Advancing Strategies to Deliver and Sustain Evidence-Based Chronic Disease Self-Management Education Programs to Support Older Adults with Behavioral Health Conditions

The Administration for Community Living (ACL), through its Administration on Aging (AoA), has released a funding opportunity titled “Advancing Strategies to Deliver and Sustain Evidence-Based Chronic Disease Self-Management Education Programs to Support Older Adults with Behavioral Health Conditions,” under Funding Opportunity Number HHS-2025-ACL-AOA-CSSG-0034. This initiative is grounded in the goals of the Older Americans Act (OAA) and supported by the Prevention and Public Health Fund. The funding opportunity aims to support community-based health education and support programs tailored to older adults (aged 60 and older) and individuals with disabilities who are affected by behavioral health conditions or related stressors. The funding instrument is a cooperative agreement, enabling close collaboration between awardees and ACL, particularly with the National CDSME Resource Center, to ensure effective program implementation and knowledge sharing. The purpose of the grant is to develop statewide initiatives that build infrastructure and capacity to deliver and sustain evidence-based Chronic Disease Self-Management Education (CDSME) and self-management support programs. The focus is on enhancing behavioral health among older adults and adults with disabilities, especially those experiencing conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, or substance use disorder, or facing behavioral health stressors such as trauma, caregiving burdens, financial instability, or housing transitions. The programs selected by applicants must come from the approved lists in Appendices B and C of the NOFO and must be person-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally appropriate. Key deliverables include expanding the reach of CDSME participation, developing state-level partnerships with at least two behavioral health organizations, and disseminating replicable tools and findings to support national learning. The total funding available for this opportunity is $6,203,143, and five cooperative agreements are expected to be awarded. Each award will range from $1,100,000 to $1,250,000 over a 36-month project period. The project start date is anticipated to be September 1, 2025. While no cost-sharing or match is required, voluntary matching contributions are permitted and must be reported if proposed. Applicants are required to submit detailed budget justifications and work plans for each of the three project years, alongside a project narrative not exceeding 20 pages. The budget must include travel for two staff members to attend the National CDSME Resource Center’s annual conference each year. Eligible applicants include domestic public or private non-profit entities such as state and local governments, independent school districts, public housing authorities, Native American tribal governments or organizations, faith-based organizations, and higher education institutions. Applicants must demonstrate statewide reach and the ability to partner with organizations that specialize in behavioral health services. All proposals must prioritize reaching individuals with the greatest economic and social need, per the OAA’s requirements. Required components include a project abstract, description of current need, implementation approach, outcomes and evaluation plans, and documentation of organizational capacity. Applications must be submitted via Grants.gov no later than August 15, 2025, by 11:59 PM ET. A letter of intent, although not mandatory, is requested by the same date to aid ACL in planning for application review. Applications must adhere to formatting requirements (e.g., double-spaced, standard fonts, and page limits). All documentation, including letters of support from key partners, training commitments from program developers, and a map illustrating service coverage, must be submitted electronically. ACL strongly advises early submission due to potential technical delays and will not accept late applications unless technical issues can be verified through Grants.gov support. Evaluation of applications is based on a 100-point scale, with weighted sections including the project narrative, budget justification, work plan, and letters of support. A successful application will clearly define goals, outcomes, and sustainability strategies, and demonstrate fidelity to approved programs. All deliverables must be Section 508-compliant to ensure accessibility, and grantees must comply with reporting requirements and federal regulations. This grant offers a strategic opportunity for organizations to make measurable impacts on the behavioral health of older adults through evidence-based interventions and sustainable partnerships.

Submit early, select only approved programs, include required letters, clarify capacity and partnerships.