Applying for CT Council Funds
Applying for CT Council Funds
Consistent with the federal Developmental Disabilities Act, the CT Council prepares, approves and executes its budget using funds provided in the CT Council's annual federal allotment and based on the goals, objectives and activities established in the CT Council's State Plan. The CT Council allocates funds to obtain CT Council staffing and to operate and carry out its functions and duties. The CT Council also allocates portions of its funds to sponsor initiatives and other activities which the CT Council plans, designs and approves to meet the goals and objectives of its State Plan.
Match. The CT Council rarely funds an initiative 100%. The CT Council typically requires at least a 25% match. In other words, for every $1 of CT Council funds awarded, the CT Council expects the award recipient to find a match of $.33. The match can be in-kind or other nonfederal funds. The CT Council allows a 10% match for initiatives located in federally designated poverty areas and that address people with developmental disabilities and families who live in federally designated poverty areas. The CT Council reserves the prerogative to increase, reduce or waive the matching requirement.
A. Award of Council Funds
The CT Council may implement initiatives internally with Council members and staff, on a sole source basis or through requests for proposals. If the Council elects to sponsor an activity of a specialized nature requiring skills and experience which are rare or highly specific, the Council may award funds on a sole source basis. At its discretion, in response to new ideas, the Council may award funds anytime during the year. In all instances regarding the award of Council funds, the Council seeks systems change initiatives that result in increasing the self-determination, independence, productivity, integration and inclusion in the community of people with developmental disabilities. CT Council funds may not be used to replace or supplant activities or funds of pubic or private agencies. The Council reserves the prerogative not to review applications which do not meet Council requirements and not to award funds for any application in response to a specific request for proposals. No Council award is final until the Council provides written notification of the terms and conditions of the award to the award recipient.
Reports. Most award recipients can expect to be required to provide the CT Council with interim and end-of-year narrative and financial reports, a report on outcomes and satisfaction, and host a CT Council site visit evaluation. Most award recipient will also be required to provide the CT Council with some level of audit.
B. Duration of Council Funding
The duration of CT Council funding will depend on the particular nature and outcomes of a given initiative or activity. The CT Council may terminate funding at any time with written notification.
In general, the CT Council awards funds for the following types of initiatives and activities:
1. Systems change activities to bring about progressive reform of public policy and its implementation as well as positive societal and community attitudes, behavior and practices concerning people with developmental disabilities and their families. These initiatives may require multiple and long range strategies necessitating CT Council funding on an indefinite basis depending upon project effectiveness and outcomes.
2. Supportive activities to enhance the situations of people with developmental disabilities and their families including information, training, studies, analyses, and beyond-state-of-the-art research. These initiatives are generally time limited with a deliverable product upon completion and may receive CT Council funding on a one-time-only basis or for a range of three to five years depending on project effectiveness and outcomes.
3. Demonstration of new and innovative ways to promote and increase self-determination, independence, productivity, integration and inclusion in all facets of community life of individuals with developmental disabilities. These are time-limited awards with CT Council funding of three to five years based upon project effectiveness and outcomes. When the Council funds successful demonstrations it shares responsibility with the award recipient to promote systems change to extend, expand and incorporate positive practices developed through such demonstrations.
C. Proposing New and Innovative Ideas
The CT Council is always seeking innovative ideas that advance new systems change strategies, responds to new or unanticipated events, and suggest new ways of improving current services and supports, even after the CT Council has made decisions on initiatives. Ideas can be submitted at anytime, however, the CT Council’s review process can be lengthy depending on a number of factors such as the scope of the initiative, available CT Council funds and the timing of CT Council meetings. Proposals should generate systems change, capacity building, and/or advocacy activities that enhance the lives of people with developmental disabilities and their families. Innovative ideas can also build upon or challenge best practices.
What is the process for submitting a new and innovative idea?
A description of the idea (no longer than 1 page) should be submitted to the CT Council Office. The description should include:
1. Purpose or goal
2. Activities/strategies envisioned to achieve the purpose or goal
3. Expected outcomes
4. Estimation of the (a) cost of total project, (b) funds requested from Council, and (c) match.
What happens after a new and innovative idea is submitted?
All ideas are referred to one of the CT Council’s committees. The assigned Committee will determine if the idea is consistent with the CT Council’s mission, goals, and priorities; is fiscally sound; and merits further consideration. If the idea is considered to have merit, 2 Council members will volunteer to sponsor the idea. Sponsors will contact the proposer to further explore appropriateness and viability of the idea. The proposer of the idea will be asked to submit a formal application for CT Council funds using the CT Council’s application for funds. Sponsors will present the idea to the CT Council or its Executive Committee depending upon the timing or urgency of the initiative.
