As the chair of the Healthy Aging Ad Hoc Committee, Commissioner Kristen Nelson (D-Waterford Twp.) secured funding for local senior centers and nonprofit organizations that provide senior centered services. Applications for the Senior Centers Grant Program will open on Monday, Oct. 31. The grants will award up to $250,000 in matching funds. Grant applications close Dec. 9.
"Our senior community centers play a vital role for older adults, offering opportunities for socialization, nutrition, recreation, and education," said Commissioner Kristen Nelson (D-Waterford Twp.). This grant opportunity will greatly assist senior centers in growing their capacity to meet identified community needs, including access to computers, internet and training, professional development, and infrastructure improvement projects."
"Using CARES Act funds in 2020, we reimbursed senior centers for pandemic related expenses, but with these funds we are making future-focused investments to improve the quality of life of our older residents," said County Executive David Coulter. "We are pleased to work collaboratively with Commissioner Nelson and the Board of Commissioners on this important program."
Utilizing American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding, the grants will pay for senior center improvements such as capital, technology, infrastructure, and equipment improvements or professional development. The Senior Centers Grant Program is part of the Oakland County Board of Commissioners' $8.5 million for Oakland Together Seniors Initiative which was unanimously approved on September 1. Additional programs are focused on improving communication with older residents, reinstating the Elderly Abuse Prevention Coalition, supporting volunteers at senior-focused non-profit organizations, and making improvements to the Senior Chore program which provides critical assistance to allow seniors to stay in their homes.
Senior centers and nonprofit organizations must be located in Oakland County to qualify for the Senior Centers Grant Program. Matching funds may include in-kind, past, current, or future investment in senior centers, recreational facilities for senior activities, or other investments providing long-term benefits to senior residents.
Project applications must include:
- Eligibility under the United States Treasury guidelines for ARPA funding
- An account of how the proposal will use the Senior Centers Grant Program funding to make long-term improvements for senior residents in each community, including an implementation plan and timeline for grant funding
- A description of the impact of COVID-19 pandemic and how that impacted plans under this grant
Informational virtual meetings for Senior Centers Grant Program are scheduled for Nov. 14 and 28. Grants are due to the county on Friday, Dec. 9, 2022. Recipients will receive notification letters in mid-January. The Board of Commissioners will distribute the funds in early February. Grantees must utilize the Senior Centers Grant Program funds by Dec. 31, 2026.
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