Funding Opportunity: Technical Assistance for Statewide Independent Living Councils

ACL is seeking applicants for a two-year cooperative agreement to operate a Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) Training & Technical Assistance Center. The Center will provide training and technical assistance to improve the performance of SILCs. The Technical Assistance Center will serve as a central source of information and expertise in the following key areas:

Training and information to enhance SILC efficiency and effectiveness.
Access to resources that assist SILCs in the areas of basic member and board of director duties and responsibilities, and other related independent living information.
Communication and peer-to-peer learning between the SILCs on a national level.
Development of a state-of-the-art SILC website.

Particular attention will be given to technical assistance activities related to changes enacted as part of the implementation of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014.

Federal funding to support and coordinate independent living services in states are overseen by SILCs. A SILC's duties include working with a designated state entity to develop a state plan for independent living, as well as monitoring, reviewing, and evaluating implementation of the plan.

ACL anticipates awarding up to $400,000 in FY15 and up to $250,000 in FY16 for this cooperative agreement. Entities eligible to apply include domestic public or private non-profits including state and local governments, Indian tribal governments and organizations (American Indian/Alaskan Native/Native American), faith-based organizations, community-based organizations, hospitals, and institutions of higher education.

Letter of Intent Due: July 3, 2015

Application Deadline: August 17, 2015

More information on this funding opportunity is available on Grants.gov and information on the Independent Living Administration is available from ACL.