Social Isolation & Loneliness Grant Opportunity

The Social Isolation & Loneliness Grant Opportunity is administered by the Ohio District 5 Area Agency on Aging, with funding made available through the Richland County Senior Services Levy. This grant program seeks to support initiatives that mitigate the effects of social isolation and loneliness among older adults residing in Richland County, Ohio. Social isolation is recognized as a growing concern among the aging population, often stemming from factors such as living alone, the death of loved ones, chronic illnesses, and sensory impairments. This funding initiative specifically targets seniors aged 60 and older, aiming to increase their engagement in community-based group activities and improve their sense of connection. The primary objective of the grant is to enable established organizations and businesses within Richland County to expand existing group-based services in ways that intentionally include at-risk seniors. Applicants are expected to demonstrate a history of offering programs or services in group settings and should propose plans that effectively integrate older adults into these activities. Projects should present a clear strategy for fostering meaningful social connections, with measurable outcomes indicating improvements in social engagement among the targeted population. Proposed efforts should also include components such as participant intake, screening, referral processes, and outcome reporting. Funding of up to $10,000 per project is available. While there is no match requirement for this opportunity, applicants must adhere strictly to the funder's use and restriction guidelines. Eligible costs include the purchase of senior-specific materials, staffing directly tied to participant engagement (capped at 10% of the award), meals or refreshments (if proper food licensure is secured), and marketing or outreach directed toward seniors. In contrast, general overhead, indirect administrative costs exceeding 10%, new equipment purchases, and services targeting individuals under 60 or outside of Richland County are explicitly ineligible. Subcontracting is only permitted with prior approval, and the use of funds for tobacco, alcohol, or drugs is strictly prohibited. Applications must be submitted via Microsoft Forms. Applicants are advised to prepare all required information and documents beforehand, as the form does not save progress once exited. Required supporting documentation includes proof of insurance, registration with the Ohio Secretary of State, and a food license if applicable. Evaluation criteria for application review include the proposed project's reach and impact, cost-effectiveness, program goals and outcomes, integration and design, outreach strategies, and administration and reporting mechanisms. The grant cycle follows a fixed timeline. Applications became available online on February 18, 2026. A virtual applicant information session is scheduled for February 24, 2026, at 3:00 PM, with registration required by February 23. All completed applications and supporting documents must be submitted via email to Kim Mercer at [email protected] by Friday, March 13, 2026, at 4:00 PM ET. Late submissions will not be accepted. Award notifications will be followed by a mandatory orientation session on March 30, 2026, and funded projects must commence by April 1, 2026, concluding on December 31, 2026. For further inquiries or assistance with the application process, interested applicants may contact Trae Turner, Chief of Planning and Development, at [email protected] or by phone at 567-247-6455. The program does not include recurring cycles by default, and no subsequent due dates have been provided beyond the 2026 deadline. This opportunity is geared specifically toward improving the lives of seniors in Richland County through structured group engagement and a clear accountability framework.

Gather all information before starting the Microsoft Form, as progress is not saved. Ensure required documents (proof of insurance, state registration, food license) are prepared in advance.