The Board of County Commissioners observe March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and recognize the County’s Developmental Disabilities Fund for 25 years of programs and services delivery.
A one-mill property tax dedicated to services for persons with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD) was established in 2001. The County distributes 93% of the Developmental Disabilities Mill Levy (DDML) funds to support Developmental Pathways, the County’s Community-Centered Board (CCB) and Case Management Agency (CMA). An additional 5.5% is retained for a competitive grant program, and the remaining 1.5% covers Treasurer’s fees.
For the 2026-2028 period, the County will retain an additional $2.5 million from DDML revenues to fund an IDD Supportive Housing Grant Opportunity.
Since 2001, the DDML grant program has awarded more than $6.8 million in funding for local services supporting residents with IDD. DDML grant awards are allocated through an annual competitive grant process. The DDML grant is intended to support agencies currently serving Douglas County residents with IDD and those who would like to start serving this population. All local agencies serving the IDD population are welcome to apply for these funds. Agencies may apply for multiple grants for different projects.
Interested applicants can view information about the 2026 DDML Grant Application now, but can only apply between June 15, 2026 through July 14, 2026. An “apply” button will be available to click on during those dates. A Chrome or Edge web browser is needed.
Application Requirements (all items can be submitted through the grant application software system):
Pictured: 2025 DDML Grant recipients alongside County Commissioners
Wellspring’s Unity on Wolfensberger project was awarded the $2.5 million grant for the grant period 2026-2028. The project repurposes a former hotel in downtown Castle Rock into a mixed-use building designed for affordability and long-term sustainability. The first floor features supportive programming and commercial space, while the second floor offers residential units, with at least 12 units permanently designated for individuals with IDD.
Grant funding will support both housing development and person-centered supportive services to ensure safe, stable housing that promotes independence, and community inclusion.
The Developmental Disabilities Mill Levy Advisory Council members review grant applications and make funding recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners.
Advisory Council members:
The Board of County Commissioners observe March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and recognize the County’s Developmental Disabilities Fund for 25 years of programs and services delivery.