Notice of Funds Available (RFP) Print Apply for this Grant

Specifications

Description

Financial literacy will improve the economic stability and advancement of individuals with disabilities and family members.

Background, rationale and scope of project:

Financial literacy is “the confluence of financial, credit and debt management and the knowledge that is necessary to make financially responsible decisions- decisions that are integral to our everyday lives.” In the United States, there is a general lack of understanding of finances. This lack of knowledge could impact an individual for many years to come. There are efforts to improve financial literacy in the U.S. often targeted at college students and the youth. In Ohio, high schools provide instruction in economics and financial literacy, however these courses do not meet the needs of students with disabilities and their families for multiple reasons. Financial literacy curriculum typically does not consider the use of and maintaining federal and state disability benefits.

In Ohio, state policymakers are committed to ensuring individuals with developmental disabilities have greater opportunities to employment and advancement of their careers. Individuals with developmental disabilities can use their strengths and talents to increase their income, have a sense of accomplishment and create their own social identity. Many people with disabilities have never managed a budget, opened a savings or checking account, used a Social Security Work Incentive, or built assets. It is important these individuals receive a financial education to improve their economic stability and support economic advancement while using state and federal benefits.

Over the years, the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council (ODDC) has funded multiple projects aimed at providing the opportunity for individuals with DD and those that support them to foster critical financial literacy skills. However, lack of financial literacy remains a key issue. Results from the ODDC’s 5-Year State Plan Public Survey indicated that people with disabilities and those that support them believe understanding benefits and money was one of the greatest barriers for people to live the life they want to live.

To build upon past projects, the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council (ODDC) will fund a project to improve the economic stability and advancement of people with disabilities by improving their financial literacy. Components of financial literacy could include, for example: developing a livable budget, looking at current spending, saving while receiving benefits, how to access state and federal benefits, how to maintain state and federal benefits, resources to determine benefits, borrowing money, identity theft, where to keep money, using debit and credit cards, how to protect your money, filing taxes, protecting income and assets, state and federal benefit education, available non-disability related resources and benefits, understanding Medicaid waivers, planning for post-secondary education, stable accounts, financial planning for the future, retirement planning, tools to become more employable allowing for advancement.

ODDC will support activities that build capacity and systemic change through outreach, training, research, technical assistance, supporting and educating communities, interagency collaboration and coordination, demonstration of new approaches, informing policymakers and eliminating barriers, and system design and redesign.

ODDC will provide funding as outlined below for each year of the project. Proposals should address, if necessary: transportation, accessibility, use of technology, replication, sustainability, if the project reaches entire state or a specific region, cross-disability and cultural diversity.

Additional Requirements

There are no restrictions on the type of entity that may apply for this project.

All applications must include three (3) letters of recommendation, the resume of the project director, and the names of the organization’s board members (if the applicant is an organization with a governing board), proof of non-profit status (if the applicant is a non-profit organization), a copy of the applicant’s most recent federally negotiated indirect cost rate agreement (if requesting indirect costs and not using the de minimis rate), and a signed copy of the Council’s Assurances form, which will be available on the DD Suite application website. These materials can be uploaded as part of the application submission in DD Suite.

Attachments

This NOFA is accompanied by several attachments. Please download and review each attachment prior to beginning the grant application process. The attachments include:

State Plan Language - This is a complete description of the project which includes intended outcomes and proposed performance measures.

DD Council Assurances - These assurances must be signed and attached as part of the application submission. Refusal to include a completed DD Council Assurances form will result in the application being removed from consideration.

Grantee Guidelines - This document includes important information about the requirements of a DD Council grantee. (THIS IS THE MASTER PLAN BOOKLET – ATTACHED)

Funding

Please note the funding level for the project is $50,000/year.

Clear Language

As a reminder, proposals should be written in clear language. Proposals will be reviewed by individuals with varying degrees of reading ability. Clear language includes complete sentences and correct words. It is not unprofessional or a way of talking down to people. Instead, it is a way of making information easy to read for all audiences. Clear writing tells the readers exactly what they need to know without using extra words and long words. A Clear Language Handbook is attached.

Due date

A complete grant application must be submitted on DD Suites by 11:59 PM on July 2, 2021.

Questions

Please contact Leslie Connelly at leslie.connelly@dodd.ohio.gov or 614-644-5542.