Utilizing funding made available through Section 9817 of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, the Vermont Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Grant Opportunity is a pivotal initiative aimed at bolstering the quality, accessibility, and sustainability of Vermont’s system of care for individuals and their families who rely on HCBS to lead independent and fulfilling lives. Through a competitive application process, HCBS providers, community-based organizations (CBOs) that serve Medicaid members with HCBS needs, and other entities that support the HCBS landscape in Vermont were invited to apply for funding across four tracks:
- Infrastructure Improvement: This grant track provides funding to HCBS providers to upgrade existing facilities through capital improvements, including environmental health and safety upgrades.
- Workforce Development: Through this track, Vermont aims to support the professional development and advancement of individuals already working in the HCBS field while also attracting new talent. The focus is on providing training opportunities, fostering employee retention and growth, developing pipelines for future professionals, and alleviating administrative burdens.
- Care Model Innovation Pilots: This grant track will fund innovative approaches to delivering HCBS across four (4) key areas: Health-Related Social Needs (HRSN), Health Equity, Health and Wellness, and Care Integration.
- Organizational Performance Improvement and Compliance: This track aims to strengthen the HCBS system in Vermont by providing grants to providers to develop or enhance internal processes and practices, ensure compliance with state and federal regulations and requirements, and improve the quality of care for participants.
The grant period runs from January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024. Please find a list of organizations that received an award here.
Support and Technical Assistance for Awardees
Office hours
The AHS will provide technical assistance, called “office hours,” to awardees during the grant period to answer questions about the grant, including reporting requirements.
- March 21, 2024 from 11 AM – 12 PM ET - completed
- March 29, 2024 from 12 – 1 PM ET - completed
- April 10, 11 AM-12 PM ET - completed
There are no additional Office Hours scheduled at this time; AHS will update this site as additional sessions are offered.
Helpful resources
- HCBS Grant Frequently Asked Questions Updated 4/9/24
- HCBS Grant Reporting Requirements Reference Table
For other questions or assistance, please email our AHS Grants Management team at AHS.HCBSGrants@vermont.gov.
Grant Application Process Overview
The HCBS Grant Opportunity application period was open from September 7, 2023 to October 12, 2023. Applications were submitted via an online portal. Application questions are available here. Key application materials included:
- HCBS Grant Opportunity User Guide Updated 9/20/23
- Frequently Asked Questions Updated 9/29/23
- Application Materials Checklist
- Eligibility Quick Reference Guide
The AHS hosted two webinars and weekly office hours during the application period to provide technical assistance to interested applicants. Webinar recordings are available here:
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Recording from September 15th from 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm ET Passcode: t8HM$sw$
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Recording from September 19th from 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm ET Passcode: t8HM$sw$
Stakeholder Input Sessions
To inform the design and implementation of the HCBS Grant Opportunities, the Agency hosted two stakeholder engagement meetings to collect community feedback. Meeting materials are posted below.
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Recording from June 29, 2023 at 2 pm ET Password: 8o79.W@.
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Recording from July 10, 2023 at 9:30 am ET Password: 6?X*uQdE
- Presentation*
*Please note that the content of this presentation is now outdated. Please refer to the User Guide above for the latest information regarding the HCBS Grant Opportunity.
If you have any questions regarding the HCBS Grant Opportunity, please email our AHS Grants Management team at AHS.HCBSGrants@vermont.gov.
Page last updated: 4/24/24.