Overview
The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health, Nebraska Council on Developmental Disabilities (NCDD) is accepting applications for RFA 7573, the NCDD Self-Advocacy Subaward. The project is intended to promote self-advocacy opportunities and activities that increase self-advocacy skills, leadership, and influence of individuals with disabilities. Applicants should explain how the project supports inclusion and self-direction and how the work will be sustained beyond the one-year subaward period.
Funding
The controlling RFA identifies $25,000 in total funding available under this solicitation. DHHS may divide the available funding among multiple subrecipients, and an award amount is not guaranteed.
Deadline and Key Dates
- Application deadline: October 26, 2026. The published RFA provides a date but does not publish a closing clock time or time zone.
- Written questions due: September 25, 2026.
- Scheduled DHHS written response/addendum: October 2, 2026.
- Anticipated intent to award: November 30, 2026.
- Initial project period: January 1 through December 31, 2027.
Eligibility
Eligible entities include local governments, Indian tribes, institutions of higher education, and nonprofit entities. Individuals and for-profit organizations may not apply. Applicants must demonstrate working knowledge of issues affecting individuals with developmental disabilities and their families, experience working with or advocating on behalf of individuals with developmental disabilities, and a history of conducting education in the proposed activity area. NCDD strongly encourages applications from organizations in rural or urban poverty areas, organizations employing staff with disabilities, and organizations representing linguistic and cultural minorities.
Match Requirement
The controlling RFA requires a 25% match of total project costs. A reduced 10% match may apply when project activities are targeted solely to individuals with developmental disabilities living in qualifying federally designated poverty areas. Federal funds may not be used as match. Cash and allowable in-kind contributions may be used consistent with the RFA.
Allowable and Restricted Costs
Examples of potentially allowable costs include project-related advertising and public relations, audit services, compensation for staff time attributable to the project, printing and publication, rental of computer equipment or office space, supplies, telecommunications, and travel. The RFA restricts or prohibits a number of costs, including alcohol, bad debts, capital building or land expenditures, contingencies, entertainment, fines and penalties, fundraising, gift cards and trinkets, interest, lobbying, memberships, construction or renovation, ongoing organizational activities, supplanting, duplicating or replacing existing services, and entrepreneurship equipment. Applicants should rely on the controlling RFA and any addenda for final allowability determinations.
Required Application Materials
Applicants must complete Form 1 Cover Sheet, Form 2 Organizational Overview, Form 3 Work Plan Template and Narrative, and Form 4 Budget Template and Narrative. Form 5 is an optional submission checklist. The RFA also provides supporting attachments including the NCDD Subaward User Manual, key performance indicators, evaluation criteria score sheet, work plan template, and budget template.
Submission
Completed applications are submitted electronically to DHHS.DDCouncil@nebraska.gov. Questions must be submitted in writing to the same address and clearly marked for RFA 7573.
Atlas Assessment
Atlas Opportunity Score: 86/100. This is a strong Atlas fit for qualified Nebraska nonprofits, tribal entities, higher education institutions, and local governments with credible developmental-disability advocacy and education experience. N9+ Fit: 0/100. N9+ is not a defensible fit for this advocacy and education-focused program. QC Healthcare direct fit: 0/100. For-profit organizations are not eligible direct applicants, and no verified direct-vendor pathway is established by the RFA.
Verification Notes
This opportunity was verified against the current Nebraska DHHS Grant Funding Opportunities page, the Nebraska Council on Developmental Disabilities Subawards page, and the controlling RFA. Applicants should monitor DHHS for the scheduled October 2, 2026 response/addendum and any later amendments before submission.