The Developmental Disabilities Advisory Council of Douglas County was formed in 1996 and is guided by Douglas County's Long Range Plan to Include Adults with Developmental Disabilities. This Plan is directed to develop services and supports that will focus on the varied needs of adults with developmental disabilities. In doing so the Council shall:
- Plan for services that are workable, flexible, sustainable, accountable, can be funded, and are considerate of the needs of all.
- Recognize the ability of each individual to contribute to his/her fullest capability.
- Concentrate on the following areas of concern: Life In Common, Housing, Transportation, Employment, Recreation/Leisure, and Health.
- Help guide the Commissioners as they direct funds from the Mill Levy. (A Mill Levy was approved by voters in 2001. Douglas County Commissioners decided that approximately 95% of the funds would go to our County's Community Centered Board, Developmental Pathways, and that 5% would be retained for a local grant program. This 5% would fund projects that were innovative and collaborative, assisting County residents with developmental disabilities. Since 2002, more than $1.2 million has been awarded for local programs.)
2011 Call for Proposal - Developmental Disability Grants
Summary:
The Developmental Disabilities Advisory Council of Douglas County developed a plan for services and supports that addresses a variety of the needs of adults with developmental disabilities. Major areas of focus include: Life in Common, Housing, Transportation, Employment, Recreation/Leisure and Health.
Douglas County Mill Levy grant funds will be used to fund projects and services that can demonstrate innovative and collaborative projects or programs in the six areas listed above. Preference will be given to best practices and the service of unmet needs. All proposals must be approved by the Douglas County Commissioners.
Timeline:
- March 24, 2011 - Applications available to the general public
- April 28, 2011 - Applications due to Douglas County
- May 2011- Applications reviewed and oral presentations scheduled
- June 30, 2011 - Grantees notified of funding status
Areas/Amounts Funded:
Areas funded in the past include transportation services, employment, computer training, after school programs, planning workshops, and various scholarships for summer programs. Grants typically fall within the $1,000 to $25,000 range.
Questions:
Contact Maureen Waller at 303.660.7424 or mwaller@douglas.co.us
Funding Criteria:
PLEASE NOTE: in Colorado, a developmental disability is defined as a disability that: occurs before the person reaches 22 years of age; substantially impacts the person's daily life; is caused by mental retardation or related conditions (e.g., cerebral palsy, autism, epilepsy, Down Syndrome, or other neurological conditions); impairs the person's general intellectual functioning: IQ 70 or below +/-5; and significantly limits daily living skills in two or more areas.
- Eligible projects must serve individuals with Developmental Disabilities and/or their families who are Douglas County residents. All qualifying organizations and local government agencies, regardless of home base, will be considered; however, the project for which the grant funds are requested must serve Douglas County residents.
- Preference will be given to organizations that can demonstrate innovative and collaborative projects and programs. Organizations should describe how they know their program is innovative. Preference will also be given to best practices and the service of unmet needs. It is important that projects and programs demonstrate effective outcomes. Areas of concentration include Life in Common, Housing, Transportation, Employment, Recreation/Leisure, and Health.
- Douglas County Mill Levy funds shall be used to fund projects and services rather than serve as a substitute for fund-raising. No organization's existence should be totally dependent upon Douglas County support.
- Administrative funding is limited to two percent (2%) of the grant amount.
- There is no automatic entitlement to Douglas County Mill Levy funds distributed through the Douglas County Commissioners. Grants are funded on a yearly basis and are not automatically renewable.
- Please be advised that Douglas County Commissioners may revoke the grant at any time if funds are used inappropriately.
- Listed below are some of the major items that would generally not be considered appropriate use of Mill Levy funds. However, there may be other items that are not eligible for funds that are not included on this list.
- Debt retirement
- Endowments or reserve funds
- Medical, scientific or academic research
- Individual medical procedures
- Grants to individuals
- General Operations
- Organizational start-up costs
- Capital expenditures for administrative purposes (e.g., computers, printers)
- A Service provider that is not a 501 (c) 3 may still apply for a grant, however, you must provide documentation and proof of being incorporated or that you have a fiscal agent.
Printable Version - 2011 Call for Proposal »
Additional Resources
Long-Range Plan to Include Adults with Developmental Disabilities [214KB]
In 1996 families approached the County Commissioners’ Health Advisory Committee to express their concerns regarding lack of support and services for their family members with developmental disabilities. This plan is the outcome of the work of a group of concerned parents and citizens who came together to recommend ways to improve support and services.