The Administration for Community Living (ACL), under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), has forecasted a discretionary funding opportunity aimed at advancing behavioral health support strategies within senior nutrition program settings. This initiative acknowledges the growing need for specialized behavioral health services among older adults and intends to address the barriers faced in delivering such services within congregate meal settings.

The project aims to explore current challenges and enabling factors in serving older adults with behavioral health conditions in senior nutrition environments. It encourages the development and implementation of trauma-informed, person-centered best practices to effectively address these challenges. Additionally, the grant seeks to produce and disseminate resources and strategies developed from both tested interventions and pre-existing successful practices. All materials produced under this initiative must be compliant with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities.

Funding will be distributed through cooperative agreements, emphasizing close collaboration between grantees and the federal agency. The program expects to make two awards with individual funding ranging between $400,000 and $500,000. The total funding allocated for the program is estimated at $1,000,000. Projects under this grant should be scalable and demonstrate potential for widespread implementation across the aging services network.

Eligible applicants include a wide range of entities such as state, county, and city governments, Native American tribal organizations and governments, nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status, educational institutions, and public housing authorities. Faith-based and community organizations that meet eligibility requirements are also welcome to apply. However, foreign entities are explicitly excluded from participation.

The estimated posting date for this opportunity is April 23, 2025, with applications due by June 23, 2025. Awards are expected to be made by September 1, 2025, which is also the anticipated start date for funded projects. This grant requires cost sharing or matching funds from the applicants.

For more information or specific inquiries, the point of contact is Patricia (Patty) Keane, who can be reached at 202-795-7783. Further details and updates are available at https://acl.gov/grants/open-opportunities.