Language Access Small Grant

The New York State Council on Developmental Disabilities (CDD) is seeking grant applications that support the translation of existing documents or materials related to the CDD approved State Plan into other languages. The specific objective of the funding is solely to assist organizations with translating documents and materials intended to inform, benefit, or serve as resources to individuals with developmental disabilities (DD) their families and caregivers, thereby increasing their access to key information, resources and materials which will increase their ability to affect public policy. Eligible organizations can apply for a minimum of $2,500 up to a maximum of $5,000. 

Grant Period: 

The grant period will be for one year with an anticipated start date of December 1, 2026. If awarded, grantees must spend the grant funds within one (1) calendar year of receipt.

Award Amount:

Eligible organizations can apply for a minimum of $2,500 up to a maximum of $5,000. 

Alignment with CDD’s Mission & Values:

The document or materials must align with the CDD’s mission to promote people with DD living independently, participating fully in the community, and being able to advocate for themselves. Any document or material that does not promote the CDD’s mission or values will not be considered for funding.

Funds can support the following activities:

• Language translation costs.
• Staff time used to make sure documents or materials are in plain language before sending for translation.
• Staff time used to coordinate translation services or disseminate translated materials.
• Printing or mailing costs associated with disseminating translated materials.
• Other activities associated with translation that will make the document or materials more accessible to people with DD and their families.

Funds cannot support the following: This grant cannot support the translation of documents that an organization is required to translate by law (for example: NYS Language Access Law, https://ogs.ny.gov/new-york-state-language-access-law).

Eligible organizations:

• Nonprofit organizations (note: the lead applicant cannot be a for-profit organization; however, for-profit organizations may serve as subcontractors to the lead applicant)
• Public or private institutions, such as universities, colleges, or hospitals
• Disability-service organizations
• Community-based organizations
• Tribal organizations
• Consortia, groups, or partnerships among organizations
• Statewide Financial System (SFS) prequalification is required for all not-for-profit organizations seeking grant funding from New York State.

Organizations whose staff were involved in the development of this project are not eligible to directly apply or be included as a sub-contractor for another applicant.

New York State requires nonprofit organizations to register in the Statewide Financial System (SFS) and complete the Vendor Prequalification process, if interested in applying for state funding opportunities. Government entities are not required to prequalify in SFS.

For applications to be evaluated, all nonprofit organizations applying for this grant opportunity MUST prequalify by the time and date of submission. Any applicant who submits a proposal that is not prequalified in SFS on the Applications Deadline listed in the Important Dates table, will be disqualified from further consideration.

Below are links where you can find more information on SFS registration and prequalification requirements.

• Register with the Statewide Financial System: https://www.sfs.ny.gov/
• Get Prequalified in the Statewide Financial System: https://grantsmanagement.ny.gov/get-prequalified
• SFS Registration and Prequalification Questions: Specific questions about registering in the Statewide Financial System (SFS) or getting prequalified in SFS can be directed to the SFS Help desk. The best way to get a fast response from SFS is through email.  Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m.– 5:00 p.m. [email protected], (518) 457-7717

NOTE: Nonprofit vendors and organizations are strongly encouraged to begin this process as soon as possible to participate in this opportunity. New York State reserves 5-10 business days from the receipt of complete Prequalification applications to conduct its review. If supplementary information or updates are required, review times will be longer.

How to Apply

All applications must be submitted by the Application Deadline through Qualtrics. 

Apply Here

Questions about this Small Grant Opportunity:

Questions regarding this specific small grant opportunity must be submitted no later than October 5, 2026.  All questions should be submitted through Qualtrics, using this link: Qualtrics Survey | Qualtrics Experience Management

Designated Agency Contact:

CDD has assigned a Program Planner as the Designated Contact / Issuing Officer for this project. The Program Planner or a designee shall be the sole point of contact regarding the small grant opportunity from the date of issuance of the small grant opportunity until the issuance of the Notice of Award letter. To avoid being deemed non-responsive, an applicant is restricted from contacting any other personnel of the CDD regarding the small grant opportunity. Certain findings of non-responsibility can result in rejection for a contract award.