Confidence in Action: Self-Defense Training for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities
Can you apply?
This grant is for Ohio-based organizations serving individuals with developmental disabilities through self-defense training programs. Nonprofits, government agencies, and community organizations can apply. Only organizations operating in Ohio are eligible. Programs must focus on building confidence and safety skills for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
⚖️ Cost sharing / matching required — applicants must contribute their own funds.
Program description
Confidence in Action: Self-Defense Training for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities 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
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Completed application form (via grants.ohio.gov)
- Project narrative describing program and participant outcomes
- Organizational budget and cost-sharing commitment
- Letters of support from partners and stakeholders
- Organization's 501(c)(3) determination letter or government agency documentation
- Staff qualifications and résumés for trainers and program lead
Program contact
- 👤 Rebecca Bates
- 📧 sara.bates@dodd.ohio.gov
- 📞 (614) 644-5548
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.630 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$8,064,166
-
$8,055,676
-
$8,032,848
-
$8,014,307
-
$7,959,362
-
$7,944,317
-
$6,178,446
-
$6,175,796
-
$6,161,072
-
$6,120,128
Top States by Funding
- CA 11 awards $70.3M
- TX 12 awards $58.6M
- FL 12 awards $42.5M
- NY 12 awards $40.3M
- PA 7 awards $20.8M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
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?
Ohio-based nonprofits, community organizations, and government agencies can apply. Your organization must serve individuals with developmental disabilities.
What activities does this grant support?
Self-defense training, confidence-building programs, and safety skill development for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Is cost sharing required?
Yes, you must contribute matching funds or in-kind resources to support the project.
What is the deadline?
The deadline is July 10, 2026. Check grants.ohio.gov for any updates or rolling deadline information.
How competitive is this grant?
Competitiveness varies yearly. Strong applications clearly show how training benefits participants and include strong community partnerships.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Clearly describe how self-defense training builds confidence and independence for participants with developmental disabilities. - Include letters of support from disability advocates, families, and partner organizations. - Explain your staff's qualifications in both disability services and self-defense instruction. - Develop a realistic budget with itemized costs for training materials, instructor fees, and participant support. - Detail how you'll measure outcomes like increased confidence, safety awareness, and skill retention.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Underestimating the support needs of participants with developmental disabilities. Failing to include cost-sharing commitments or unclear matching fund sources. Weak evaluation plans that don't measure confidence or skill gains for this population.
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