Tennessee Believes grant opens FY27

The Tennessee Believes grant is a funding initiative administered by the Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging (DDA). It is designed to support the creation and expansion of inclusive postsecondary education programs for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) across Tennessee. For FY27, the program makes over $537,000 available to help higher education institutions strengthen pathways that connect students with IDD to academics, campus life, employment experiences, and community engagement.

FY27 funding purpose and scope

Tennessee Believes focuses on integrating students with IDD into the full range of postsecondary opportunities. The grant is structured to support efforts that bring students into academic coursework and the day-to-day activities of campus life, while also expanding access to employment experiences and community engagement.

This approach aligns program design with outcomes tied to participation and skill-building, including stronger employment pathways and increased independence. Tennessee Believes has already helped nearly 200 students with IDD access inclusive higher education opportunities, reinforcing its role in advancing long-term outcomes for individuals across the state.

Who can apply and what the grant supports

Eligible applicants include public and private colleges, universities, community colleges, and technical institutions located in Tennessee. For FY27, the grant supports several core areas of program development and growth. Funding can be used for strategic planning for new inclusive higher education programs, as well as expansion of existing inclusive postsecondary initiatives. It also supports partnership development with service providers and community organizations, alongside program implementation and sustainability efforts.

The FY27 Tennessee Believes application window opens January 5, 2026. Applications are due February 13, 2026. Award announcements are expected in Summer 2026.