The vast majority of projects that the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council invests in are funded through a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) process or through the Council’s Small Grants. However, the Council also sometimes has a limited amount of funds that it can consider investing in unsolicited innovative ideas.

What is an innovative idea?
Innovative ideas are creative approaches to increasing the independence, contribution and community inclusion of people with developmental disabilities. Innovative ideas advance new strategies or suggest new ways of impacting these issues.

Proposed projects should result in 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.

In order to be considered, ideas must be consistent with the Council’s mission, Five Year State Plan and the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act Amendments of 2000 (P.L. 106-402). This information can be found on the Council’s website: www.md-council.org.

*Funding requests for $2500 or less should follow the Council’s Small Grant policy and procedure.

When can a request for funding be submitted?
Funding requests can be submitted at anytime.  However, the Council’s review process can be lengthy depending on a number of factors such as the scope of the proposed project, availability of Council funds and timing of Council meetings.

Contact Cathy Lyle, Deputy Director, to determine whether funding is available and for current information on timelines.  Ms. Lyle can be reached at:

                                    Cathyl@md-council.org

                                    410-767- 3669 or 1-800- 305-6441, ext. 3

Who can submit a proposal?
Any person, group or organization with an innovative idea.  Organizations may be public, private non-profit, or for profit entities. 

What is the process for submitting a funding request?
Initially, a brief description of the idea and an estimated cost should be submitted to the Council.  

The description (no longer than 3 pages) should include:

1. Purpose/goal(s);
2. Activities/strategies envisioned to achieve the goal(s);
3. Expected outcomes; and
4. Estimate of: a) the cost of the total project, b) funds requested from Council, and c) other sources of funding.  25% of the total cost of the project must be from other sources, unless the project is located in an urban or rural poverty area, in which case 10% of the total cost is required.

What happens after an idea is submitted?
The Council’s Executive Committee will determine if the proposed idea is consistent with the Council’s mission, goals, and priorities and merits further consideration. If so, the proposal is assigned to a committee for review.

 The Committee can decide to:

1.  Ask for a more detailed proposal and budget, or  

2.  Decline to pursue the proposed idea

Individuals or organizations will be notified in writing of the final decision within two weeks of such decisions.

Where should innovative idea proposals be sent?
Send 1 copy electronically to Cathyl@md-council.org  AND
Send 15 copies to:
Deputy Director
Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council
217 E. Redwood Street, Suite 1300
Baltimore, Maryland 21202

Contact the Council if you need clarification or assistance, or require accommodations.

Adopted:  November 16, 2006