Ashtabula County Board of Developmental Disabilities

The Ashtabula County Board of Developmental Disabilities (ACBDD) is committed to fostering a community where people with developmental disabilities have access to the services, resources, and opportunities to live their best lives. To further this mission, ACBDD introduces the Provider Support Grant, designed to assist providers in enhancing the quality, accessibility, and effectiveness of services for individuals with developmental disabilities in Ashtabula County.

This grant encourages innovation and flexibility, allowing providers to address unique service needs and challenges while improving outcomes for the individuals they serve. Funding supports a wide range of initiatives aimed at improving service quality, removing barriers, and enriching the experience of those receiving services.

Providers are encouraged to submit proposals that align with their priorities and contribute to long-term service improvements. Whether focused on quality enhancement, expanding access, addressing barriers, or integrating new approaches, this grant aims to create meaningful, lasting impacts, ultimately improving the independence, well-being, and overall quality of life of people with developmental disabilities in Ashtabula County.

While creative proposals are encouraged, ACBDD has identified three priority funding categories for this year that align with our strategic plan:

Proposals aligning with these priorities will receive special consideration, although all applications aimed at improving services and outcomes will be reviewed.

Who Can Apply: Any provider in Ohio that is certified by the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD), pursuant to OAC 5123:2-2-01, and actively serving people with developmental disabilities in Ashtabula County may apply for funding. Applicants must not be subject to an “unresolved” finding for recovery under Section 9.24 of the Ohio Revised Code and must not be under suspension or proposed revocation by the Ohio Department of Medicaid or the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities.

Evaluated/Awarded: Grant applications will be evaluated based on several criteria, including alignment with the priority funding categories (Transportation, Employment, and Retention and Development of Direct Support Professionals), project goals, potential impact on individuals served, feasibility of implementation, and overall sustainability.

Funding will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until all available grant funds have been allocated. The first round of applications will be accepted through June 30th. If funding remains available after the first round, a second round of applications will be accepted through September 31st.

The grant committee will review applications and determine awards based on project merit, demonstrated need, and alignment with the strategic priorities of the Ashtabula County Board of Developmental Disabilities.

Grant Funding: The maximum grant request is $10,000. Applicants may apply for Grant Funds more than once in a calendar year, provided that the total Grant Funds received do not exceed $10,000. While there are no required matching funds, applications that demonstrate additional funding sources or partnerships will be given preference. Grant funds are primarily reimbursement-based, meaning recipients will be required to submit proof of eligible expenses before funds are disbursed. However, exceptions may be made for projects that require upfront funding, at the discretion of ACBDD. Applicants needing upfront funding must provide justification in their letter of intent.

Grant Funds may not be used for:

Approved Grant/Receiving Grant Funds: Once the Grant Agreement is signed, grant funds will be approved for a period of one year. If contingencies are attached to the funding, the recipient has one year from the date of acceptance to fulfill those contingencies and receive the funds. Grant funds will expire after one year from the date of signing the Grant Agreement.

Grantees are encouraged to acknowledge ACBDD’s contribution to the project in materials, press releases, or at the project site when possible. This recognition helps highlight the ongoing efforts to support and enhance services for people with developmental disabilities in Ashtabula County.

The Board reserves the right to request receipts, documentation, project summaries, and/or impact statements to verify that the funds were used in alignment with the goals of the grant and to assess the project's impact.

Letter of Intent: Prior to submitting a grant application, applicants must file a Letter of Intent with ACBDD. The Letter of Intent should include the following information and adhere to our current year Grant Schedule for submission deadlines:

The grant committee will review all received letters of intent and select which organizations will be invited to complete a full grant application based on the proposed project's alignment with the Provider Support Grant guidelines and available funding.

Direct all questions and inquiries to the Quality and Community Outreach Department at the Ashtabula County Board of Developmental Disabilities.

440-335-1586