Home and Community-Based Services Programs is a grant from the California Department of Developmental Services (DDS) that funds innovative, community-based strategies to improve access to services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families, particularly those from underserved and underrepresented communities.

The 2025 Service Access and Equity (SAE) Grant Program uses statewide survey data to identify barriers to service access and address unmet needs across all 21 regional centers. Eligible applicants are organizations providing services to individuals with developmental disabilities residing in California. Award amounts vary; contact DDS or the relevant regional center for current grant cycles.

Applicant Resources : CA Department of Developmental Services The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is pleased to announce updates to the Service Access and Equity (SAE) Grant Program for the 2025 grant cycle.

This program supports innovative, community-based strategies to improve access to services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families—particularly those from underserved and underrepresented communities.

As a part of ongoing quality improvement efforts, DDS has implemented a statewide survey to all 21 regional centers to identify and better understand the persistent barriers to service access and unmet needs within each regional center’s catchment area. Data collected through the survey will be used to: Identify regional and demographic-specific disparities. Inform the priorities and resource allocation of the SAE Grant Program.

Support the development of effective, culturally, and linguistically responsive strategies aimed at reducing disparities and improving service access throughout California’s regional center system. DDS will solicit applications to the Grant Program from regional centers and other community-based organizations that serve populations facing documented disparities as they navigate the developmental services system.

Grant funding may not be used to support activities that regional centers are already required to perform under existing statute or regulation. Proposed activities must be innovative, supplemental, and designed to enhance equity in service access and outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions Fiscal Year 2025-27 Service Access and Equity Grant Guidelines for Applicants 2025-27 SAE Grant Guidelines Appendices Attachment A- DDS Application Instructions Attachment B- Measure Guideline Descriptions Attachment C- DDS Budget Narrative Instructions Attachment D- Purchase of Service Data by RC Attachment E- Map of the Regional Center System Attachment F- Regional Center Directory Attachment G- Code of Conduct Attachment H – Grant Guidelines Glossary Budget Details & Restrictions Budget Details & Restrictions Fiscal Year 2025-27 Call for Applicants (English) Bidders Conference PowerPoint Bidders Conference Video Recording Frequently Asked Questions Last modified: October 9, 2025 Sacramento, CA 94244-2020 Early Start BabyLine Referrals Info: 800-515-BABY (800-515-2229) Email: earlystart@dds.

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