Developmental Disabilities Mill Levy (DDML)

A one-mill property tax dedicated to services for persons with developmental disabilities was established in 2001. The County distributes 93 percent of the Developmental Disabilities Mill Levy (DDML) funds to support Developmental Pathways, the County’s Community-Centered Board while retaining 5.5 percent for a competitive grant program. The remaining 1.5 percent covers Treasurer’s fees.

Development Disabilities Mill Levy (DDML) Grant Program

Since 2001, the DDML grant has awarded over $5 million in funding for local services supporting residents with intellectual or developmental disabilities (I/DD). DDML grant awards are allocated through an annual competitive grant process.The DDML grant is intended to support agencies currently serving Douglas County residents with I/DD and those who would like to start serving this population. All local agencies serving the I/DD population are welcome to apply for these funds. Organizations are strongly encouraged to apply for services that are new, innovative, and those that fill current “gaps” in services. Agencies may apply for multiple grants for different projects.

DDML Grant Application Information

Eligibility

The DDML grant is intended to support agencies currently serving residents with intellectual or developmental disabilities (I/DD) in Douglas County, Colorado and those who would like to start providing services in our county. All local agencies serving the I/DD population are welcomed to apply for these funds. We strongly encourage those of you providing services that are new, innovative, and those that fill current “gaps” in services to consider applying. Agencies may apply for multiple grants for different project.

Application Overview

Grant Funds

The 2023 DDML Grant Application will open on Friday, June 23, 2023 and close on Monday, July 31, 2023 by 5 p.m.

Application Overview

Funds may only be used in support of Douglas County residents with an I/DD as defined by the State of Colorado.
The County seeks to make grant awards in support of programs, projects or scholarships for residents, as opposed to administrative costs or operating expenses.
There is no match required for this grant, but funding diversity and leveraging is highly valued and recommended.
Most awards are made in a one-time payment.
Please see the DDML Long Range Plan to see how your application request meets the long-term goals of this grant.
Online Application: The application is available online only during the application window timeframe. Software requires a Chrome, Firefox, or Edge web browser to apply.
Application Requirements: All items can be submitted through the grant application software system –
- Organizational Profile
- Proposal Details
- Attachments

General Grant Timeline

Application process during the summer.
Application review in the fall.
Grants are awarded late in the 4th quarter of the year.
Grant recipients will receive grant contracts in the 4th quarter that need signed before funds can be spent.
A final report is required upon completion.

Required Application Attachments

The following documents are required along with your application and can be attached in the grant management software system when applying:

2023 Unit Cost Template (Please select the tab at the bottom of the spreadsheet that best fits the project type for which you are applying. Cost listed on the spreadsheet should align with your proposed budget for the project.)
Leveraging Worksheet
W-9 Form
Organizational Budget (Revenue and Expenses) for the Previous Calendar or Fiscal Year
Organizational Budget (Revenue and Expenses) for the Current Calendar or Fiscal Year
Organizational Balance Sheet for the Previous Calendar or Fiscal Year
Most recent audit, if applicable

Applicant Training

Additional training materials will be provided closer to the next grant cycle.

Training Materials:
- Grant Software User Guide
- Applicant Portal Training
- 2023 Applicant Training Video – Coming Soon

Contact and Technical Assistance

For technical assistance with the new grant management software, please contact eCivis at [email protected] or call 1-877-232-4847. Preferred web browsers to use when completing your application include Google Chrome, Firefox and Edge.
For questions pertaining to the application process or requirements, please contact Steven Dodrill at [email protected]

DDML Resources

2022 Grant Awards

The Board of Douglas County Commissioners approved the recommendations of 2022 grant funds on Dec. 15, 2022. View the 2022 Awards by Category.

Developmental Disabilities Mill Levy Advisory Council

The Developmental Disabilities Mill Levy Advisory Council members review grant applications and make funding recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners.

Advisory Council members:

Aaron Chase
Ashley Eades
Russ Hernandez
Diane Hitchingham
Carol Kumpost
Jenny Skinner, Community Centered Board Representative
Saeed Siddiqui

County Commissioners observe March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and recognize the County’s Developmental Disabilities Fund for 20 years of programs and services delivery.