workforce supporting people with developmental disabilities in Ohio. Nonprofits, government agencies, and community-based organizations may apply. The program focuses on Direct Support Professional (DSP) recruitment, retention, and training. Eligible activities include workforce development initiatives, training programs, and strategies to address DSP shortages.
⚖️ Cost sharing / matching required — applicants must contribute their own funds.
This grant is for organizations working to expand and improve the workforce supporting people with developmental disabilities in Ohio. Nonprofits, government agencies, and community-based organizations may apply. The program focuses on Direct Support Professional (DSP) recruitment, retention, and training. Eligible activities include workforce development initiatives, training programs, and strategies to address DSP shortages.
Program description
DSP Workforce Expansion in Excellence is a grant opportunity from the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities. Administered through the Ohio Grants Partnership (grants.ohio.gov).
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- Affordable Housing Developer
- City / Municipal Government
- Colleges (all higher ed)
- Community Health Center
- Conservation Organization
- County Government
- Faith-based Organization
- Hospital
- Library
- Nonprofits
- Police Department
- Public Authority
- Public K-12 School
- State Government
- Volunteer Fire Department
Demographic focus
Details
This grant is for organizations working to expand and improve the workforce supporting people with developmental disabilities in Ohio. Nonprofits, government agencies, and community-based organizations may apply. The program focuses on Direct Support Professional (DSP) recruitment, retention, and training. Eligible activities include workforce development initiatives, training programs, and strategies to address DSP shortages.
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Application form (via grants.ohio.gov)
- Project narrative and workforce needs assessment
- Budget and budget narrative
- Proof of cost-sharing commitment
- Organizational documents (IRS determination letter, board resolution)
Program contact
- 👤 Leslie Connelly
- 📧 leslie.connelly@dodd.ohio.gov
- 📞 (614) 644-5542
Funding track record
No recent recipient data available for CFDA 93.630 in our database.
This can happen for newer programs, programs that use non-standard award types (loans, direct payments, fellowships), or those funded through sub-agencies under different codes.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.630). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $126,000,000 | |
| 2025 | $126,000,000 | |
| 2026 est. | $125,000,000 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Nonprofits, community organizations, and government agencies serving people with developmental disabilities in Ohio can apply. Contact the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities for confirmation of organizational eligibility.
What is the deadline?
The deadline is July 10, 2026. Verify the exact deadline on grants.ohio.gov before submitting.
What activities are funded?
DSP workforce development, training programs, recruitment initiatives, and retention strategies. Activities should address gaps in the direct support professional workforce.
How competitive is this grant?
Competition varies by funding cycle. Strong applications demonstrate clear workforce needs and evidence-based solutions. Document your organization's experience serving this population.
Is cost-sharing required?
Yes, cost-sharing is required. Verify the required match percentage with the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Focus on how your project expands or improves the DSP workforce. Include data on recruitment and retention challenges you address.
- Demonstrate organizational capacity to implement workforce training or development programs effectively.
- Budget conservatively and align all costs with DSP workforce expansion activities.
- Build strong partnerships with employers, training institutions, or other DSP-focused organizations.
- Submit all required documents from Ohio on time through the correct grants portal.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Weak workforce needs assessment or no local data on DSP shortages. Vague project goals that don't clearly connect to expanding the DSP workforce. Insufficient budget detail or cost-sharing documentation.
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