Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Other Related Disabilities (LEND)

Background
The Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Other Related Disabilities (LEND) program, administered by the Maternal and Child Health Bureau of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), aims to enhance the quality of care for children and youth with autism and developmental disabilities (DD).

The program focuses on training health professionals to effectively screen, diagnose, and provide services across the lifespan for this population. The initiative addresses the critical shortage of qualified providers capable of meeting the complex needs of these children.

Grant Details
The LEND program seeks to improve workforce capacity by training graduate and postgraduate students, family members, individuals with disabilities, and practicing professionals. Key activities include:
- Delivering an interdisciplinary curriculum that encompasses academic, clinical, leadership, and community-based learning opportunities.
- Engaging trainees at various levels through long-, medium-, and short-term training opportunities.
- Increasing the number of diagnostic evaluations conducted by LEND faculty and trainees.
- Providing continuing education for practicing professionals.
- Offering technical assistance to enhance local, state, and national systems of care for individuals with disabilities.

Additionally, applicants may apply for optional supplemental funding opportunities such as the LEND Pediatric Audiology Trainee supplement (up to $150,000 per year) and the LEND Emerging Issues supplement (one-time $50,000).

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include public or nonprofit agencies such as state governments, county governments, city or township governments, public institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments/organizations, nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status (excluding institutions of higher education), private institutions of higher education, and faith-based organizations. Individuals are not eligible to apply.

Period of Performance
The grant will be performed over a five-year period from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2031. Funding is planned in five 12-month budget periods.

Grant Value
The total available funding for FY 2026 is approximately $38.3 million. Up to 60 grants will be awarded with funding amounts varying by tier: Tier 1 up to $460,000; Tier 2 up to $550,000; Tier 3 up to $641,000; Tier 4 up to $734,000.

Place of Performance
The grant activities will be conducted within domestic locations including all U.S. states and territories.