DDRB FY2018 Funding Process

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At its November 17, 2016 board meeting the Developmental Disabilities Resource Board of St. Charles County (DDRB) approved the funding policies and priorities and the application for funds timeline for their FY2018 funding cycle that runs from July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018.

Funding priorities are established each year by the board.  Continuing needed services, addressing unmet needs and the economic outlook are major factors the board must consider when establishing the funding priorities.  These priorities help guide the board in its funding decisions and provides current and potential service providers direction for the types of services/programs the board will consider.

For FY2018 the Board established the following funding priorities:

Market Rate Adjustment

If possible, the Board intends to provide a market rate adjustment to agencies for existing contracts.  The market rate adjustment will be determined prior to the final budget approval in May 2017 and is dependent on available funds.

Critical Need

Critical need is defined as items or services that are necessary for the health and safety of an individual/program.  The board will apply this definition to all requests for growth of services, rate adjustments, program and administrative capital/one-time purchases. Agencies submitting renewal applications that include a request for growth need to meet this definition of critical need and are required to have a hearing with the Board. Agencies must also submit an impact statement detailing the potential negative impact on the individuals, the program and/or the agency, if the request is not funded.

New Projects

The Board will consider pilot projects that meet the priorities outlined in the DDRB Strategic Plan. Interested agencies must submit a letter of intent along with an impact statement and are required to meet with members of the DDRB Program Committee.  Pilot project requests follow the same deadline as those for renewal applications.

Agency Kick-Off Meetings

DDRB staff scheduled two agency kick-off meetings in December 2016.  In these meetings DDRB staff reviewed the application process, access and navigation of the DDRB Agency Portal, and were available to answer questions.

Application Deadline

Letters of intent for new projects and renewal applications for funds are due by 4:00 PM, Tuesday, March 3, 2017.

Public Hearing

In early April, 2017 a public summary of funding requests is made available for public review. A public hearing is scheduled for Thursday, April 20, 2017 at 7:00 PM at the DDRB office to gather public input regarding the services and supports being considered by the Board.

Agency Hearings

The Board requires an agency hearing for any agency requesting a funding increase, growth of a service or program, or requesting consideration for a new project. Here the agencies are provided the opportunity to directly address the Board regarding their requests for an increase and in turn, allows the Board to ask clarifying questions.  Agencies are notified by the DDRB of their scheduled date and time.

Board Working Session

The Board conducts a working session to make final preparations for the FY2018 DDRB Budget. All agencies that have submitted an application for funds are encouraged to have a representative from their organization attend the working session in the event additional information is needed.

FY2018 Budget Approval

Final funding decisions are made with the approval of the FY2018 DDRB Budget that takes place, Thursday, May 18, 2017. The approved budget then takes effect on July 1, 2017.

All meetings are open to the public.  Meeting notices are posted to the DDRB website at www.ddrb.org and can be accessdirectly from the home page under Public Notices.