14(c) to Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE) Grant

The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) has launched the 14(c) to Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE) Grant to assist organizations in transitioning employees with disabilities from subminimum wage positions to competitive, integrated employment. This initiative supports the broader goals of the Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) program and aligns with federal and state mandates to phase out subminimum wage employment for people with disabilities. The grant is available exclusively to Kansas-based organizations that currently hold a 14(c) certificate and provide services to individuals under an HCBS waiver. The grant program unfolds in two distinct phases. By applying, grantees agree to participate in both phases if funding is available. In Phase 1, organizations receive reimbursements for wage increases to ensure that employees with disabilities earn at least the Kansas state minimum wage. KDADS will cover up to half the cost of the mandated minimum wage for each eligible employee. Specific reimbursement amounts vary depending on the prior wages of employees and are detailed in the Request for Applications (RFA). If funding permits, Phase 2 supports the transformation of organizational operations to eliminate reliance on sheltered workshops. Funds in this phase can be used for a range of transition-related expenses, including administrative and policy development costs, technology purchases, marketing, training, and professional development. Technical assistance for this transition is provided by the Kansas University Center on Disabilities (KUCD), which will guide grantees in developing a comprehensive Transition to CIE Plan. The grant operates on a reimbursement-only basis—organizations must first incur and pay for expenses before requesting reimbursement. Eligible costs are extensive and include wage adjustments, administrative costs, training, and marketing. Ineligible expenses include costs unrelated to the grant’s objectives, such as lobbying, social events, and any expenses already funded by other grants. Grantees are also automatically eligible for a 10% indirect cost reimbursement (unless opted out), capped at $25,000 for the grant's lifetime. The application deadline is Monday, April 14, 2025, at 5:00 PM Central Time. A pre-bid conference was held on March 20, 2025, to assist applicants with understanding the grant structure, eligible expenses, and application procedures. Supporting documents including the RFA, FAQs, application guides, and a scoring rubric are available on the KDADS grant opportunities page. Questions related to the program must be submitted by March 24, 2025. Inquiries can be directed to KDADS via email at KDADSgrants@pcgus.com or by phone at 866-913-9131. Technical questions about completing or submitting the application can be asked at any time.