How Far We Have Come, Part II: Nonprofit Project Grants and the Process of Success
- Aug 5
- 1 min read
FY25-26 has seen a record number of nonprofit project grant submissions across the October 1, March 1, and July 1 cycles. This increase highlights the growing interest in funding impactful IDD projects and the vital role of nonprofits in addressing intellectual and developmental disabilities as federal funding sources are reduced.
Our dedicated volunteers are meticulously reviewing these submissions to turn aspirations into tangible community benefits. The Grants Committee plays a crucial role in this process, utilizing a robust framework and online submissions to streamline evaluations. A structured scoring system aids in prioritizing projects, while the Submittable platform enhances review efficiency by capturing comments and questions seamlessly. This organized approach ensures meaningful contributions from each reviewer, fostering a collaborative environment for decision-making. The combination of increased submissions, a dedicated committee, and innovative tools positions us to effectively manage grant reviews.
Once grants have been approved by the Grants Committee, they are reviewed by the Executive Committee, and finally, by the Board of Directors for a final approval. The process from submission to approval is longer for the July 1 cycle, which will see final approvals decided by September's end.
Our hats are off to all the nonprofits who have done a masterful job of their grant submissions, and to our volunteers, who are the heart of this organization. They help us as we grow! Our commitment to supporting nonprofits remains strong, and we anticipate the positive impact of the projects emerging from this milestone year.

