$22 Million Awarded to 48 Organizations for the 2025-27 Service Access and Equity Grant Cycle
What you need to know:
- $132 million awarded to over 500 projects since 2016
- Grantees have built stronger networks, expanded screening opportunities for children, increased ways to educate their communities about services and supports, and more
- Number of applications received grew 37% in the latest grant cycle
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The California Department of Developmental Services (Department) is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its Service Access & Equity (SAE) Grant Program.
This program, also formerly known as the Disparity Funds Program, has funded more than 500 projects over the last decade aimed at reducing barriers to developmental services, particularly for communities who have language, location, or cultural needs.
The SAE Grant Program funds competitive grant projects conducted by community-based organizations and regional centers. Together, these efforts are helping to build a more inclusive, fair, and responsive service system across California.
Since 2016, SAE-funded projects have made a measurable impact, including:
- Developmental screenings provided for more than 3,400 children and youth
- Over 2,400 educational workshops delivered, reaching approximately 45,000 families
- Strengthened advocacy, education, and diverse community networks across the state
“For 10 years, these partnerships have been about more than funding. They have been about building trust, strengthening connections and making sure people know what is available to them and how to access it,” said Pete Cervinka, the Department’s Director. “Grantees continue to make positive impacts in their communities. We look forward to continuing to support local organizations that understand their communities and are best positioned to connect people to services they need.”
Growing Demand Reflects Continued Need: A 2025-27 Snapshot
In its newly awarded 2025-27 funding cycle, $22 million will support 48 projects across California. These efforts are focused specifically on meeting the unique needs identified in the communities they serve. Programs will reach individuals and families in 46 languages.
Awardees will focus on key priority areas:
- Statewide Information and Training
- Increasing Pathways into the System
- Building Caregiver Networks and Supports
- Service Connection Support for Families and Early Start
- Innovative Strategies to Improve Access
“For many communities, barriers to services may be unseen, but their impact is real,” said JaRita Pichon, the Department’s Chief Equity Officer. “Access isn’t one-size-fits-all, which is why we rely on partners who understand their communities best. These organizations bring trusted relationships and deep cultural knowledge that help us move the system toward more equitable and meaningful change.”
The Department received 152 applications this cycle, compared to 111 received in the previous round. In total, over $115 million was requested, far exceeding the $22 million available. This further demonstrates the need to help individuals and families access services and supports.
Some examples of the projects that were selected in this year’s grant cycle include:
Integrated Community Services
About: Northern California Bay Area-based community-based organization (CBO) that provides advocacy and educational training services to underserved individuals.
Project: The project will work with Spanish-speaking young adults in Marin County to build connections to regional center and other services through peer navigation and outreach.
Service Area: Golden Gate Regional Center and the greater Bay Area region
Amount Awarded: $290,000
El Sol Neighborhood Educational Center
About: Southern California-based CBO with experience supporting African American, Filipino, Hispanic, Vietnamese communities.
Project: The project will deliver multilingual family leadership training sessions led by health workers who reflect their communities. Sessions will increase caregiver understanding of developmental milestones, Early Start eligibility, regional center services, and advocacy strategies.
Service Area: Inland Regional Center and Southern California
Amount Awarded: $400,000
Bakersfield American Indian Health Project
About: Central Valley based CBO with experience working with tribal communities.
Project: This project will deliver a two-year initiative to support tribal communities in Kern County in navigating regional center services, build self-advocacy skills, and strengthen leadership capacity. The project will train regional center staff in cultural competence and provide adapted educational materials, peer advocate support, and community-based outreach to improve access for tribal communities.
Service Area: Kern Regional Center and Central California
Amount Awarded: $250,000
Access the full list of grantees in the current cycle on the Department’s webpage.
About the California Department of Developmental Services
The California Department of Developmental Services is responsible for overseeing the coordination and delivery of services and supports to over 500,000 Californians with, or at risk for, intellectual and developmental disabilities including cerebral palsy, intellectual disability, autism, epilepsy, and other related conditions. The State’s developmental disability services aim to improve outcomes for individuals by meeting their needs and choices at each stage of life.
California is unique among states in guaranteeing regional center services to all residents of the State who have qualifying intellectual and developmental disabilities, after other sources have been exhausted. The Department, regional centers, and community partners are working on several initiatives to deliver on the promise of the Lanterman Act, including the LOIS project, rate reform, multiple information and standardization efforts, enhanced transparency, and Direct Support Professional (DSP) workforce development.