Advancing Strategies to Support Older Adults with Behavioral Health Conditions in the Senior Nutrition Program Setting

The Administration for Community Living (ACL), through its Administration on Aging (AoA), has released the funding opportunity titled "Advancing Strategies to Support Older Adults with Behavioral Health Conditions in the Senior Nutrition Program Setting" (HHS-2025-ACL-AOA-INNU-0036). This funding initiative supports the development and statewide implementation of strategies that improve access to congregate meal programs for older adults aged 60 and over with behavioral health conditions, including those experiencing homelessness. The initiative aligns with ACL's mission to enhance independence, well-being, and health for older adults and reflects federal priorities under the Older Americans Act to ensure services are trauma-informed, culturally appropriate, and person-centered. The grant aims to fund two statewide cooperative agreements over a 36-month period, with anticipated project dates from September 1, 2025, to August 30, 2028. In year one, each recipient may receive between $400,000 and $500,000, with continued funding of $300,000 to $400,000 annually in years two and three, contingent on federal appropriations. The total anticipated funding is $1 million, and a 25% cost-sharing match is required, which can be fulfilled through cash or in-kind contributions. Funds are intended to support activities such as needs assessments, staff training, pilot programs, evaluation efforts, resource development, and dissemination of findings. Eligible applicants include domestic public or private nonprofit entities such as state and local governments, Indian tribal organizations, community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, hospitals, and institutions of higher education. Applicants must demonstrate the ability to execute a statewide initiative, and if they are not a State Unit on Aging (SUA), they must partner with an organization receiving Title III-C funding. At least two partners must specialize in serving the target population, and if homelessness is addressed, one partner should have relevant expertise. The project will be evaluated based on four major goals: (1) identifying barriers and facilitators for congregate meal participation among the target population, (2) training staff to implement best practices based on these findings, (3) evaluating the effectiveness of implemented practices, and (4) creating and disseminating at least ten Section 508-compliant resources. Each proposal must include a work plan, detailed budget justification, and signed letters of commitment from key partners. Section 508 compliance is mandatory for all materials created under the award. Applications must be submitted electronically via Grants.gov no later than 11:59 PM ET on August 20, 2025. A Letter of Intent, while optional, is requested by July 21, 2025. All applicants must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) and have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). Evaluation criteria will assess the project’s relevance, clarity, scalability, impact, and applicant capacity, with detailed scoring across twelve key sections. For inquiries, applicants can contact Project Officer Kari Benson via email at AOA.OAA@acl.hhs.gov. The grant opportunity is open nationwide and includes technical and programmatic support from ACL and the National Resource Center on Nutrition on Aging (NRCNA) throughout the project period.

Submit early. Ensure partnerships and evaluation are strong. Plan for 508 compliance.