NEKCOA Offers Building Communities Stronger Grants

The NEK Council on Aging has opened applications for the Building Communities Stronger for Elder Vermonters Grants for community service organizations that support services to elder Vermonters. Funding for these community projects is being provided under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (“ARPA”).

The Building Communities Stronger for Elder Vermonters Grant was created to provide limited financial support (up to $2,000) to communities and partners to help NEKCOA build greater capacity and to develop a network of support for elder adults and family caregivers. This grant is to support community-based aging services non-profits the NEKCOA collaborates with, including but not limited to senior centers; meal sites; community centers; nutrition programs; legal assistance; mental health services; etc. NEKCOA will consider offering grants for organizations that are located in or directly serve elder adults and family caregivers in their service area. Applicants must be organizations with a 501(c)(3) status or be associated with one who is acting as their fiscal agent.

To be eligible for funding, proposed projects and activities must meet Older American Act requirements that funds be used to support:

·        Low-income older individuals,

·        Low-income minority older individuals,

·        Older individuals with limited English proficiency,

·        Older individuals residing in rural areas, 

·        Focused development of resources to help build greater capacity, and advance the development/implementation of a comprehensive and coordinated system of service to older adults,

·        Operational capacity and proven track records,

·        Ability to provide data, quality results/outcomes related to the investment to your area agency on aging.

In 2022, the NEKCOA awarded 12 grants to area organizations and programs for a total of $20,000 in support.
 
“The Burke Senior Meal Site was pleased to receive the Building Communities Stronger grant. With this grant, we were able to purchase new equipment, and replace faulty equipment. All of these items have made a huge difference for us. We can prepare more, store more, and serve more in a safe manner,” said Wendy Bean, Manager.
 
“We used the grant to purchase a new TV, sound system, and portable air conditioner to enhance our wellness classes by offering Zumba, cardio-drumming, and travel videos,” said Robert Walley, Chef/Manager of the Danville Senior Action Center. “The GetSetUp live videos are great and guests use the TV to provide presentations of trips abroad.” 
 
Grant application and guidelines can be found at www.nekcouncil.org or call Mel Reis, Director of Communications and Development (802) 748-5182. Application deadline is May 15, 2023.