Expanding Strategies for Community Evidence-Based Falls Prevention Programming

The "Expanding Strategies for Community Evidence-Based Falls Prevention Programming" funding opportunity, administered by the Administration for Community Living (ACL) through the Administration on Aging (AoA), aims to reduce falls and falls risk among older adults and adults with disabilities. The focus is on those in greatest social and economic need through the implementation of evidence-based falls prevention programs. This initiative emphasizes the integration of innovative, person-centered approaches to address the individual needs and choices of participants. The funding also promotes sustainability strategies and partnerships to ensure program longevity beyond the grant period. Applicants are required to propose programs that align with ACL's list of pre-approved evidence-based falls prevention interventions. Programs must address falls risk across a continuum of needs, including high, medium, and low risk. Strategies for program implementation include bi-directional referral processes, participant assessments, and follow-ups. Applicants must demonstrate a plan to engage participants progressively over the three-year project period, starting with 25% of the target participants in the first year and reaching 100% by year three. The funding opportunity will award two cooperative agreements, with a total budget request of $1,250,000 per award for the three-year project. Awards will involve substantial collaboration with ACL and the National Falls Prevention Resource Center. The anticipated start date is July 1, 2025. Applicants must submit a letter of intent by January 13, 2025, with full applications due by February 27, 2025. Eligible applicants include domestic public or private nonprofit entities. Proposals must outline innovative strategies, target populations, marketing approaches, and plans for sustainability. Recruitment efforts must prioritize older adults and adults with disabilities in greatest social and economic need, as defined by the Older Americans Act regulations updated in February 2024. Applicants must also include letters of support or commitment from key partners to confirm their roles in the proposed programs. ACL emphasizes the importance of program infrastructure and quality assurance to ensure fidelity to the evidence-based models. Applicants are encouraged to integrate remote delivery options where feasible and account for associated costs, such as technology needs and training for virtual program delivery. The proposal must include a budget justification, work plan, and sustainability strategies to maintain program delivery after the funding period. The review process will consider factors such as the program's feasibility, innovation, targeted population outreach, capacity to deliver results, and alignment with ACL’s goals. Applicants are advised to provide realistic, data-informed participation targets, with supporting rationale for proposed goals.