Grants

University Centers for Developmental Disabilities in Education, Research, and Service: eligibility, deadline, and how to apply (2026)

Updated October 2026 5 min read

Key Facts

Agency
Administration for Community Living
Award Range
$629,042
Deadline
Closed 2026-07-22
Time Remaining
This cycle closed on 2026-07-22. Check grants.gov for the next cycle.
CFDA Number
93.632
Bottom line: The University Centers for Developmental Disabilities in Education, Research, and Service provides $629,042 in funding through the Administration for Community Living. 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 two entities designated as University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service (UCEDD).

The University Centers for Developmental Disabilities in Education, Research, and Service is a federal funding opportunity administered by the Administration for Community Living. This guide covers everything you need to know to determine whether you qualify and how to submit a competitive application once the next cycle opens.

Use our free Grant Finder to discover additional programs you may be eligible for based on your organization type and location.

Eligibility requirements

To qualify for the University Centers for Developmental Disabilities in Education, Research, and Service, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Section 151(a) of the DD Act of 2000 states that appropriations authorized under section 156(a)(1) of the DD Act shall be used to make five-year grants to entities in each State designated as a UCEDD to carry out the four core functions of interdisciplinary pre-service preparation and continuing education, community services, research and information dissemination.

Eligibility requirements can change between funding cycles. Always verify the current criteria on the official Grants.gov listing before beginning your application.

Not sure your organization qualifies? Run the free Grant Finder check → or compare other Social Services programs by who can apply.

How to apply: step by step

  1. Register on SAM.gov. Every federal grant applicant needs an active SAM (System for Award Management) registration. Allow 2-4 weeks for new registrations to process. Existing registrations must be renewed annually.
  2. Get a UEI number. Your Unique Entity Identifier is assigned through SAM.gov and replaces the old DUNS number. You will need this on every federal application.
  3. Review the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). Download the full NOFO from the Grants.gov listing. Pay close attention to review criteria, budget limits, and required attachments.
  4. Prepare your application package. Most federal grants require a project narrative, budget justification, organizational capacity statement, and supporting documents. Follow the page limits and formatting rules exactly.
  5. Submit through Grants.gov. Create a workspace, upload all required forms and attachments, and submit once the next cycle opens. The system timestamps your submission, and late applications are automatically rejected.
  6. Confirm receipt. Keep the tracking number or confirmation email, and check back in 1-2 business days that your application passed the validation checks.

For detailed guidance on writing a winning narrative, see our grant writing tips article.

Grant details

Detail Information
Grant Name University Centers for Developmental Disabilities in Education, Research, and Service
Funding Agency Administration for Community Living
CFDA Number 93.632
Award Minimum $629,042
Award Maximum $629,042
Deadline Closed 2026-07-22
Category Social Services
Matching Required Yes, this program requires cost sharing or matching funds
Application Link Apply on Grants.gov

Federal grant budgets and priorities shift each fiscal year. The amounts listed above reflect the most recent funding cycle. For the latest figures, check the official program page.

If you are exploring business financing beyond grants, the team at CeoCult covers loans, lines of credit, and alternative funding for founders.

Get the free grant eligibility screener worksheet (PDF)

Check your fit for Social Services grants like this one before you apply: eligibility, match and registration in one worksheet.

Frequently asked questions

Who is eligible for the University Centers for Developmental Disabilities in Education, Research, and Service?

Section 151(a) of the DD Act of 2000 states that appropriations authorized under section 156(a)(1) of the DD Act shall be used to make five-year grants to entities in each State designated as a UCEDD to carry out the four core functions of interdisciplinary pre-service preparation and continuing education, community services, research and information dissemination. Requirements can change between cycles, so always verify on the official Grants.gov listing before applying.

What is the deadline for University Centers for Developmental Disabilities in Education, Research, and Service?

The current deadline is closed on 2026-07-22; the next cycle has not been posted. Many federal grants operate on annual or rolling cycles. If this deadline has passed, check the Grants.gov listing for the next funding opportunity.

Does University Centers for Developmental Disabilities in Education, Research, and Service require matching funds?

Yes, this program requires cost sharing or matching funds. Matching requirements can vary by fiscal year and applicant type, so confirm with the funding agency before committing resources.