The Department of Education is announcing, via the attached April 7, 2015, FEDERAL REGISTER notice, the availability of FY 2015 funding for grants under the Vocational Rehabilitation Services Projects for American Indians with Disabilities. Eligible applicants are Indian tribes and tribal consortia located on federal and state reservations, and projects are for individualized assistance to persons with disabilities to prepare for employment and economic self-sufficiency. Applications are due by 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time, June 8, 2015.
This solicitation provides $12.6 million for new grants. Projects are funded for a five-year period, pending appropriations. Grants will be awarded in the range of $300,000-$500,000 and cost sharing is required. Those grantees completing their five-year grant cycle this year
(FY 2014 funding) who apply under this solicitation will receive priority consideration in the form of an additional 10 points being added to their score.
Under the Vocational Rehabilitation Act, tribes receive an allocation of 1 to 1.5 percent from the amount appropriated for Basic State Grants—approximately $40 million from this program in FY 2015. Of the $40 million amount, the $12.6 million is for first year funding for new grants. The remaining funds are for current grantees that are in years one to four of their five-year project.
Applications may be obtained at: www.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/grantapps/index.html
Please let us know if we may provide additional information regarding the Vocational Rehabilitation Act grants for Indian tribes.
