(DENVER) — The Colorado Disability Funding Committee (CDFC), now housed in the recently established Colorado Disability Opportunity Office (CDOO) within the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE), will be awarding $2 million in grant funding for disability application assistance. Grantees across the state were selected for their work in helping individuals and families complete their applications for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), long-term Medicaid, appeals, tax filing assistance, property tax rebates, rent and heat assistance, earned income, state tax credits, and other benefit applications.
The committee received requests for over $8.4 million in grant funding from a widely diverse group of 61 organizations that specialize in services for individuals with specific disabilities, underserved demographic communities, and diverse geographical areas across Colorado. The Governor-appointed members of the CDFC report that this assessment and award-granting process was the most competitive and difficult one to date.
"Every Coloradan deserves access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive and are eligible to receive, but applying for these benefits can be challenging. The overwhelming response to this grant program shows just how critical these services are for individuals with disabilities across our state," said Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera. "Through this funding, we are empowering organizations that are helping individuals and families with disabilities navigate complex application processes and access essential benefits. I am grateful for the work of the Colorado Disability Opportunity Office and the Colorado Disability Funding Committee in advancing equity and opportunity for the disability community."
“With more than 61 applications for this round of funding, and requests for well over the available $2 million, the CDFC had difficult decisions to make,” said CDOO Director, Danny Combs. “It’s clear there is a huge need to offer further support to individuals with disabilities, and CDOO is committed to doing all we can to provide more pathways to opportunity for all Colorado’s disability community. ”
23 Non-profit organizations and county human services agencies from all corners of the state have been selected to receive funds. The grantees CDOO intends to award are listed below.
In the Denver metro area and along the Front Range:
- Atlantis Community, Inc.
- The Denver Indian Center Inc.
- El Grupo Vida, Inc.
- Work Options for Women
- Easter Seals Colorado
- La Raza Services, Inc.
- The Center for People with Disabilities
- The Arc of Larimer County
- Disabled Resource Services
- The Mental Health Care Center of Denver
- Deaf Overcoming Violence through Empowerment (DOVE)
- The Rocky Mountain MS Center
- The Aurora Comprehensive Community Mental Health Center, Inc.
- The Ensight Skills Center, Inc.
- The Center for Legal Advocacy
In Colorado Springs, Pueblo, and some of Southeast Colorado:
- The Resource Exchange, Inc.
In rural and underserved areas:
- Community Connections, Inc.
- The Northwest Colorado Center for Independence
- Connections for Independent Living
- The Center for Independence, Inc.
- Archuleta County Department of Human Services
- Montrose County Department of Human Services
- Morgan County Department of Human Services
CDOO’s most recent New and Innovative grant application recently closed after receiving 191 applications and more than $15 million in grant requests for ideas that will improve the independence and quality of life for Coloradans experiencing a disability. The CDFC has just begun analysis and hopes to make recommendations and award decisions by the end of April. CDOO expects to open a third round of grant funding later this summer.
About The Colorado Disability Funding Committee (CDFC)
The Colorado Disability Funding Committee is made up of 13 Governor-appointed members, with the requirement that at least seven members must identify as living with a disability or have first-hand experience working with someone who does. Members oversee the distribution of grant funds which are used to invest in new and innovative initiatives working to increase the quality of life and independence of Coloradans with disabilities, and to assist Coloradans with disabilities apply for programs such as Social Security Disability Insurance and Medicaid.
About The Colorado Disability Opportunity Office (CDOO)
Established by HB24-1360 in 2024, the Colorado Disability Opportunity Office (CDOO) is the point of contact for state agencies, private sector organizations, and the public to advance the integration and inclusion of the disability community. CDOO sits at the intersection of policy development and implementation, and HB 24-1360 ensures that CDOO leadership continues to advise the Governor and his team on disability policy, ensure cross-agency collaboration, and provide funding through the CDFC to disability organizations and businesses.
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