Federal Grant Award Summary

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services received a $225,000 formula grant award from the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) under the Rehabilitation Services Independent Living Services for Older Individuals Who are Blind (CFDA 84.177) program. The award was obligated on October 1, 2025, with a completion date of September 30, 2026. This formula grant supports the delivery of independent living services directly to older blind individuals in Montana, enabling the state agency to provide or expand services that promote self-sufficiency, community integration, and improved quality of life for this population.

Under this annual allocation, Montana's designated state administering agency will utilize the funding to deliver independent living services as defined in applicable federal regulations, which may include rehabilitation technology, adaptive equipment, peer support, counseling, and other services designed to enhance independence. As a prime formula grant recipient, the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services typically sub-awards portions of such allocations to local health departments, nonprofit organizations, and other community-based service providers throughout the state to implement these services at the local level. The award is renewable on an annual basis, contingent upon continued appropriations and satisfactory performance review.