Strengthening Social Connection in Communities Grant

Meredith Hanley
mhanley@usaging.org

Marisa Scala-Foley
mscala-foley@usaging.org

Grant for programs to support the implementation of new or the expansion of existing social connection programs and initiatives designed to address the specific needs of older adults and/or caregivers. The approved evidence-based and evidence-informed programs eligible for funding can be found in the program bank.

Organizations that serve rural, tribal and/or hard to reach populations or areas are strongly encouraged to apply for this funding opportunity.

Organizations can submit a proposal in one of the following tracks:

• Program replication/expansion: Applicants may introduce one of the approved social connection programs to their organization, or, if already offering one of these programs, may seek to expand it to reach new communities or populations in their service area. Applicants may also choose to offer a technology-focused social connection initiative that has evidence supporting its use.
• Cross-sector partnership: Emphasizes the development or expansion of the approved social connection programs through partnerships between community-based organizations (CBOs) and health care partners (such as hospitals, health systems, or accountable care organizations), or the implementation of improved processes for referrals between health care providers and CBOs for social connection programs in the communities they serve.

Eligible applicants include:

• Area Agencies on Aging (AAA)
• Title VI Native American Aging Programs
• Aging and Disability Resource Centers
• Community-based social service organizations working with older adults
• Community Care Hubs
• AAA Associations
• State Units on Aging

For applicants other than AAAs, it is expected your local AAA should be aware of or involved in the project and provide a letter affirming their commitment to participate in the project, except for applicants from a Single State Authority state.

Two grantees must be located in western New York (Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans or Wyoming counties) and have a focus on social connection programs for people with cognitive impairment or mental health concerns such as depression.

Up to $35,000 each for up to 10 organizations.

Links to additional guidance, application instructions, and the online application are available on the program website.

Applicant webinar
(Registration required)
October 23, 2025
2:00 p.m. Eastern