Legal Assistance Enhancement Program Grants

The Legal Assistance Enhancement Program Grants are offered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through the Administration for Community Living. This program is designed to support the objectives of the Older Americans Act, specifically Section 307(a)(11), along with regulatory requirements set forth in 45 C.F.R. 1321.93 and 1324.303. The initiative seeks to fund projects that expand or improve the delivery of legal services to older adults at both state and local levels through the establishment or strengthening of public-private partnerships. The purpose of the grant is to ensure that older adults have access to a comprehensive range of legal assistance. This includes services spanning from providing legal advice to delivering full legal representation. The program emphasizes sustainable and measurable improvements in service delivery, meaning that awarded projects are expected not only to initiate enhancements but also to ensure that improvements are lasting and capable of being replicated or continued beyond the funding period. Approximately five cooperative agreements are expected to be awarded under this funding opportunity. The total estimated program funding is $1,000,000, with individual award sizes ranging between $100,000 and $250,000. Applicants must provide cost sharing or matching funds, though the exact percentage or required match amount has not been specified in the forecast. Because the opportunity is listed as discretionary, the awarding agency will exercise judgment in selecting projects that best align with the stated goals and criteria. Eligibility is open to a wide range of applicants. However, foreign entities are explicitly excluded from eligibility. Faith-based and community organizations that meet the criteria are permitted to apply, as are other organizations across sectors. Since the program falls under the “Unrestricted” eligibility category, most types of organizations—including state and local governments, nonprofits, and institutions of higher education—may apply as long as they are based in the United States. The Administration for Community Living will oversee the program, with Kari Benson listed as the grantor contact at (202) 401-4634. The forecast indicates that the estimated posting date for the official notice of funding opportunity is March 4, 2026, with applications due by May 5, 2026. The estimated award date is August 17, 2026, with funded projects expected to start on September 1, 2026. No pre-application requirements, such as letters of intent, were indicated in the forecast. The program is anticipated to recur, as it aligns with ongoing Older Americans Act provisions, though exact details of future cycles will be confirmed in subsequent announcements. Applicants should consult the official ACL grants portal for further details and updates at https://acl.gov/grants/open-opportunities. Because this opportunity is still in forecast status, specific application instructions, evaluation criteria, and submission requirements are not yet available. Prospective applicants should monitor the ACL website and Grants.gov for release of the full Notice of Funding Opportunity and prepare accordingly to ensure timely submission once the application period opens.