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These FAQs will answer basic questions for prospective applicants; general questions may be directed to the Council at 303.866.9763 or use this link to send us an email. The Council uses the Colorado Vendor Self Service Website, to post our funding opportunities. Use this link to access their website. Questions about specific funding opportunities must be directed to the Colorado Department of Human Services' Procurement Office at 303-866-6111.
+ Why does the Council fund projects?
DD Councils are committed to advancing public policy and systems change that supports people living with intellectual and developmental disabilities to gain more control over their lives. Councils are authorized under the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 (P.L. 106-42) to receive federal funds and act as agents of systems change, capacity building and advocacy on behalf of people living with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Use this
link to learn more about this important civil rights law.
+ What kinds of ideas or projects is the Council interested in funding?
Those that empower persons living with disabilities to have real lives and real jobs in their communities, doing what everyone else is doing;Those that are innovative, not already in existence;
Those that are inclusive-that don't segregate people living with disabilities into special programs in special places;
Those that provide training that promotes individuals being involved in their community in ways that they chose.
+ When does the Council make funding available and who is eligible to apply?
Funding opportunities vary throughout the year.
The following groups are welcome to apply for funding: community-based organizations and agencies, non-profit 501(c)(3)s, for-profits, state agencies, state universities, Colorado recognized tribes, and/or a combination of these.
+ What is the average award for projects?
Award amounts vary, depending on the scope of the project and the funding amount that is available.
+ What is the length of time of awards and contracts are renewed?
Contracts may be awarded for up to one year. Contracts may be renewed for two additional years based upon the successful completion of project outcomes and the availability of federal funding.
+ How will my organization be notified of upcoming funding availability?
Competitive grant opportunities will be posted on the State's Vendor Site; use this
link if you would like to add your organization to our email distribution list.
+ When will my organization be notified if we've received an award?
Once the Council approves a project for funding, official notification is sent by letter to the Vendor. Projects shall not begin until a purchase order or contract is approved.
+ My organization is applying for a competitive grant. Can I contact Council members and/or staff on how to write my proposal for funding?
No. Prospective applicants applying for a competitive grant through the Council shall only contact staff from the CDHS Procurement Office at 303.866.3111 for clarification on the scope of work, instructions and/or terms and conditions. No other advice will be provided to help in the writing of the proposal. Prospective applicants shall not contact Council members and/or staff for any assistance.
+ If my organization is awarded a Purchase Order or Contract, how do we get paid?
Contracts and Purchase Orders are awarded by the Council on a reimbursement basis. Contractors will be given the proper reimbursement forms to use for the reimbursement request and the Contractor shall be reimbursed on a monthly basis. The Contractor is required to keep detailed back-up information and receipts of all expenditures and may be required to submit other back-up documentation as requested.
+ If my organization is awarded a Purchase Order or Contract, do we have programmatic reports to complete?
Each contractor will be required to submit narrative reports on their project's implementation plan and on performance measures required by the Council's federal funding agency. These reports provide detail to the Council on how the project is being implemented and if any technical assistance is necessary to ensure program success.
The Council's Planner will provide templates for use and a schedule to follow.
+ How long does my organization have to keep project records after the end of Council Funding?
Per federal law, contractors receiving federal funding are required to keep all records (financial and programmatic) for a period of seven (7) years from the end date of the purchase order or contract.
+ Can I submit a proposal or idea for the Council to fund outside of the competitive process?
No. All Council grant funding reflects activities included in our Five Year Plan; thus unsolicited grants are not part of the process of the Council. Any innovative ideas for funding can be brought forth to the Council's Planning and Grants committee which will then determine if the grant is inclusive, innovative, addresses goals and objectives identified in the Plan, and does not supplant direct services. Send us an
email if your organization has an innovative idea to propose.
