Foa_Content_of_HHS-2025-ACL-AOA-EJIG-0023- Updated 07-10-2025.pdf

Administration for Community Living

Administration on Aging

Elder Justice Innovation Grants FY2025

HHS-2025-ACL-AOA-EJIG-0023

08/11/2025

Table of Contents Executive Summary

Additional Overview Content/Executive Summary

I. Funding Opportunity Description

II. Award Information

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

3. Responsiveness and Screening Criteria

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Address to Request Application Package

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

Letter of Intent

Project Narrative

Project Abstract

Project Relevance and Current Need

Goals and Objectives

Proposed Approach

Stakeholder Involvement and Letters of Commitment from Key Participating Organizations and Agencies

Measurable Outcomes

Evaluation

Dissemination

Logic Model

Work Plan

Organizational Capacity and Project Management

Budget Narrative/Justification

3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM)

4. Submission Dates and Times

5. Intergovernmental Review

6. Funding Restrictions

7. Other Submission Requirements

V. Application Review Information

1. Criteria

2. Review and Selection Process

3. Anticipated Announcement Award Date

VI. Award Administration Information

1. Award Notices

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

3. Reporting

4. FFATA and FSRS Reporting

VII. Agency Contacts

VIII. Other Information

The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (P.L. 104-13)

Appendix

Instructions for Completing Required Forms

Budget Narrative/Justification- Sample Format

Instructions for Completing the Project Summary/ Abstract

Sample Logic Model

ACL Center:

Administration on Aging Funding Opportunity Title:

Elder Justice Innovation Grants FY2025 Funding Opportunity Number:

HHS-2025-ACL-AOA-EJIG-0023

Primary CFDA Number:

93.747 Due Date for Letter of Intent:

Due Date for Applications:

08/11/2025 Date for Informational Conference Call:

Applications that fail to meet the application due date will not be reviewed and will receive no further consideration. You are strongly encouraged to submit your application a minimum of 3-5 days prior to the application closing date. Do not wait until the last day in the event you encounter technical difficulties, either on your end or, with https://www.grants.gov. Grants.gov can take up to 48 hours to notify you of a successful submission.

Executive Summary https://www.grants.gov/

Additional Overview Content/Executive Summary The Elder Justice Innovation Grants program supports the development and advancement of knowledge and approaches in new and emerging issues related to elder justice and adult maltreatment prevention.

This NOFO will support the development, testing and dissemination of projects that will:

1. Reduce the number of adults experiencing or at risk of experiencing maltreatment.

2. Preserve the autonomy of, reduce harm to, and lower the risk of recurrence for individuals experiencing, abuse, neglect and financial exploitation.

3. Restore a healthy living situation for adults who have experienced abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation.

4. Increase the well-being of those experiencing abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation.

Funded projects will contribute to the improvement of the field of adult maltreatment prevention and intervention by undertaking initiatives such as developing programs, materials, or interventions that will implement and test adult maltreatment prevention or Adult Protective Services (APS) intervention. ACL is specifically interested in funding programs or initiatives that:

1. Prevent adult maltreatment from occurring, or prevent further harm by intervening early in a situation of adult maltreatment, AND

2. Measurably improve the outcomes of individuals experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, adult maltreatment.

Through this program announcement, ACL plans to award up to eight (8) cooperative agreements, ranging from $250,000 - $500,000 per award for a 36-month project period.

I. Funding Opportunity Description Background

The most recent data available on the prevalence of adult maltreatment (this funding opportunity will use the term “adult maltreatment” and should be understood to include physical, sexual, and emotional abuse; financial exploitation; neglect; and self-neglect of older adults and adults with disabilities) suggests that at least 10 percent of older Americans – approximately 5 million persons—experience emotional, physical, or sexual abuse and neglect each year, and many of them experience it in multiple forms.1 In addition, data from APS agencies show an increasing trend in reports of abuse accepted from 2020 to 2021.2

Despite the prevalence of adult maltreatment and the increase in reports, it is widely documented that research about adult maltreatment is still sparse, especially related to effective evidence-based prevention, intervention, and remediation practices. Understanding of the phenomena of adult maltreatment continues to fall behind understanding of either child maltreatment or intimate partner violence, as do the services for victims of adult maltreatment compared to those available to victims of other forms of family violence. While states, communities, and researchers have made progress on studying and implementing such models, there is still work to be done.

Description

To help fill these gaps in knowledge and practices described above, ACL provides competitive grant awards under the “Elder Justice Innovation Grants” program. The Elder Justice Innovation Grants program supports the development and advancement of knowledge and approaches about new and emerging issues related to elder justice. In FY 2025, ACL invites applicants to propose innovative, new, or novel ideas, programs, or approaches that have a high likelihood of resulting in improved, measurable outcomes for individuals experiencing, or are at risk of experiencing, abuse, neglect and exploitation. Specifically, ACL seeks applications for projects that will implement and test adult maltreatment prevention or APS intervention programs or initiatives that:

1. Prevent adult maltreatment from occurring, or prevent further harm by intervening early in a situation of adult maltreatment, AND

2. Measurably improve the outcomes of individuals experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, adult maltreatment. Examples of outcomes include:

a. Reduction in number of adults experiencing or at risk of experiencing adult maltreatment.

b. Measurable improvements in preserving the autonomy, reducing or ameliorating harm, and mitigating the risk of recurrence for individuals experiencing, abuse, neglect and financial exploitation.

c. Efficiently and effectively restore adults who have experienced abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation.

d. Increasing the health and well-being of those experiencing abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation.

Below are examples of projects that would meet the goal and objectives of this funding opportunity. This list is for illustrative purposes only and is not exhaustive:

• Implement and evaluate individual- or system-level services or responses that address the harmful consequences of adult maltreatment and/or reduce repeat abuse;

• Enhance or improve investigations of, and responses to, adult maltreatment;

• Develop, support, or strengthen interagency collaboration to better serve individuals experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, adult maltreatment;

• Improve the quality of information collected and reported by APS agencies about the incidence and prevalence of adult maltreatment; or

• Improve the state APS program in a manner that improves outcomes for the people served by APS.

Requirements

Section IV.2 outlines the required elements for applications, and applicants are advised to pay close attention to the following.

1. Applications must describe the following in the project narrative section:

• The specific issues the proposed project will address;

• What the applicant expects to produce, accomplish, or achieve with this funding;

• Why the selected approach is likely to produce the most significant knowledge or impact over other, possible approaches; and

• All products or materials to be created as part of the grant.

1. A logic model is required with applications.

A logic model must show what activities the applicant will undertake to accomplish the project’s goals and objectives, the anticipated outcomes, and how the applicant will measure the outcomes and success of the overall project. A sample logic model is included in the Appendix. Logic models serve as tools to help organize project planning. As a condition of the award, new grantees will be asked to make any necessary revisions to their logic model of their project within the first 90 days of the project.

1. Grantees must include a project evaluation.

Grantee evaluations of their projects facilitate the government in assessing whether programs are effective in producing positive change. Applications must include a description of the method/s that will be employed to successfully measure whether the project has achieved its proposed outcome(s), as well as the overall goal for this funding opportunity. Applicants should describe how the evaluation will provide evidence of the effectiveness and return on investment of the program or approach to addressing adult maltreatment. Applicants should be prepared to include progress and information/data on the project’s outcomes and the evaluation in semi-annual reports and at other times as agreed upon by the grantee and ACL.

1. Project Impact Reports

HHS grants recipients are required to submit a final project report (45 CFR 75.342). In addition to the final report, any grantee under the Elder Justice Innovation Grants program must submit to ACL a “Project Impact Report” (i.e., a document or briefing paper) at the end of the project period that is of professional quality for public dissemination that discusses the funded project, its results, and implications and suggestions for furthering the knowledge base on the topic addressed.

Section References:

1. Acierno, R., Hernandez-Tejada, M. A., Anetzberger, G. J., Loew, D., & Muzzy, W.

(2017). The National Elder Mistreatment Study: An 8-year longitudinal study of outcomes. Journal of elder abuse & neglect, 29(4), 254–269. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1080/08946566.201

2. McGee, L. & Urban, K. (2021). Adult Maltreatment Data Report 2020. Submitted to the Administration for Community Living, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Statutory Authority Sections 411 of the Older Americans Act, as amended, and Title XX of the Social Security Act, Subtitle B, the Elder Justice Act of 2009, Section 2042.

II. Award Information

Funding Instrument Type:

CA (Cooperative Agreement) Estimated Total Funding:

$3,000,000 Expected Number of Awards:

https://doi.org/10.1080/08946566.201

Award Ceiling:

$500,000 Per Budget Period

Award Floor:

$250,000 Per Budget Period

Length of Project Period:

36-month project period with three 12-month budget periods Additional Information on Project Periods and Explanation of 'Other' Under this competition, ACL will award approximately eight (8) new, cooperative agreements ranging from $250,000 - $500,000 each. The project period for all awards will be for 36-months (or, 3 years), and the budget periods will be three (3), 12-month periods. Applications for continuation funding beyond the initial year will be reviewed on a non-competitive basis, subject to the availability of funds, contingent on satisfactory progress of the grantee, and a determination by ACL that continued funding will be in the best interest of the government.

The use of subcontractors, subgrantees, or consultants (referred to as "subrecipients" in this funding opportunity announcement) to execute the proposal's programmatic activities may not constitute more than 20% of the total level of effort required to carry out substantive, programmatic activities at any time. If sub-recipients will be used to accomplish substantive, programmatic activities, applications must clearly identify the projects where sub-recipients will be engaged and clearly identify the total percentage of effort sub-recipients are estimated to provide. Please note that the maximum 30% level of effort does not apply per project or task but is a 30% maximum for all programmatic activities in total.

This funding opportunity announcement is for a new cooperative agreement. As provided by the terms of the Federal Grant and Cooperative Agreement Act of 1977 (P.L. 95-224), this Cooperative Agreement provides for the substantial involvement and collaboration of ACL in activities that the recipient organization will carry out in accordance with the provisions of the approved grant award.

By accepting an award under this funding opportunity announcement, the grantee agrees to execute the responsibilities outlined below:

1. Fulfill all the requirements of the grant initiative as outlined in this program announcement, as well as carry out project activities in their application as reviewed, approved, and awarded.

2. Collaborate with the Administration for Community Living (ACL) in the execution of the work plan and collaborate with ACL in understanding the programmatic and budgetary issues of the project. Based on these negotiations and emerging issues in the field, the grantee will revise the project work plan and/or budget as necessary.

3. Evaluate the impact of project activities and provide recommendations to ACL on ways to enhance the program.

4. Meet with the ACL project officer at least once each month, or at such other times as are agreed upon, to improve the effectiveness of the activities carried out under this Agreement.

5. Create products and/or materials under this award that are accurate, objective, unbiased, and of high professional quality, and that do not violate federal, departmental, or agency grant rules. Before publicly disseminating materials developed under this grant, grantee will provide the ACL project officer a copy of the final product for the ACL project officer to have at least 15 business days to ensure the product meets the requirements set forth in the program announcement and cooperative agreement.

6. Submit to the ACL project officer a final, clean copy of all data developed or supported with these grant funds, in the format in which it was developed or produced, as provided for under 45 CFR §75.322 “Intangible property and copyrights.” Per § 75.322(b), “[t]he HHS awarding agency reserves a royalty-free, nonexclusive, and irrevocable right to reproduce, publish, or otherwise use the work for Federal purposes, and to authorize others to do so.” In addition, § 75.322(d) states HHS has the right to “obtain, reproduce, publish, or otherwise use the data produced under a federal award; and (2) authorize others to receive, reproduce, publish, or otherwise use such data for Federal purposes.”

This means that grantees may not withhold from ACL data or information produced from or by this project, including, but not limited to, outcome and evaluation data and materials produced by the grant.

7. Include the following disclaimer on all products produced using grant funding, including those produced by sub-awards:

“This [project/publication/program/website, etc.] [is/was] supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $XX with XX percentage funded by ACL/HHS and $XX amount and XX percentage funded by non-government source(s). The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by ACL/HHS, or the U.S. Government.”

The ACL project officer will execute the responsibilities outlined below:

1. Perform the day-to-day federal responsibilities of managing a grant initiative and will work with the grantee to ensure that the minimum requirements for the grant are met.

2. Work cooperatively with the grantee to clarify the programmatic and budgetary issues to be addressed by the grantee project, and, as necessary, negotiate with grantee to achieve a mutually agreed upon solution to any needs identified by the grantee or ACL.

3. Assist the grantee project leadership in understanding the policy concerns and/or priorities of ACL, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Federal government by conducting periodic briefings and by carrying out ongoing consultations.

ACL will also share information with the grantee about other federally sponsored projects and activities relevant to the interests of the grantees and their activities.

4. Provide technical advice to the grantee on activities and tasks related to the fulfillment of the goals and objectives of this grant.

5. Provide technical advice on grantee work products to ensure they are accurate, objective, unbiased, and of high professional quality, and that they do not violate federal, departmental, or agency grant rules. Before publicly disseminating materials developed under this grant, grantee will provide the ACL project officer a copy of the final product, and within 15 business days, the ACL project officer will provide guidance and feedback on whether the product meets the requirements set forth in the program announcement and this cooperative agreement.

6. Provide consultation to the grantee in identifying emerging issues and modifying work plan priorities as necessary as they relate to the goals and objectives of the grant program.

7. Meet with the grantee project director at least once each month, or at such other times as are agreed upon, to improve the effectiveness of the activities carried out under this Agreement.

Upon execution of this cooperative agreement, requests to modify or amend it or the work plan may be made by ACL or the awardee at any time. Modifications and/or amendments of the Cooperative Agreement or work plan shall be effective upon the mutual agreement of both parties, except where ACL is authorized under the Terms and Conditions of award, 45 CFR Part 75, or other applicable regulation or statute to make unilateral amendments. When an award is issued the cooperative agreement terms and conditions from the program announcement are incorporated by reference.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants Unrestricted (i.e., open to any type of entity above).

Foreign entities are not eligible to compete for, or receive, awards made under this announcement.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching Cost Sharing / Matching Requirement:

Yes For awards that do not require matching or cost sharing by statute, recipients are not expected to provide cost sharing or matching. However, recipients are allowed to voluntarily propose a commitment of non-federal resources. If an applicant decides to voluntarily contribute non-federal resources towards project costs and the costs are accepted by ACL, the non-federal resources will be included in the approved project budget. The applicant will be held accountable for all proposed non-federal resources as shown in the Notice of Award (NOA). A recipient's failure to meet the voluntary amount of non-federal resources that was accepted by ACL as part of the approved project costs and that was identified in the approved budget in the NOA, may result in the disallowance of federal funds. Recipients will be required to report these funds in the Federal Financial Reports.

Under this ACL program, ACL will fund no more than 75% of the project’s total cost, which means the applicant must cover at least 25% of the project’s total cost with non-federal resources. In other words, for every three (3) dollars received in federal funding, the applicant must contribute at least one (1) dollar in non-federal resources toward the project’s total cost.

This “three-to-one” ratio is reflected in the formula included under Item 18 in the “Instructions for Completing Requested Forms.” You can use this formula to calculate your minimum required match. A common error applicants make is to match 25% of the federal share, rather than 25% of the project’s total cost.

There are two types of match: 1) non-federal cash and 2) non-federal in-kind. In general, costs borne by the applicant and cash contributions of any and all third parties involved in the project, including sub-grantees, contractors and consultants, are considered matching funds. Volunteered time and use of facilities to hold meetings or conduct project activities may be considered in-kind (third party) donations. Examples of non-federal cash match includes budgetary funds provided from the applicant agency’s budget for costs associated with the project. ACL encourages you to not exceed the minimum match requirement. Applications with a match greater than the minimum required will not receive additional consideration under the review.

Match is not one of the responsiveness criteria as noted in Section III, 3 Application Screening Criteria.

3. Responsiveness and Screening Criteria Application Responsiveness Criteria ACL is establishing the following minimum criteria to assess whether applications received by ACL are minimally responsive to the goals and objectives of this funding opportunity.

Applications that do not meet the following responsiveness criteria will be administratively eliminated and will not be reviewed. To pass screening for responsiveness, applications must meet the following criteria:

1. Applicant organization has demonstrated expertise in elder justice and/or adult protective services.

2. Applicant provides a project director for this project who will work on this project in a significant capacity (at least 20% of time).

3. Letters of Commitment are included for agencies, organizations, consultants, or entities that are specifically named to carry out any aspect of the project, other than the applicant.

The letters of commitment are on the letterhead of the committing entity, detail the specific role and resources/activities that will be provided in support of the applicant’s project, and are signed. Letters expressing support for the application do not meet this responsiveness element.

4. CVs/Resumes are included for each person identified as "key personnel”.

5. Application includes a budget covering each of the 3 years (36 months) of the project.

6. Application includes a work plan covering each of the 3 years (36 months) of the project.

Application Screening Criteria All applications will be screened to assure a level playing field for all applicants. Applications that fail to meet the screening criteria described below will not be reviewed and will receive no further consideration. For an application to be reviewed, it must meet the following screening requirements:

1. Applications must be submitted electronically via https://www.grants.gov by 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, by the due date listed in section IV.3 Submission Dates and Times.

2. The Project Narrative section of the Application must be double-spaced, on 8.5” x 11” plain white paper with 1” margins on both sides, and a standard font size of no less than 11 point, preferably Times New Roman or Arial.

3. The Project Narrative must not exceed 20 pages. Project Narratives that exceed 20 pages will have the additional pages removed and only the first 20 pages of the Project Narrative will be provided to the merit reviewers for funding consideration. NOTE: The

Project Work Plan, Letters of Commitment, and Vitae of Key Project Personnel are not counted as part of the Project Narrative for purposes of the 20-page limit.

Any claim of an unsuccessful submission due to system issues requires authenticated verification from https://www.grants.gov indicating system problems existed at the time of your submission. For example, you will be required to provide an https://www.grants.gov submission error notification and/or tracking number to substantiate missing the application deadline.

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Address to Request Application Package Application materials can be obtained from https://www.grants.gov or https://www.acl.gov/grants/applying-grants.

Please note, ACL requires applications for all announcements to be submitted electronically through http://www.grants.gov in Workspace. Grants.gov Workspace is the standard way for organizations and individuals to apply for federal grants in Grants.gov. An overview and training on Grants.gov Workspace can be found here at:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/workspace-overview.html

The Grants.gov registration process can take several days. If your organization is not currently registered, please begin this process immediately. For assistance with https://www.grants.gov, please contact them at support@grants.gov or 800-518-4726 between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.

Eastern Time.

• At the https://www.grants.gov website, you will find information about submitting an application electronically through the site, including the hours of operation. ACL strongly recommends that you do not wait until the application due date to begin the application process because of the time involved to complete the registration process.

• All applicants must have a UEI and be registered with the System for Award Management (SAM, www.sam.gov) and maintain an active SAM registration until the application process is complete, and should a grant be made, throughout the life of the award. Effective June 11, 2018, when registering or renewing your registration, you must submit a notarized letter appointing the authorized Entity Administrator. Please be sure to read the FAQs located at www.sam.gov to learn more. Applicants should allot sufficient time prior to the application deadline to finalize a new, or renew an existing registration.

This action should allow you time to resolve any issues that may arise. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in your inability to submit your application or receive an award. Maintain documentation (with dates) of your efforts to register or renew at least two weeks before the deadline. See the SAM Quick Guide for Grantees at:

SAM.GOV Quick Start Guide for Financial Assistance Registrations.

Note: Once your SAM registration is active, allow 24 to 48 hours for the information to be available in Grants.gov before you can submit an application through Grants.gov. This action should allow you time to resolve any issues that may arise. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in your inability to submit your application or receive an award.

• Note: Failure to submit the correct EIN Suffix can lead to delays in identifying your organization and access to funding in the Payment Management System.

https://www.grants.gov https://www.grants.gov https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.acl.gov/grants/applying-grants http://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/workspace-overview.html https://www.grants.gov/ mailto:support@grants.gov https://www.grants.gov/ http://www.sam.gov/ https://www.fsd.gov/sys_attachment.do?sys_id=54e0016fdb3bbd90a8cb4a3913961934

• Effective October 1, 2010, HHS requires all entities that plan to apply for and ultimately receive federal grant funds from any HHS Operating/Staff Division (OPDIV/STAFFDIV) or receive subawards directly from the recipients of those grant funds to:

1. Register in SAM prior to submitting an application or plan;

2. Maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which it has an active award or an application or plan under consideration by an OPDIV; and

3. Provide its UEI number in each application or plan to submit to the OPDIV.

Additionally, all first-tier subaward recipients must have a UEI number at the time the subaward is made.

• The Federal Government will transition from the DUNS Number to the New Unique Entity Identifier. As of April of 2022, the federal government stopped using the DUNS number to uniquely identify entities. At that point, entities doing business with the federal government will use a Unique Entity Identifier (SAM) created in SAM.gov. It is entered on the SF-424. It is a unique, nine-digit identification number, which provides unique identifiers of single business entities.

• You must submit all documents electronically, including all information included on the SF424 and all necessary assurances and certifications. In accordance with the Federal Government’s efforts to reduce reporting burden for recipients of federal financial assistance, the general certification and representation requirements contained in the Standard Form 424B (SF-424B) – Assurances – Non-Construction Programs, and the Standard Form 424D (SF-424D) – Assurances – Construction Programs, have been standardized federal-wide. Effective January 1, 2020, the updated common certification and representation requirements will be stored and maintained within SAM.

Organizations or individuals applying for federal financial assistance as of January 1, 2020, must validate the federally required common certifications and representations annually through SAM located at SAM.gov.

• After you electronically submit your application, you will receive an automatic acknowledgment from https://www.grants.gov that contains https://www.grants.gov tracking number. The Administration for Community Living will retrieve your application form from https://www.grants.gov.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Community Living

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

Letter of Intent Number of Days from Publication 15

Applicants are requested, but not required, to submit a letter of intent to apply for this funding opportunity to assist ACL in planning for the application independent review process. The purpose of the letter of intent is to allow our staff to estimate the number of independent reviewers needed and to avoid potential conflicts of interest in the review. Letters of intent should be sent to:

https://www.grants.gov https://www.grants.gov https://www.grants.gov

Letters of intent should be sent to:

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Administration for Community Living

Office of Elder Justice and Adult Protective Services

E-mail: contactelderjustice@acl.hhs.gov

Subject Line: L.O.I for HHS-ACL-AOA-EJIG-0023

Project Narrative The Project Narrative must be double-spaced, on 8.5” x 11” paper with 1” margins on both sides, and a standard font size of no less than 11 point, preferably Times New Roman or Arial. You can use smaller font sizes to fill in the Standard Forms and Sample Formats. The suggested length for the Project Narrative is 20 pages; 20 pages is the maximum length allowed. Project Narratives that exceed 20 pages will have the additional pages removed and only the first 20 pages of the Project Narrative will be provided to the merit reviewers for funding consideration.

The components of the Project Narrative counted as part of the 20-page limit include:

1. Project Relevance and Current Need

2. Goal(s) and Objective(s)

3. Proposed Approach

4. Stakeholder Involvement

5. Measurable Outcomes & Evaluation

6. Dissemination

7. Organizational Capability and Project Management

The components of the Project Narrative that are REQUIRED but NOT counted as part of the 20-page limit include:

• Project Abstract

• Logic Model

• Project Work Plan

• Budget Narrative/Justification

• Letters of Commitment

• Works Cited

Project Abstract This section should include a brief (265 words maximum) description of the proposed project, including: goal(s), objectives, outcomes, and products to be developed. Detailed instructions for completing the summary/abstract are included in the “Instructions for Completing the Project Summary/Abstract.”

Project Relevance and Current Need This section should describe, in both quantitative and qualitative terms, the nature and scope of the problem or issue the proposed intervention is designed to address. Specifically for this funding opportunity, this section should detail how the project is intended to impact outcomes of mailto:contactelderjustice@acl.hhs.gov persons experiencing adult maltreatment. It is recommended that applicants focus their problem statement on the specific considerations bearing on the development of prevention and intervention programs as it pertains to their proposed activities. Strong applications will demonstrate that the proposed project is justified in terms of the most recent, relevant, and available information, evidence-based practices, and/or new and cutting-edge research.

Goals and Objectives Applications should describe their proposed project’s goal(s) and major objectives, particularly in relation to the overarching goals and objectives ACL has for the Elder Justice Innovation Grants as described in the Funding Opportunity Description above. Goals include the project’s overall purpose; like a mission statement that says what you want to do and where you want to

be. Objectives are narrow, specific, and clear steps towards your goals. Applications are free to propose more than one goal and objective. However, application scores will not be based on, nor correspond to, the number of proposed goals or objectives.

Proposed Approach This section should provide a clear and concise description of the intervention you are proposing to use to address the problem described in the “Problem Statement”. You should also describe the rationale for using the intervention, including factors such as: “lessons learned” for similar projects previously tested in your community, or in other areas of the country, or factors in the larger environment that have created the “right conditions” for the intervention. Also note any major barriers you anticipate encountering, and how your project will be able to overcome those barriers. If you are planning for strategic partnerships in the project, be sure to describe the work/activities they will undertake for the project.

Stakeholder Involvement and Letters of Commitment from Key Participating Organizations and Agencies This section should describe how you plan to involve stakeholders in a meaningful way in the planning and implementation of the proposed project. It should explain why the specific stakeholders are vital or essential for the project’s overall success. Stakeholders can include other organizations, supporters, consumer groups, or individuals impacted by the problem you described above or the project you are proposing.

Letters of Commitment are required if an organization or entity that is not the applicant meets either of the following conditions:

1. The entity was specifically named to have a significant role in carrying out the project (either in the narrative, work plan, or budget), or

2. The entity is identified as a key or essential partner for the success of the project.

The letters of commitment must be on the letterhead of the committing agency, must specify the role and resources/activities that will be provided in support of the applicant’s project, and must be signed by an individual with authority to commit to the proposed project. The organization’s expertise, experience, and access to targeted population(s), if applicable, should also be described in the letter of commitment. Signed letters of commitment should be scanned and included as attachments in your application package, and they will not count towards the narrative page limit.

Please Note: Letters of Commitment are different from “Letters of Support.” Letters of Support are letters that are general in nature that speak to the writer’s belief in the capability of an applicant to accomplish a goal/task. Letters of support also may indicate an intent or interest to work together in the future. However, letters of support generally lack the specificity required of Letters of Commitment. Moreover, the author of a Letter of Support may not be identified by the work plan as a core/key partner or collaborator. Letters of Support are not required, and they will not be scored.

Measurable Outcomes This section of the project narrative must clearly identify the measurable outcome(s) that will result from the project. (NOTE: ACL will not fund any project that does not include measurable outcomes). This section should also describe how the project’s findings might benefit the field at large, (e.g., how the findings could help other organizations throughout the nation to address the same or similar problems.) List measurable outcomes in the optional work plan grid (“Project Work Plan – Sample Template”) under “Measurable Outcomes” in addition to any discussion included in the narrative along with a description of how the project might benefit the field at large. You should keep the focus of this section on describing what outcome(s) will be produced by the project. You should use the “Evaluation” section below to describe how the outcome(s) will be measured and reported.

A “measurable outcome” is an observable end-result that describes how a particular intervention benefits consumers. It demonstrates the functional status, mental well-being, knowledge, skill, attitude, awareness or behavior.) It can also describe a change in the degree to which consumers exercise choice over the types of services they receive, or whether they are satisfied with the way a service is delivered. Additional examples include: a change in the responsiveness or cost-effectiveness of a service delivery system; a new model of support or care that can be replicated in the ACL network; new knowledge that can contribute to the field of community living; a measurable increase in community awareness; or a measurable increase in persons receiving services. A measurable outcome is not a measurable “output”, such as: the number of clients served; the number of training sessions held; or the number of service units provided.

Your application will be scored on the clarity and nature of your proposed outcomes, not on the number of outcomes cited. It is totally appropriate for a project to have only ONE outcome that it is trying to achieve through the intervention reflected in the project’s design.

Evaluation This section should describe the method(s), techniques, and tools that will be used to: 1) determine whether the proposed interventions achieved anticipated outcomes, and 2) document the “lessons learned” – both positive and negative - from the project. A component of the evaluation plan should include a discussion of how success will be measured. At a minimum, applications must describe the proposed measures of success for the overall initiative.

Dissemination This section should describe how the applicant expects to disseminate the project’s results and findings to parties who might be interested in using the results of the project to inform practice, service delivery, program development, and/or policy making. Applications should discuss the methods they will use to disseminate information and results, how dissemination will be timely and in easily understandable formats, and how it will reach those who would be interested in the findings and/or in replicating the project.

Logic Model In addition to the discussion in the narrative, applicants are required to submit a logic model that illustrates/shows the activities the applicant proposes to accomplish the project’s goals and objectives, and the outcomes and measures of success of the overall project. Developing a logic model clarifies thinking and aids an organization in identifying outcomes and ways to document and measure progress toward defined objectives. Logic models provide a map for what to do, or what is occurring, and why it should contribute to successful progress toward a goal. A sample logic model is included in "Appendix”, and more information can be found on ACL’s website:

https://acl.gov/sites/default/files/programs/2020-10/ACL%20Logic%20Model%20Guidance.pdf.

Your project’s Logic Model can be uploaded as an “attachment” and does not count towards the 20-page limit.

Work Plan Applications must include a Project Work Plan for each potential year of grant funding, for this opportunity it should cover three (3) sequential years. The project work plan should reflect and be consistent with the Project Narrative and the proposed Budget, and include a statement of the project’s overall goal(s), anticipated outcome(s), key objectives, and the major tasks/action steps that will be pursued to achieve the goal(s) and outcome(s). For each major tasks/action step, the work plan should identify timeframes involved (including start- and end-dates), and the lead person responsible for completing the task. A “Project Work Plan - Sample Template” has been included as a reference and resource, if desired. The work plan does not count towards the 20-page limit.

Organizational Capacity and Project Management In this Section, applicants will describe their overall knowledge, skills, and abilities to carry out the proposed project. Each application should include an organizational capacity statement. The organizational capacity statement should describe how the applicant agency (or the division of a larger agency which will have responsibility for this project) is organized, the nature and scope of its work and/or the capabilities it possesses. If appropriate, include an organization chart showing the relationship of the project to the current organization.

This section should discuss the qualifications of the organization and project team, current or previous relevant experience/expertise, and the record within adult maltreatment and implementing projects of similar scope and magnitude as this opportunity. Include information about any contractual organization(s) or persons that will have a significant role(s) in implementing the project and achieving project goals.

In describing organizational capacity, applicants should clearly limit subrecipient input such that subrecipients’ activities do not constitute more than 30% of the level of effort your organization will expend on substantive, programmatic activities.

Supporting documentation must be included to demonstrate organizational capacity. Short vitae or resumes of only the named, key project staff must be included, and an organizational chart can https://acl.gov/sites/default/files/programs/2020-10/ACL%20Logic%20Model%20Guidance.pdf be included, if desired. Vitae/resumes and org charts should be included as attachments, and they will not count towards the narrative page limit.

This section should include a clear delineation of the roles and responsibilities of project staff, consultants, and partner organizations. It should specify who will have day-to-day responsibility for key tasks such as: leadership of project; monitoring the project’s on-going progress, (i.e., measure of performance towards the goals stated in the funding opportunity announcement and for your specific intervention/activities) preparation of reports; communications with other partners and ACL. It should also describe the approach that will be used to monitor and track progress on the project’s tasks and objectives.

Throughout the entire grant period, ACL expects the Project Director will be a demonstrated expert in adult maltreatment prevention and intervention and/or APS administration and will have substantial knowledge about and involvement in all aspects of the project.

Works Cited

Applicants must document all their source material. If any text, language and/or materials are from another source, the applicant must make it clear the material is being quoted and where the text comes from. The applicant must also cite any sources when they obtain numbers, ideas, or other material that is not their own. If the applicant fails to comply with this requirement, regardless of the severity or frequency of the plagiarism, the reviewers shall reduce their scores accordingly even to the degree of issuing no points at all. The “Works Cited” can be included as an attachment and will not count towards the 20-page limit.

Budget Narrative/Justification A combined multi-year Budget Narrative/Justification, as well as a detailed Budget Narrative/Justification for each year of potential grant funding is required. Accordingly, applications must include a budget for each of the three (3) years of this project. Applicants may select their own format or may use the template included in the attached document “Budget Narrative/Justification – Sample Format.” Regardless of the format used, applicants are encouraged to pay particular attention to the attached template document, which provides an example of the level of detail sought.

Because the proposal must demonstrate a clear and strong relationship between the stated objectives, project activities, and the budget, applicants are encouraged to include a narrative budget justification that summarizes the cost estimated per proposed project, activity, or product.

This budget discussion is helpful for reviewers in assessing the reasonableness of the type and amount of work that is planned, and what the applicant expects to be produced or achieved for the overall cost. The budget documents (charts, tables, narrative) will not count towards the narrative page limit.

3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM) The Grants.gov registration process can take several days. If your organization is not currently registered, please begin this process immediately. For assistance with https://www.grants.gov, please contact them at support@grants.gov or 800-518-4726 between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.

Eastern Time.

mailto:support@grants.gov

• At the https://www.grants.gov website, you will find information about submitting an application electronically through the site, including the hours of operation. ACL strongly recommends that you do not wait until the application due date to begin the application process because of the time involved to complete the registration process.

• All applicants must have a UEI number and be registered with the System for Award Management (SAM, www.sam.gov) and maintain an active SAM registration until the application process is complete, and should a grant be made, throughout the life of the award. Effective June 11, 2018, when registering or renewing your registration, you must submit a notarized letter appointing the authorized Entity Administrator. Please be sure to read the FAQs located at www.sam.gov to learn more. Applicants should allot sufficient time prior to the application deadline to finalize a new, or renew an existing registration.

This action should allow you time to resolve any issues that may arise. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in your inability to submit your application or receive an award. Maintain documentation (with dates) of your efforts to register or renew at least two weeks before the deadline. See the SAM Quick Guide for Grantees at:

SAM.GOV Quick Start Guide for Financial Assistance Registrations.

Note: Once your SAM registration is active, allow 24 to 48 hours for the information to be available in Grants.gov before you can submit an application through Grants.gov. This action should allow you time to resolve any issues that may arise. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in your inability to submit your application or receive an award.

• Note: Failure to submit the correct EIN Suffix can lead to delays in identifying your organization and access to funding in the Payment Management System.

• Effective October 1, 2010, HHS requires all entities that plan to apply for and ultimately receive federal grant funds from any HHS Operating/Staff Division (OPDIV/STAFFDIV) or receive subawards directly from the recipients of those grant funds to:

1. Register in SAM prior to submitting an application or plan;

2. Maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which it has an active award or an application or plan under consideration by an OPDIV; and

3. Provide its UEI number in each application or plan to submit to the OPDIV.

Additionally, all first-tier subaward recipients must have a UEI number at the time the subaward is made.

• The Federal Government will transition from the DUNS Number to the New Unique Entity Identifier. As of April of 2022, the federal government stopped using the DUNS number to uniquely identify entities. At that point, entities doing business with the federal government will use a Unique Entity Identifier (SAM) created in SAM.gov. They will no longer have to go to a third-party website to obtain their identifier. This transition allows the government to streamline the entity identification and validation process, making it easier and less burdensome for entities to do business with the federal government. If your entity is registered in SAM.gov today, your Unique Entity ID (SAM) has already been assigned and is viewable in SAM.gov. This includes inactive registrations. The Unique Entity ID is currently located below the DUNS Number on your entity https://www.fsd.gov/sys_attachment.do?sys_id=54e0016fdb3bbd90a8cb4a3913961934 registration record. Remember, you must be signed in to your SAM.gov account to view entity records. To learn how to view your Unique Entity ID (SAM) go to this help article.

• You must submit all documents electronically, including all information included on the SF424 and all necessary assurances and certifications. In accordance with the Federal Government’s efforts to reduce reporting burden for recipients of federal financial assistance, the general certification and representation requirements contained in the Standard Form 424B (SF-424B) – Assurances – Non-Construction Programs, and the Standard Form 424D (SF-424D) – Assurances – Construction Programs, have been standardized federal-wide. Effective January 1, 2020, the updated common certification and representation requirements will be stored and maintained within SAM.

Organizations or individuals applying for federal financial assistance as of January 1, 2020, must validate the federally required common certifications and representations annually through SAM located at SAM.gov.

• After you electronically submit your…