University Centers for Developmental Disabilities in Educaction, Research, and Service
🏛 Administration for Community Living (HHS-ACL)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Oct 28, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service (UCEDDs). Applicants must be universities or public/not-for-profit entities associated with universities. Award recipients must carry out four core functions: interdisciplinary education, community services and technical assistance, research, and information dissemination.
UCEDDs must address one or more areas such as quality assurance, early intervention, child care, health, employment, housing, transportation, and recreation services. This is a competitive federal grant with a five-year project period. Cost-sharing/matching funds are required from applicants.
⚖️ Cost sharing / matching required — applicants must contribute their own funds.
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Key dates
- Oct 26, 2026 Applications open
- Feb 1, 2027 Application deadline in 95 days
- Jul 1, 2027 Award announced
- Jul 1, 2027 Project start
Program description
AoD’s Office of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (OIDD) within the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) forecasts the availability of Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 funds to make five-year grants to up to 42 entities designated as University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service (UCEDD). These grantees carry out four core functions: (1) interdisciplinary pre-service preparation and continuing education of students; (2) community services, including training, technical assistance, and/or demonstration and model activities; (3) research; and (4) dissemination of information. UCEDDs are interdisciplinary education, research and public service units of universities, or public or not-for-profit entities associated with universities that implement the four core functions addressing, directly or indirectly, one or more of the areas of emphasis (e.g., quality assurance, education and early intervention, child care, health, employment, housing, transportation, recreation and other services available or offered to individuals in a community, including formal and informal community supports, that affect their quality of life). Funds made available under this proposed funding opportunity will be used to pay for the Federal share of the cost of the administration and operation of programs.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- SF-424 Supplement
- Project Narrative/Proposal
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Proof of Organizational Status (501(c)(3) or university documentation)
- Letters of Support/Commitment from partner organizations
- Curriculum Vitae or resumes of key personnel
- Institutional Commitment Letter (documenting cost-share)
Program contact
- 👤 Jack M Brandt
- 📧 Jack.Brandt@acl.hhs.gov
- 📞 202-795-7578
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.632 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
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$4,099,457
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$3,054,457
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$3,054,457
-
$3,054,457
-
$3,054,457
-
$3,054,457
-
$3,054,457
-
$3,054,457
-
$3,054,457
-
$3,054,457
Top States by Funding
- CA 9 awards $17.8M
- NY 8 awards $16.8M
- OH 6 awards $12.5M
- OR 4 awards $9.9M
- TX 5 awards $9.0M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.632). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $42,130,244 | |
| 2025 | $42,145,332 | |
| 2026 est. | $40,887,330 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Universities and public or not-for-profit entities affiliated with universities. Your organization must be able to operate as an interdisciplinary center.
What is the award amount?
Individual grants range from approximately $619,000 to $629,000 annually. This is a five-year award.
What must my center do?
Carry out four core functions: pre-service education, community services/technical assistance, research, and information dissemination on developmental disabilities.
Is cost-sharing required?
Yes, applicants must provide matching funds. The exact percentage should be confirmed with the agency.
When is the deadline?
The deadline is February 1, 2027. This appears to be a fixed deadline rather than rolling.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Start building relationships with your university's research and education departments early. Strong interdisciplinary partnerships are essential.
- Document existing community connections and service capacity. Reviewers want evidence you can deliver on all four core functions.
- Use your budget to show realistic costs for education, research, and community service activities. Be specific about staff roles.
- Develop a clear dissemination plan for research findings. Include how you'll share outcomes with disability service providers and families.
- Align your center's focus areas with the current national priorities in developmental disabilities. Review recent UCEDD outcomes for trends.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Weak interdisciplinary partnerships reduce competitiveness. Reviewers expect genuine collaboration across multiple university departments.
Vague community service plans without concrete examples of partnerships or service models fail review. Describe specific training or technical assistance you will provide.
Insufficient cost-sharing commitment raises red flags. Clearly demonstrate your institution's financial support for the center's operations.
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