Tennessee Believes Grants is a grant program from the Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging that funds inclusive higher education programs for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities at Tennessee colleges and universities. For FY2027, approximately ,000 in new awards is available from million in total state funding, with standard requests up to ,000 per year for up to three years. Public and private higher education institutions in Tennessee are eligible to apply. The FY27 application deadline was February 13, 2026, with an anticipated grant contract start date of July 1, 2026. The Department also administers separate innovation, senior center, and adult changing table grants through the same division.

Youth Development Grant (Recreational Programs for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities) is sponsored by Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging (DDA). This grant provides one-time funding to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations to support existing recreational programs, increasing their capacity to serve more school-aged children (ages 5-22) with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.

Faith-Based Respite Grant is sponsored by Tennessee Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (DIDD). This grant provides one-time funding to faith-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations to create or expand respite ministries or programs. These programs offer a safe place of rest for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.

Youth Development Camp Grant is sponsored by Tennessee Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (DIDD). This grant provides one-time funding to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations to support existing recreational programs and increase their capacity to serve school-aged children (ages 5-22) with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. Preference will be given to programs that serve youth in foster care.

Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging Inclusive Parks and Playgrounds Grant is sponsored by Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging (DDA). This funding aims to create more inclusive parks, playgrounds, and other facilities in communities across Tennessee, providing opportunities for children and adults with intellectual, developmental, or physical disabilities to experience the physical, social, and emotional benef…

Respite Ministries or Programs Grant is sponsored by Tennessee Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (DIDD). Respite Ministries or Programs Grant is a grant from the Tennessee Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (DIDD) that funds the creation and expansion of respite care programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.