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DDA Innovation Grant (Tennessee) is a grant from the Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging (DDA) that funds colleges and universities to create and expand higher education programs for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Known as the Tennessee Believes program, the initiative has provided over $4 million to ten Tennessee colleges and universities since 2021, supporting 195 students in 2025 who completed 1,491 classes and 352 internships. Approximately $537,000 is available to new awardees in 2026. Tennessee colleges and universities are eligible.
DDA expects to select recipients and award funding by summer 2026.
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DDA Accepting Applications for TN Believes Funding Lifelong Tennessee: A Multisector Plan for Aging Well Consumer Survey DDA Accepting Applications for TN Believes Funding More than $537,000 is available to colleges and universities to create higher education programs for students with intellectual disabilities Thursday, January 08, 2026 | 08:46am NASHVILLE - The Department of Disability and Aging (DDA) announced today that it has received funding to award Tennessee Believes grants to higher education institutions in 2026.
DDA officially launched the Tennessee Believes program in 2021, aiming to expand opportunities for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities at colleges and universities across the state. Governor Lee and the Tennessee General Assembly provided $1 million in funding to DDA to continue the program in 2026.
While half of those funds will go to continue already awarded multi-year grants, approximately $537,000 is available to new awardees. Since its inception, the TN Believes grant has provided over $4 million in funding to ten Tennessee colleges and universities. Based on 2025 reporting, 195 students benefited from programs supported by TN Believes.
In addition, students completed 1,491 classes, 352 internships, and 61 students graduated from their respective programs during the 2025 fiscal year. “We are seeing more students with intellectual and developmental disabilities have opportunities to grow their skills and experience college life,” said DDA Commissioner Brad Turner.
“Tennessee Believes funding has helped start programs in both urban and rural parts of Tennessee, ensuring that access to inclusive post-secondary education is possible no matter where you live. ” The application period began on January 5, 2026, and grant applications are due to DDA for review by February 13, 2026. DDA expects to select recipients and award the funding by summer 2026.
About the Department of Disability and Aging The Department of Disability and Aging is the state agency responsible for the oversight of services and support to 1. 5 million older adults and Tennesseans with disabilities. The department is the result of a merger between the Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and the Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disabilities, effective July 1, 2024.
Every day, the department strives to support people to live rewarding and fulfilling lives through Medicaid waiver Home and Community Based Services (HCBS), and a wide range of services and supports for older adults and adults with disabilities.
DDA also provides services to infants and toddlers with disabilities or developmental delays through the Tennessee Early Intervention System (TEIS), and children under the age of 18 with disabilities or complex medical needs through the Katie Beckett Program.
The department supports people to live the lives they envision for themselves by ensuring people are free to exercise rights, engage with their broader communities and experience optimal health. DDA is the first state service delivery system in the nation to receive Person-Centered Excellence Accreditation from the Council on Quality and Leadership.
It has also been recognized as a national leader in its efforts to increase competitive, community-based employment outcomes for people with disabilities and its commitment to enhancing independence through Enabling Technology.
Based on current listing details, eligibility includes: Applicants should focus on innovative approaches that advance Technology First, Employment First, workforce development, person-centered practices, quality of life improvements, and increased independence for older adul… Applicants should confirm final requirements in the official notice before submission.
Current published award information indicates Up to $20,000 Always verify allowable costs, matching requirements, and funding caps directly in the sponsor documentation.
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Senior Center Grant Funding (Tennessee) is sponsored by Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging (DDA). This competitive grant funding for senior centers in Tennessee is a one-time allocation intended to support senior centers in providing older adults with access to resources, activities, and social connection. Funding is encouraged for capital projects, marketing, and programming/activities.
DDA Innovation Grant is sponsored by Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging (DDA). These one-time grants fund projects that develop innovative approaches aligned with the DDA's mission, with a strong emphasis on increasing independence for individuals with disabilities and/or older adults aged 60 and over. Priority is given to proposals advancing Technology First, Employment First, workforce development, person-centered practices, quality of life improvements, and increased independence.