Use of Grant Funding

Grant proposals will be accepted for a variety of proposed programs and activities. Priority for funding will be to support activities that meaningfully build relationships between people with I/DD and first responders and are led by people with I/DD. For example, conducting a training led by people with I/DD that includes role-playing exercises about interacting with people with I/DD. Preference also includes compensating self-advocates/individuals with I/DD for their role in supporting or leading the events. We are especially interested in applications from Self-Advocate organizations. This is because we have a goal to support leadership development of people with I/DD so they can effectively advocate for their public safety needs.

Applications for direct programming will be given preference over applications for administrative and organizational costs. We will not approve that portion of your proposed budget if your administrative or organizational costs are covered by another source (ex: if you are requesting money to support staff time but they are funded through another grant). Requests for the cost of food are acceptable, but we will not award any requests where eating is the main activity. You must provide details in your application about what the activity is and how it improves interactions.  Applicants are encouraged to submit proposals for what they consider the most meaningful use of funds and what would make the most impact. Be creative!

Eligibility

To be eligible, the applicant must be:

• A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization supporting people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities in Maryland; and

• In good standing with the State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT).

Grant Review

All grant applications will be vetted by MDOD staff to determine initial eligibility and then by the Alliance’s Steering Committee for final approval. Strong applicant submissions will engage people with I/DD meaningfully in the creation and implementation of the activity/intervention as well as include those from geographically, culturally, and linguistically diverse communities. Preference will be given to proposals that target law enforcement entities, but partnering with Fire, EMS, and other first responder entities is allowed. Proposals must support full inclusion of people with disabilities as equals. Activities under the proposal must be completed by August 31, 2025. 

Grant Requirements

To apply for a grant, you must submit a completed Community Impact Grant Application form. If selected, funded projects require a brief programmatic and financial report at the end of the grant period. The final reports also ask for impact stories including pictures, videos, testimonials, and any materials developed for the project is also encouraged and will be posted on the Alliance’s website or to social media. (By submitting media for MDOD’s usage, you agree to have received consent from all individuals and have collected appropriate photo releases.) All communications related to the project must credit The Ethan Saylor Alliance for Self-Advocates as Educators within the MD Department of Disabilities. Successful curricula and ideas may be approached for replication by the MDOD. 

Grant Schedule

Applications due: April 23, 2025, no later than 5pm

Awards will be announced via email no later than May 14, 2025.

Final report due: 30 calendar days following the event, activity or program, and no later than September 30, 2025.

For questions or assistance or if you have an idea for a training or intervention that doesn’t match the scope of the Community Impact Grants, you are interested in participating in our statewide public safety event scheduled for the Fall, or if your proposal exceeds $5,000, please email Jennifer Eastman separately at jennifer.eastman@maryland.gov.