Colorado 2026 Disability Grants Up to $250K for Programs Supporting Disabled

Colorado is expanding state-level grant funding for disability support programs in 2026, offering awards of up to $250,000 to eligible organizations and agencies. These opportunities are part of the Colorado Disability Funding Committee (CDFC) initiatives housed within the Colorado Disability Opportunity Office (CDOO) under the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE). The purpose is to enhance access to benefits, improve quality of life, and foster innovation in services for Coloradans with disabilities. (Colorado Labour and Employment)

This guide provides verified, up‑to‑date information on grant purpose, eligibility, deadlines, application steps, awards, and ongoing monitoring, all organized for clarity and usability.

What Are Colorado 2026 Disability Grants?

Colorado’s disability grant programs for 2026 consist primarily of two state funding streams:

1. Disability Application Assistance Grants

• Supports organizations that help individuals with disabilities complete benefit applications (e.g., SSI, SSDI, Medicaid).
• Grants up to $250,000 per award—the largest amount ever offered by CDFC.
• Application period: Open December 19, 2026 – February 20, 2026.
• Applicants submit via Bidnet.com. (Colorado Labour and Employment)

2. New and Innovative Grants

• Funds novel program models or pilot ideas that improve independence or quality of life for people with disabilities.
• Grants also available up to $250,000.
• Application period: Open December 30, 2026 – February 27, 2026.
• Applicant materials submitted on Bidnet.com. (Colorado Labour and Employment)

These programs administer awards under the Laura Hershey Disability Support Act, which directs funding toward projects aiding access to disability benefits or advancing independence for people with disabilities. (CdoO)

Policy Context & Purpose

The CDFC is governed by 13 Governor‑appointed members, with a majority having lived experience with disability. The committee distributes funds to nonprofits and agencies to address barriers in accessing state and federal benefits and to support innovative service delivery models. (Colorado Labour and Employment)

The Colorado Disability Opportunity Office (CDOO) was established by HB24‑1360 (2024) to coordinate disability policy across state agencies and manage grant processes. (Colorado Labour and Employment)

Who Can Apply?

Eligible Applicants:

• Non‑profit organizations registered in Colorado
• County human services agencies and public entities
• Partnerships or collaboratives led by service providers

Note: For nonprofit applicants, 501(c)(3) status is typically required to administer federal and state funds responsibly.

Project Eligibility Criteria:

• Demonstrated ability to assist people with disabilities with benefit access or services
• Projects that clearly improve independence, access, or quality of life
• Measurable outcomes and sustainable planning
• Compliance with Colorado statutes governing disability support programs (Colorado Labour and Employment)

Award Amounts & Funding Limits

Grant Type	Maximum Award	Funding Purpose
Disability Application Assistance	Up to $250,000	Support benefit application assistance
New and Innovative Grants	Up to $250,000	Innovative models, pilot programs and services

Funding is contingent upon available appropriations and competitive review. Awards are typically reimbursement‑based unless advance funding is approved. (CdoO)

Deadlines & Time‑Sensitive Information

Disability Application Assistance Grants

• Open: December 19, 2026
• Close: February 20, 2026, 11:59 p.m. MST (Colorado Labour and Employment)

New and Innovative Grants

• Open: December 30, 2026
• Close: February 27, 2026, 11:59 p.m. MST (Colorado Labour and Employment)

Virtual pre‑application conferences are offered for applicants to review the process and ask questions. (Colorado Labour and Employment)

🛠 Update Required: These dates should be verified annually as funding cycles evolve.

How to Apply (Step‑by‑Step)

1. Register on Bidnet.com – create an organizational account.
2. Download Grant Application Materials – available through CDOO or Bidnet.
3. Attend Pre‑Application Webinars – optional but highly recommended.
4. Submit Proposal – including project narrative, budget, compliance documents.
5. Follow Up – monitor Bidnet notifications and respond to requests for clarification.

Reporting requirements are expected for all grantees to demonstrate proper use of funds and outcomes. (CdoO)

Required Documents Checklist

Applicants should prepare:

• Proof of nonprofit status or governmental agency authorization
• IRS Form W‑9
• Project narrative and work plan
• Proposed budget and justification
• Letters of support or partnership agreements
• Performance metrics or evaluation plan (CdoO)

FAQs

Who is eligible for the Colorado 2026 Disability Grants?

Eligible applicants include Colorado‑based nonprofits and county human services agencies with projects assisting people with disabilities or advancing independence and quality of life. 

How much funding is available per grant?

Each qualifying project can request up to $250,000 per grant, depending on the grant type and available funds.

What are the application deadlines?

• Disability Application Assistance Grants: February 20, 2026
• New and Innovative Grants: February 27, 2026 (Colorado Labour and Employment)

How do organizations apply?

Applications are submitted through Bidnet.com after registering an organizational account. (Colorado Labour and Employment)

What reporting is required after funding is awarded?

Grantees must report on resource use and outcomes as specified in the award agreement, generally requiring periodic progress updates. (CdoO)

What types of projects are prioritized?

Programs that clearly improve access to benefits (e.g., SSI, SSDI, Medicaid) or offer innovative service models enhancing independence are prioritized. (Colorado Labour and Employment)

Sources

• Colorado Disability Opportunity Office (CDOO) Grants Page – https://cdoo.colorado.gov/grants (CdoO)
• Bidnet Colorado Grant Portal – https://www.bidnet.com (search CDOO opportunities) (Colorado Labour and Employment)