National Ombudsman Resource Center

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, through the Administration for Community Living, is forecasting a new cooperative agreement opportunity to establish the National Long-Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center. The Administration for Community Living (ACL) works to support older adults and people with disabilities by funding programs that enhance independence, well-being, and advocacy. This initiative reflects ACL’s mission to improve quality of care and protection for vulnerable individuals in long-term care facilities by strengthening state-based Ombudsman programs. The purpose of the National Ombudsman Resource Center is to provide support, technical assistance, and training for the 53 State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Programs and their affiliated statewide networks. The cooperative agreement is designed to increase the capacity of these programs to advocate effectively on behalf of residents in long-term care facilities. The resource center will provide professional development opportunities, disseminate tools and best practices, and ensure that state Ombudsman offices have access to guidance that strengthens their ability to respond to resident concerns and systemic challenges. The scope of funding under this opportunity includes building the skills, knowledge, and management capacity of State Ombudsman Programs. Funds are intended to support the creation and dissemination of resources, coordination of training events, and provision of technical assistance to ensure that Ombudsman staff and volunteers are better equipped to meet their statutory responsibilities. By doing so, ACL anticipates that Ombudsman programs will be able to more effectively advocate for resident rights, improve quality of care, and resolve complaints in long-term care facilities. Eligible applicants for this opportunity are unrestricted, meaning any type of entity within the United States may apply, provided they meet the criteria outlined in the announcement. However, foreign entities are not eligible to compete or receive awards. Faith-based and community-based organizations that meet the eligibility standards are explicitly permitted to apply. This broad eligibility framework is intended to encourage a range of applicants with the experience and capacity to manage a national technical assistance resource center. The timeline for this cooperative agreement follows a structured schedule. The estimated post date for the full funding announcement is January 6, 2026, with applications due by March 9, 2026. The anticipated award date is June 15, 2026, and the project is expected to begin on July 1, 2026. The forecast was last updated on September 5, 2025, and is designated as Forecast 1 for fiscal year 2026. Applicants should closely monitor the ACL website and Grants.gov for official release of the Notice of Funding Opportunity, which will provide full application instructions and evaluation criteria. The total estimated program funding for this initiative is $520,000, with one award anticipated. The award ceiling is $520,000 and the floor is $516,407, ensuring a narrow funding range. Matching funds are required, though the specific match amount is not identified in the forecast and will require verification once the full funding announcement is published. Interested applicants are encouraged to plan for cost-sharing as part of their budget development. Questions may be directed to the ACL grant contact, Kari Benson, at (202) 401-4634. Additional information and updates can be found at https://acl.gov/grants/open-opportunities.