Centers for Independent Living Competition – American Samoa
🏛 Administration for Community Living (HHS-ACL)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 16, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for establishing or expanding Centers for Independent Living (CILs) in American Samoa. Eligible applicants are nonprofit organizations, consumer-controlled organizations, or tribal entities that serve individuals with disabilities. Organizations must demonstrate the ability to operate an independent living center that advocates for and provides services to people with disabilities in their community. CILs must be consumer-controlled, with a majority of the board and staff being individuals with disabilities. Geographic scope is limited to American Samoa. Supported activities include core services such as information and referral, peer counseling, individual and systems advocacy, and independent living skills training.
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Key dates
- Jul 2, 2026 Applications open
- Aug 3, 2026 Application deadline in 17 days
- Sep 1, 2026 Award announced
- Sep 1, 2026 Project start
Program description
ACL intends to award funds for the establishment of one (1) center for independent living in American Samoa to provide, expand and improve the provision of independent living services and support the network of centers for independent living. At a minimum, centers funded are required to provide the following core services: information and referral; independent living skills training; peer counseling; individual and systems advocacy; and services that facilitate transition from nursing homes and other institutions to the community, assistance to those at risk of entering institutions and facilitate the transition of youth to postsecondary life. The estimated total funding amount to be awarded to establish a center for independent living in American Samoa is $159,762. Twenty-four-month project period with two 12-month budget periods.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- Project Narrative describing the proposed CIL, community needs, and services to be provided
- Budget and Budget Narrative with detailed justification of all costs
- Organizational Capacity documentation, including resumes of key staff and board members
- Consumer Control Plan demonstrating that individuals with disabilities comprise the majority of board and staff
- Letters of Support from community partners and stakeholders
- Evidence of 501(c)(3) status or tribal government documentation
- Assurances and Certifications (SF-424B and other standard HHS forms)
- Evaluation Plan describing how the CIL will measure success and impact
- Sustainability Plan outlining long-term funding and operational strategies
Program contact
- 👤 Peter Nye
- 📧 peter.nye@acl.hhs.gov
- 📞 202-795-7606
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.432 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$10,695,976
-
$6,466,816
-
$5,472,695
-
$3,822,496
-
$2,104,628
-
$1,900,000
-
$1,731,410
-
$1,722,883
-
$1,722,883
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$1,553,897
Top States by Funding
- DC 8 awards $12.8M
- MA 6 awards $9.7M
- MN 6 awards $7.8M
- NY 2 awards $7.2M
- MS 6 awards $6.2M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.432). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $102,105,000 | |
| 2025 | $102,105,000 | |
| 2026 est. | $102,105,000 |
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply for this grant?
Nonprofit organizations, consumer-controlled organizations, and tribal entities that serve individuals with disabilities in American Samoa. Your organization must demonstrate capacity to operate an independent living center with consumer-controlled governance.
What is a consumer-controlled Center for Independent Living?
A CIL is an organization where individuals with disabilities make up the majority of board members and staff, and the organization provides advocacy and support services to people with disabilities to promote independence and community inclusion.
What activities and services can be funded?
Funding typically supports core services including information and referral, peer counseling, individual advocacy, systems advocacy, and independent living skills training. Services should focus on promoting independence and community integration.
How competitive is this grant?
Competition can be moderate to strong, particularly if there are limited CILs already operating in American Samoa. Strong applications emphasize consumer control, demonstrated need, and sustainable service delivery plans.
What is the typical funding range?
Funding amounts vary based on the specific competition and community needs. HHS-ACL programs typically award grants ranging from $50,000 to $150,000 annually, though applicants should verify the current Funding Opportunity Announcement for exact amounts.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Emphasize consumer control: Clearly demonstrate that individuals with disabilities comprise the majority of your board and staff, as this is a core requirement for CILs. Include governance structure and decision-making processes in your application.
- Document community needs: Provide data on the population of individuals with disabilities in American Samoa and the gaps in current services. Use surveys, focus groups, or stakeholder input to support your needs assessment.
- Highlight local expertise: Show that your organization has experience serving individuals with disabilities in American Samoa or understands the unique cultural and geographic context of the territory.
- Create a realistic sustainability plan: Explain how the CIL will maintain operations after the grant period ends, including plans for fundraising, partnerships, and diversified revenue streams.
- Build strong partnerships: Demonstrate collaborations with local healthcare providers, government agencies, educational institutions, and disability advocacy organizations to strengthen service delivery and community integration efforts.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications often fail because they underemphasize the consumer-controlled governance requirement—reviewers need clear evidence that individuals with disabilities control the organization's board and operations. Another common pitfall is submitting vague needs assessments that don't specifically address the disability population in American Samoa or the gaps in existing services. Finally, weak sustainability plans that lack concrete strategies for long-term funding after the grant period ends are frequently cited as reasons for rejection.
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