Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about TCDD grant funding.

Table of Contents

Before Applying

TCDD funds grant projects that help us meet the goals and objectives in our strategic state plan. You can find more information on our Funded Projects page. To learn about our latest Request for Applications (RFA) and stipends, see our Funding Available page. You can also sign up for our newsletter to receive announcements about funding opportunities. 

Organizations with values aligned with our mission statement that are committed to building self-determination for people with disabilities and their families should consider applying for our grant funding.

Applicants must:

  • address the specific goals in the RFA for which they are applying;
  • follow TCDD requirements and policies; and
  • ensure that people from diverse cultures and disabilities are represented in all activities. 
      

In general, any organization that can legally work in Texas may apply. This may include public agencies, private nonprofit agencies, private for-profit organizations, or universities — unless an RFA states only certain types of organizations may apply. Some RFAs may include specific restrictions or  preferences.

We appreciate and value the small, local groups helping to support and shape their communities, especially group in rural and underserved areas of Texas. We encourage organizations of all sizes to apply. A portion of awarded grant funding can be used to contract with other people and organizations to assist with grant-related tasks.

Yes! We encourage collaborations. You will have to decide which organization will be the “grantee of record” and responsible for managing the project and the funding. Questions about potential conflicts of interest should be directed to TCDD staff.

Unless restricted by the RFA, out-of-state organizations may apply as long as they can legally work in Texas.

No, individuals may not apply for TCDD grant funding or stipends. 

An organization may have up to three grants at any single time. This does not include stipends.

If an organization already has three existing TCDD grants but would like to apply for a new RFA, then the organization may still apply as long as one of its existing grants will end within six months after the RFA’s application deadline.

Writing the Application

If you have questions, contact us at apply@tcdd.texas.gov. Please note that there’s a deadline after which questions may not be answered. This deadline is listed in the RFA.

Yes, you should focus on the first year of your project and provide details for the first year of your project. But you should also briefly describe what you expect to do in the following years.

Yes, specific review criteria are available to applicants. Selection of the top applications is not based on a pre-determined weighting system, but on a thorough review of each application’s strengths and weaknesses as well as a collective determination of which applications are most likely to result in the RFA’s desired outcomes. We encourage applicants to submit project proposals that address the needs of underserved geographic areas of Texas and under-represented groups related to race, culture, and income level.

No, there is no preferred number of performance measures. The number will depend on your project and the number of measures that are manageable for you to capture and report. However, applicants must propose methods to address the outcomes listed in the RFA.

Yes, we accept letters of support with your application if they are submitted with your application.

Application and Grant Award Processes

TCDD staff reviews applications for compliance with the technical requirements of the RFA. Then, the applications are sent to an independent review panel that evaluates each application and makes recommendations to the Council’s Executive Committee. The Executive Committee seeks additional input from TCDD staff on public policy and grants management issues, then makes the final decision on whether to award funding.

Comments and recommendations submitted to the Executive Committee are available to applicants. Once a funding decision is made, applicants receive written notification from TCDD, after which grant negotiations can begin.

Each application is evaluated against the criteria listed in the RFA. You will receive comments from review panel members that explain both the strengths and the weaknesses of your application. Please remember that we have a competitive application process. Even if your application is good, there may be another application that is considered stronger.

Yes! We encourage you to apply again if there is an available RFA that interests you.

After you receive the notice, you will complete any necessary negotiations with TCDD staff and the TCDD grants director. The grant award is not final until negotiations are completed and a formal document called the Notice of Grant Award is signed by your organization’s authorizing official and the TCDD executive director or designee. The length of time it takes to complete the negotiation process can vary from project to project.

We will assign you a TCDD grants specialist who will provide technical assistance on the requirements and processes related to reporting, allowable expenses, and requesting reimbursements. Your grants specialist will also answer questions about completing forms and make sure you comply with TCDD policies and both federal and state regulations. Other TCDD staff members can provide help on communications and public policy issues related to your project.

In general, your project’s success depends on what you do, whom you reach, what changes you create, and whether you address and meet the goal of the RFA. We’ll evaluate the success of your project based on whether it creates a lasting change or impact that will continue to benefit people with DD after your TCDD funding ends. There are different ways this may be done. For example, your project may:

  • change a system that serves or supports people with DD;
  • continue the activities that began with TCDD funding;
  • create or contribute to a policy change; or
  • create a new program or a product that continues to be available after your funding ends.
      

In evaluating your project, we will also look at whether you followed your workplan (or obtained approval for any changes), met all reporting requirements, and complied with TCDD grant policies. We will also evaluate whether you spent your funds appropriately and as planned.

Success is not determined by the completion of your workplan activities alone. We also learn from the challenges our grantees face in implementing new approaches and programs. We encourage you to share any lessons you learn from your project. You will have many opportunities to do so throughout the duration of your funding.

You must submit quarterly reports and maintain contact with your TCDD grants specialist. You also may be invited to address the Council about your project.

You must submit continuation applications as appropriate, and at the conclusion of the grant, you must submit a final report.

Funding Questions

Yes, you may charge for conferences. However, you must ensure that people with DD and their families are not prohibited from attending due to the cost of the conference.

The only food expenses allowed are for working lunches for meetings and training sessions as well as actual expenses for meals associated with approved travel based on the State of Texas travel reimbursements.

Yes, you may use TCDD grant funding for this purpose if it’s necessary and related to achieving the goals of your project.

Yes, airline tickets and rental cars can be included as travel expenses if they are necessary, related to the goals of the project, and are the most cost-efficient method of travel.

We limit travel expenses to the amounts allowed by the State of Texas. Amounts allowed for meals and lodging (often referred to as “per diem rates”) vary based on where you are traveling. To find maximum travel expense rates, including the mileage reimbursement rate, see the U.S. General Services Administration Per Diem Rates Look-Up.

Yes, but it will need to be documented.

Your in-kind match may include expenses that are:

  • allowable under federal guidelines and TCDD policies;
  • necessary for your project;
  • not paid by federal funds (ours or those of another agency); and
  • not already being used as match for another federal grant.
      

Some examples include: office space, utilities, volunteer time (including members of your Project Advisory Committee), printing costs, consultants (if not paid through the grant), or staff not paid through the grant.

The required match amount for poverty counties is at least 10% of the total project cost. The amount should be calculated by taking the total TCDD funding amount received and dividing by nine. So, a TCDD grant award of $75,000 for a project serving a poverty county would require match of at least $8,333 (75,000/9=8,333).

Yes. Also, if all services are provided in a poverty area, you may use the lower 10% match rate.

You can find this information online from the U.S. Census Bureau Quick Facts. At the top of the page, enter the name of the county (or counties) in the box and select the fact you want information about.

We expect that the organization hiring the staff member would manage any accommodations, but you may use your TCDD funding to cover any expenses.

We do not provide additional funds unless the RFA notes otherwise.

In some cases, the Council might fund some proposed activities but not others. This can happen if some of the proposed activities do not align with TCDD’s positions or philosophy or if the proposed activities are not related to achieving the goals of the RFA.

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