Modification of Facilities under Disability Grant Program Notice of Funding Opportunity Purpose Area 6

The Training and Services to End Violence and Abuse Against Individuals with Disabilities and Deaf People Program (Disability Grant Program) funds activities that improve accessibility, safety, and meaningful participation in efforts to enhance direct services for Deaf survivors and survivors with disabilities.

The below information aims to help applicants proposing to use funds to address “modify facilities” in Purpose Area 6 of the Disability Grant Program Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) better understand what this means and what is allowed under the statutory program purpose areas.

1. 10% cap
   • Grantees may not spend more than 10% of their entire Disability Grant Program award on modifying facilities.

2. Minor renovations only

   • Using Disability Grant Program funding to modify facilities is limited to minor renovations, which means renovations that do not change the prior use or footprint of the facility. Examples of minor renovations include:
     • Adding tactile signage to office spaces
     • Installing accessible communication devices
     • Adding surface mounted automatic door openers
     • Installing grab bars in restrooms
     • Creating sensory-friendly spaces through paint, flooring, or furniture
     • Installing ramps

   Major renovations or construction projects are not allowed under Disability Grant Program NOFO Purpose Area 6.

3. Prior Approval
   • Disability Grant Program grantees must seek approval before expending any funds on modifying facilities to ensure that the modifications comport with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
     • To seek approval, the grantee must submit a NEPA form to their OVW Grants Management Specialist using the JustGrants System.
     • Once OVW has reviewed the NEPA form, the Grants Management Specialist will communicate to the grantee that they may move forward with their approved modification activity.