Applications open for the 2026–2027 school year. The Nebraska Council on Developmental Disabilities (NCDD), within Nebraska DHHS, is offering twenty $500 grants per selected school to establish youth-led self-advocacy groups for students ages 14–21 with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). This is a competitive school grant, distinct from NCDD’s separate larger self-advocacy subaward solicitation.
Who may apply
Public and private Nebraska schools may apply. Small rural schools may partner on one combined application. The group must be led by youth with I/DD, not a unified group including neurotypical peers. Collaboration with 4-H Extension, local Arc chapters, People First of Nebraska, or similar community partners receives special consideration.
Funding and conditions
Each selected school may receive $500; NCDD plans twenty awards (an aggregate $10,000 program allocation). In-kind support is not required, but applicants are asked to describe any available support. Funded groups must meet at least quarterly, emphasize youth leadership and self-determination, and support inclusion. Awards cover one school year; further funding requires a new competitive application.
Allowable expenses include self-advocacy meeting materials, virtual meeting or captioning services, facilitator stipends, supplies, printing, leadership and disability-rights training, speaker and travel fees, venue fees, and staff time directly connected to grant activities. The application excludes lobbying, fundraising, membership, capital construction or renovations, incentives/giveaways, and certain food or refreshment expenses. Consult the controlling application and federal cost rules before finalizing a budget.
Deadline and required application
October 26, 2026. No closing clock time or time zone is published in the controlling application. Email the completed application to DHHS.DDCouncil@nebraska.gov. Include applicant and school details; a one-to-two-page group description and meeting plan; a school-year work plan; a budget of no more than $500; a sustainability plan; commitments for mid-year and final performance reporting; and applicant and administrator signatures.
Official source and full application: Nebraska DHHS — NCDD 2026–2027 Youth Self-Advocacy Mini-Grant Application (PDF). Verified October 10, 2026.