Funding Opportunities for Falls Reduction by the NCOA
The National Council on Aging (NCOA) has introduced two pivotal funding opportunities aimed at enhancing falls prevention efforts: the State Falls Prevention Coalitions and the ACL Innovation Lab. These initiatives are designed to foster collaboration, advance workforce development, and empower older adults to age with dignity by improving access to care and addressing social determinants of health.
State Falls Prevention Coalitions
This funding opportunity invites a diverse range of organizations to develop or enhance state-level falls prevention coalitions. Eligible entities include domestic public or private nonprofit organizations such as:
Nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status
Public and state-controlled institutions of higher education
Native American tribal organizations and governments
Public housing authorities
State, county, city, or township governments
Faith-based and community organizations
While for-profit organizations are not eligible to apply as primary grantees, they can play a crucial role as partners. For instance, a training company specializing in caregiver education can collaborate with an eligible nonprofit to provide educational interventions aimed at reducing falls risk. Such partnerships leverage the expertise of both entities, enhancing the coalition's capacity to implement effective falls prevention strategies.
Application Deadline: Friday, February 21, 2025, by 11:59 p.m. ET.
ACL Innovation Lab
The ACL Innovation Lab focuses on increasing access to falls prevention interventions for underserved older populations. Eligible applicants are domestic public or private nonprofit entities, including those listed above. Similar to the State Falls Prevention Coalitions, for-profit organizations are ineligible to apply directly but can contribute significantly through partnerships. A training company, for example, could partner with a nonprofit to deliver tailored training programs that address specific community needs, thereby enhancing the project's impact.
Letter of Interest Deadline: Monday, February 10, 2025, by 11:59 p.m. ET.
Application Deadline: Friday, March 21, 2025, by 11:59 p.m. ET.
The Role of Non-Eligible Entities in Promoting Awareness and Access
Non-eligible entities, such as for-profit training companies, have a unique opportunity to influence and support these initiatives by:
Advocacy and Outreach: Utilizing their networks to raise awareness about the funding opportunities, encouraging eligible organizations to apply, and highlighting the importance of falls prevention.
Collaborative Partnerships: Offering expertise in areas like workforce development, program implementation, and training to eligible entities, thereby strengthening grant applications and program effectiveness.
Resource Provision: Contributing resources such as training materials, technology, or personnel to support the coalition's activities and expand their reach.
Case Studies
Training Company Partnership
Scenario: A for-profit training company specializing in caregiver education seeks to impact falls prevention.
Approach: The company partners with a nonprofit senior center eligible for the State Falls Prevention Coalitions funding. Together, they develop a program where the training company provides workshops for caregivers on best practices to prevent falls among older adults. This collaboration enhances the skills of caregivers, directly contributing to the reduction of falls in the community.
Nonprofit Organization Initiative
Scenario: A community-based nonprofit organization aims to address the high incidence of falls among older adults in a rural area.
Approach: The nonprofit applies for the ACL Innovation Lab funding to implement a multifaceted falls prevention program. They collaborate with local health departments, area agencies on aging, and a for-profit home modification company. The program includes home safety assessments, installation of assistive devices, and physical activity classes designed to improve balance and strength. The for-profit partner provides expertise and services at a reduced cost, demonstrating a successful public-private partnership that enhances the well-being of older adults.
Engaging in these NCOA funding opportunities through strategic partnerships not only advances workforce development but also plays a critical role in enabling older adults to age with dignity and autonomy. By addressing social determinants of health and improving access to care, both eligible and non-eligible entities can collaboratively create impactful, sustainable solutions in falls prevention.
For more information on these funding opportunities, visit the NCOA's official announcements:
Note: Application deadlines are approaching. Interested parties are encouraged to review the eligibility criteria and consider forming partnerships to maximize the impact of their initiatives.
