Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Other Related Disabilities (LEND)
The LEND program trains professionals to screen, diagnose, and provide care for children and youth with autism and developmental disabilities.
Funder: Health Resources and Services Administration
Due Dates: July 10, 2026: Full application deadline (applications must be submitted via Grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time)
Funding Amounts: $460,000–$734,000 per year for 5 years per award (tiered by program size); total program funding $38.3M; up to 60 awards; optional supplements up to $150,000/year (Audiology) and $50,000 (Emerging Issues).
Summary: Supports interdisciplinary training programs to increase the workforce and leadership capacity for serving children and youth with autism and other developmental disabilities.
Key Information: New applicants may only apply for Tier 1 funding; no cost-sharing required; individuals are not eligible.
Description
This opportunity funds Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Other Related Disabilities (LEND) programs, which are designed to improve care for children and youth with autism and other developmental disabilities (DD) by training health and related professionals. LEND programs provide interdisciplinary training that emphasizes screening, diagnosis, evidence-based intervention, and leadership development across the lifespan for individuals with autism/DD. The program also supports the inclusion of individuals with lived experience (family members and individuals with disabilities) as faculty and trainees.
LEND programs engage trainees from over 30 disciplines, offering academic, clinical, leadership, and community-based learning. The program aims to increase the number and expertise of providers able to screen, diagnose, and serve children and youth with autism/DD, and to foster innovative approaches to workforce development and systems improvement.
