Strengthening Aging Services for Minority Populations Through Technical Assistance, Resource Development, and Program Coordination

The Administration for Community Living within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has announced a forecasted discretionary grant opportunity titled Strengthening Aging Services for Minority Populations Through Technical Assistance, Resource Development, and Program Coordination. This program is authorized under the Older Americans Act (OAA), which directs that services and supports should prioritize older adults and family caregivers with the greatest economic and social needs. The initiative underscores the federal government’s recognition of disparities experienced by minority populations in accessing aging services, and aims to strengthen national capacity to address these gaps through the creation of a National Minority Technical Assistance Resource Center. The grant will fund one cooperative agreement for a three-year project beginning in September 2026. The recipient will establish and operate a National Minority Technical Assistance Resource Center to serve the national aging network. The project will be responsible for developing and disseminating training and technical assistance to improve the ability of agencies and organizations to meet the needs of minority older adults and their caregivers. Areas of focus will include economic security, access to services, housing, self-advocacy, trauma-informed care, and caregiver support. Additionally, the project will promote education on effective strategies and resources to engage older adults who face systemic barriers to outreach and access. The Resource Center will also work on advancing evidence-based approaches and community engagement strategies, ensuring equitable service delivery. Another key objective is to test and disseminate approaches that agencies in the aging and human services network can use to better serve minority older adults and their families. Through these efforts, the project will contribute to a stronger, more coordinated national framework that supports minority aging populations. Funding for this opportunity totals $1,150,160, with the entire amount allocated to a single award. Both the award ceiling and award floor are set at this amount, ensuring that the selected recipient will have the full funding to carry out the scope of work. Cost sharing or matching is required, though the notice does not specify the percentage or dollar amount required, meaning applicants will need to plan to provide match funding and verify requirements upon release of the full announcement. The assistance listing for this program is 93.048, which corresponds to Special Programs for the Aging, Title IV and Title II, Discretionary Projects. Eligibility for this opportunity is broad and includes state governments, county governments, city or township governments, special district governments, independent school districts, Native American tribal governments (both federally recognized and non-federally recognized tribal organizations), public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status, and public housing authorities. Faith-based and community organizations that meet these criteria are also eligible to apply. However, foreign entities are explicitly prohibited from receiving awards under this program. The timeline for this opportunity begins with the estimated post date of April 1, 2026, followed by an application due date of June 1, 2026. The award is expected to be issued by September 1, 2026, with projects beginning on the same date. Because this is a forecast, dates are subject to change upon publication of the full Notice of Funding Opportunity. The program is recurring under the Older Americans Act and would therefore be expected to continue in future cycles, though only one award will be made in this round. Interested applicants are encouraged to monitor the Administration for Community Living’s website for updates. The grantor contact for this opportunity is Kari Benson, who can be reached at 202-401-4634. No email address is provided in the forecast notice. Further information on the program and related funding opportunities can be accessed at the Administration for Community Living’s grants portal at https://acl.gov/grants/open-opportunities.