hhs-2026-acl-aoa-dasg-0012-v28326.pdf

Notice of Funding Opportunity

Application due September 1, 2026

Administration for Community Living

Administration on Aging

Disaster Assistance for State Units on Aging (SUAs) and Tribal Organizations in Major Disasters Declared by the President Opportunity number: HHS-2026-ACL-AOA-DASG-0012

Contents

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 4

Basic information 5

Eligibility 7

Program description 9

Step 2: Get Ready to Apply 13

Find the application package 14

Get registered 15

Step 3: Build Your Application 16

Application checklist 17

Application contents and format 18

Step 4: Learn About Review and Award 28

Application review 29

Award notices 31

Step 5: Submit Your Application 32

Application submission and deadlines 33

Step 6: Learn What Happens After Award 35

Post-award requirements and administration 36

Contacts and Support 38

Before you begin 3

Contents 2

Before you begin If you believe you are a good candidate for this funding opportunity, secure your

SAM.gov and Grants.gov registrations now. If you are already registered, make sure your registrations are active and up to date.

SAM.gov registration (this can take several weeks)

You must have an active account with SAM.gov. This includes having a Unique Entity

Identifier (UEI).

See Step 2: Get Ready to Apply

Grants.gov registration (this can take several days)

You must have an active Grants.gov registration. Doing so requires a Login.gov registration as well.

See Step 2: Get Ready to Apply

Apply by the application due date

Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on September 1, 2026.

To help you find what you need, this NOFO uses internal links. In Adobe Reader, you can go back to where you were by pressing Alt + Left Arrow (Windows) or Command

+ Left Arrow (Mac) on your keyboard.

Before you begin 3 https://sam.gov/ https://grants.gov/

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 1:

Review the Opportunity

In this step

Basic information 5

Eligibility 7

Program description 9

Basic information Administration for Community Living (ACL)

Administration for Community Living

Administration on Aging

Providing reimbursement and assistance funds to State Units on Aging

(SUAs) and federally recognized Tribal Organizations who are currently receiving a grant under Title VI of the Older Americans Act (OAA) and have a Major Disaster Declaration issued by the President of the

United States.

Have questions?

See Contacts and

Support.

Key facts

Opportunity name:

Disaster Assistance for State

Units on Aging (SUAs) and

Tribal Organizations in Major

Disasters Declared by the

President

Opportunity number:

HHS-2026-ACL-AOA-

DASG-0012

Federal assistance listing:

93.048

Cost sharing: None

NOFO version: Original

Key dates

Application submission deadline:

September 1, 2026

Optional notice of intent deadline:

August 30, 2026

Expected award date:

September 30, 2026

Expected project start date:

September 30, 2026

See intergovernmental review for other submission processes that may apply to this NOFO.

Summary The Disaster Assistance for State Units on Aging (SUAs) and Tribal Organizations grant advances the Administration for Community Living’s (ACL) strategic priorities by strengthening the national aging network’s capacity and response to deliver high-quality services, and support federal, state, and local partners in implementing and scaling effective, impactful, data driven programs that help older adults live independently and safely in their communities after a major disaster.

The funding also advances the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Make

America Healthy Again (MAHA) initiative by promoting meaningful and healthy aging by providing and supporting older adults for services that promote whole-person health, autonomy, commitment to safe and secure aging, and strong caregiver support across the national aging network after a major disaster.

Grants awarded under this announcement support disaster reimbursement and assistance funds to those State Units on Aging (SUAs) and federally recognized Tribal

Organizations who are currently receiving a grant under Title VI of the Older Americans

Act (OAA), as amended.

These funds only become available when the President declares a Major Disaster under the Stafford Act and may only be used in those areas designated in the Major Disaster

Declaration issued by the President of the United States.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 5

Funding details Type: Grant

Expected total program funding over the performance period: $600,000

Expected total program funding per budget period: $600,000

Total expected awards: Up to 7 awards

Funding range per applicant per budget period: $30,000 to $200,000

We plan to fund awards in 12-month budget periods for a one-year period of performance. Based on rolling start dates – only available when the President declares a

Major Disaster under the Stafford Act.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 6

Eligibility Eligible applicants Only these types of organizations may apply:

• Only SUAs currently receiving Title III funding and federally recognized Tribal

Organizations Title VI funding under the Older Americans Act in the affected areas are eligible may apply for disaster assistance funding.

Other eligibility criteria State Units on Aging in states for which some or all areas of the state are declared a federal Major Disaster area by the President of the United States, and federally recognized tribal organizations within the areas declared a federal Major Disaster area.

Disqualifying factors We will review your application to make sure it meets these responsiveness requirements.

We won’t consider an application that:

• Is submitted after the deadline.

• Is from an individual, including a sole proprietorship, or a foreign entity.

• Is received in paper format that didn’t have a previously approved exemption from ACL.

• Is not an eligible entity as described in the eligibility section.

Application limits If you submit the same application more than once under this notice of funding opportunity (NOFO), we will only acknowledge the last on-time submission.

Cost sharing This program has no cost-sharing requirement, meaning you do not need to contribute to the costs of this project.

If you choose to include cost-sharing funds, we won’t consider it during review. If you receive an award, we will include your voluntary commitment in the award.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 7

Post-award requirements

Before you apply, make sure you understand the requirements that come with an award.

See Step 6: Learn What Happens After Award for information on regulations that apply, reporting, and more.

Statutory authority Title III of the Older Americans Act (OAA) (42 U.S.C. 3030), as amended by the Older

American Act Amendments of 2020, P.L. 116-131. (Catalog of Federal Domestic

Assistance: 93.048).

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 8

Program description SUAs and territories funded under Title III and tribal organizations funded under Title VI can utilize funds awarded for recovery purposes of OAA programs (Title III, VI, and VII) that were impacted by the major disaster.

Funds may be used for permissible expenses incurred which are not or cannot be paid for through other disaster funding resources.

Applicants must demonstrate the impact to OAA programs and services, older adults and areas affected. Funds are only available for disbursement to areas included in the

Presidential Major Disaster declaration. Funds typically requested are for the following

OAA Title III, VI, and VII types of gap-filling services.

This includes, but is not limited to:

• Outreach.

• Information and assistance.

• Counseling.

• Case management.

• Advocacy on behalf of older persons unable or reluctant to speak for themselves.

• Staff overtime.

Examples of direct goods funds may be used for include, but not limited to:

• Additional food.

• Supplies.

• Extra home delivered meals.

• Home cleanup and safety.

• Emergency medications.

• Transportation.

• Other immediate needs.

Funding policies and limitations

Changes in HHS regulations

As of October 1, 2025, HHS adopted 2 CFR 200, with some exceptions included in

2 CFR 300. These regulations replace those in 45 CFR 75.

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 9 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-B/chapter-III/part-300

Policies

All activities proposed in your application and budget narrative must align with applicable law, including but not limited to statutes, executive orders, federal regulations, and applicable judicial holdings. Accordingly, discretionary awards shall not be used to fund, promote, encourage, subsidize, or facilitate: racial preferences or other forms of racial discrimination by the recipient, including activities where race or intentional proxies for race will be used as a selection criterion for employment or program participation; denial by the recipient of the sex binary in humans, or the belief that sex is a chosen or mutable characteristic; illegal immigration; or any other initiatives that compromise public safety.

If an application does not align, the application will not receive funding to the extent permitted by law and applicable court orders.

• We will only make awards if this program receives funding. If Congress appropriates funds for this purpose, we will move forward with the review and award process.

• Support beyond the first budget period will depend on:

◦ Appropriation of funds.

◦ Satisfactory progress in meeting your project’s objectives.

◦ A decision that continued funding is in the government’s best interest.

• If we receive more funding for this program, we will consider:

◦ Funding more applicants.

◦ Extending the period of performance.

◦ Awarding supplemental funding.

• You may not use funds from this NOFO for any diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEI and DEIA) activities. This includes:

◦ DEI- or DEIA-related research.

◦ Activities that discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or other protected traits.

• Under this NOFO, you can’t continue existing projects without expansion or new and innovative approaches.

• Meals are allowed only in limited circumstances linked to program activities, like during travel or when approved in advance by ACL. See Allowable Costs and

Activities, Exhibit 4: Selected Items of Cost, Meals in the HHS Grants Policy

Statement.

• There are restrictions on certain telecommunications and video surveillance equipment. See 2 CFR 200.216 to make sure this does not apply to any proposed equipment in your application.

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 10 https://www.hhs.gov/grants-contracts/grants/grants-policies-regulations/index.html https://www.hhs.gov/grants-contracts/grants/grants-policies-regulations/index.html https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.216

Unallowable costs

• Construction or major rehabilitation of buildings.

• Basic research, such as scientific or medical experiments.

• For guidance on other types of costs that we restrict or do not allow, see General

Provisions for Selected Items of Costs of the Uniform Guidance, 2 CFR 200.420.

Program-specific limitations and policies

The following activities are not fundable:

• Construction and/or major rehabilitation of buildings.

• Basic research (e.g. scientific or medical experiments).

• Continuation of existing projects without expansion or new and innovative approaches.

Additionally:

• OAA funds may be used only for permissible expenses that are not paid, or cannot be paid, by other disaster funding resources.

• Total funding available for disaster assistance is subject to the availability of funds appropriated under the OAA.

• Funding is only available for areas included in a Presidential Major

Disaster declaration.

Indirect costs

Indirect costs are those shared across multiple projects and not easily separated.

To charge indirect costs you can select one of two methods:

Method 1 — Approved rate. If you currently have an indirect cost rate approved by your cognizant federal agency, you may use that rate.

Method 2 — De minimis rate. If you do not have a negotiated indirect cost rate, you may elect to charge a de minimis rate (see 2 CFR 200.414(f)). This rate may be up to 15% of modified total direct costs (MTDC). See the definition of MTDC (2 CFR 200.1). You can use this rate indefinitely.

You may not charge costs included in your indirect cost pool as direct costs.

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 11 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRed1f39f9b3d4e72 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200/section-200.414#p-200.414(f) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200#p-200.1(Modified%20Total%20Direct%20Cost%20(MTDC))

Subawards

As the prime recipient, you must maintain a substantive role in the project. This means that you conduct funded activities and provide services necessary and integral to completing the project.

Monitoring your subrecipient’s activities alone as described in 2 CFR 200.332 is not a substantive role.

We do not fund awards where your role is primarily a conduit for passing funds to other organizations unless that arrangement is authorized by statute.

All subrecipients must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) through the System for Award

Management (SAM.gov).

Subrecipients must meet the eligibility requirements of this NOFO.

Salary rate limitation

The salary rate limitation in the current appropriations act applies to this program. You may not use awarded funds to pay a salary at a higher rate than the rate for Executive

Level II.

For the Executive Level II salary, please see the Office of Personnel Management information on executive and senior level employee pay.

The salary limitation reflects a person’s base salary (including any portion of the salary that is paid with indirect costs). It does not include fringe benefits or any income the person is allowed to earn outside of the duties of the applicant organization.

This salary limitation also applies to subawards, contracts, and subcontracts under an ACL grant or cooperative agreement.

Program income

If you earn any money from your award-supported project activities (known as program income), you must use it for the purposes and under the conditions of the award. Find more about program income at 2 CFR 200.307.

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 12 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200#200.332 https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/ https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/ https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200#200.307

Step 2:

Get Ready to Apply

In this step

Find the application package 14

Get registered 15

Find the application package The application package has all the forms you need to apply. You can search for it at

Grants.gov using opportunity number {HHS-2026-ACL-AOA-DASG-0012. Then select the

Package tab.

We recommend that you select the Subscribe button from the View Grant Opportunity page for this NOFO to get updates.

You can also find materials at Applying for Grants on ACL’s website.

If you can’t use Grants.gov to download application materials or have other technical difficulties, including issues with application submission, contact Grants.gov for assistance.

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 2: Get Ready to Apply 14 https://grants.gov/search-grants https://acl.gov/grants/applying-grants https://www.grants.gov/support

Get registered SAM.gov You must have an active account with SAM.gov to apply. SAM.gov registration can take several weeks. Begin that process today.

To register:

• Go to SAM.gov Entity Registration and select Get Started. From the same page, you can also select the Entity Registration Checklist for the information you will need to register.

• You must agree to the financial assistance general certifications and representations

[PDF] specifically. Those for contracts are different.

When you register, you will also receive your required Unique Entity Identifier (UEI).

Once you register:

• You will have to maintain your registration throughout the life of any award.

• If your organization has multiple UEIs, use the one associated with your physical location.

Grants.gov You must also have an active account with Grants.gov. You can see step-by-step instructions at the Grants.gov Quick Start Guide for Applicants.

Need help? See Contacts and Support.

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 2: Get Ready to Apply 15 https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/financial-assistance-general-certification-representations.pdf https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/financial-assistance-general-certification-representations.pdf https://grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration http://www.grants.gov/quick-start-guide/applicants

Step 3:

Build Your Application

In this step

Application checklist 17

Application contents and format 18

Application checklist Make sure that you have everything you need to apply. You will find the forms in

Grants.gov.

Narratives

Item Grants.gov form Page limit

Project narrative Use the Project Narrative Attachment form. 8 pages

Budget narrative Use the Budget Narrative Attachment form. None

Attachments Insert each in a single Other Attachments Form.

Item Page limit

Indirect cost agreement None

Commitment letters None

Proof of nonprofit status None

Resumes and job descriptions None

Other required forms Use each required form in Grants.gov.

Item Page limit

Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424) None

Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs (SF-424A) None

Assurances for Non-Construction Programs (SF-424B) None

Key Contacts form None

Grants.gov Lobbying form (Certification Regarding Lobbying) None

Project/Performance Site Location form None

Step 3: Build Your Application 17

Application contents and format This section includes guidance on each component found in the application checklist.

Application page limit: 20 pages

Submit your information in English and express whole number budget figures using

U.S. dollars.

Required format Required format for project and budget narratives.

Font: Times New Roman or Arial

Format: PDF

Size: 11-point font

Footnotes and text in graphics may be 10-point.

Spacing for project narrative main content: Double-spaced

Spacing for budget narrative: As needed

Spacing for project summary, tables, footnotes: Single-spaced

Margins: 1-inch

Include page numbers.

Project narrative Page limit: 8

The project narrative is the most important part of the application. We use it as the primary basis to decide whether your project meets the statutory requirements and to review its merit. The project narrative should give a clear and concise description of your project.

Be sure to cite all your sources. Merit reviewers may lower your score if you do not.

Also study the merit review criteria under each section to make sure you answer all questions and cover all topics reviewers will look at.

Step 3: Build Your Application 18

Project summary

Provide a brief project summary of no more than 265 words. Write it for the general public. You will need to include:

• Goals: Broad overall purpose, like a mission statement that says what you want to do and where you want to be.

• Objectives: Narrow, specific, and clear steps toward the goals. These are the “hows” to achieve the goals.

• Overall approach: General overview of what you will do.

• Outcomes: These are the measurable results of a project. Include expected changes among those served, such as clients, systems, organizations, and communities.

These should tie directly to your goals and those of this funding.

• Products: The materials and other deliverables you expect to generate through the project.

• Duration: The anticipated start and end dates of the period of performance.

Project relevance and current need

Problem statement

This section should describe, in both quantitative and qualitative terms, the nature and scope of the particular problem or issue the proposed intervention is designed to address. This should include how the project will potentially affect older adults and/or people with disabilities, their families and caregivers and the Aging Network service delivery system. Disaster Information should include:

• A brief description of the disaster.

• Information on the Major Disaster Declaration declared by the President including number of counties, date declared and incident period.

• Number and the names of the AAAs whose planning and service areas were affected.

• The best data on estimated number of older adults affected in the Major Disaster declared areas.

• And the best data estimates on amount and severity of need including impacts to

OAA services and programs including the number of senior centers/meal sites impacted as applicable.

Goals and objectives

This section should consist of a description of the project’s goal(s) and major objectives.

Unless the project involves multiple, complex interventions, we recommend you have only one overall goal.

Step 3: Build Your Application 19

Table: Scoring criteria

Reviewers will evaluate the extent to which the applicant provides: Point value

Project relevance and current need: 20 points

• Did the application provide a brief description of the disaster?

• Did the application demonstrate that a Major Disaster was declared by the President of the United States?

• Does the application provide an estimated number of older adults affected in impacted areas?

• Did the application estimate the amount and severity of need, including impacts on OAA services and programs?

◦ Did this include senior centers/meal sites impact, as applicable?

20 points

Approach

Proposed intervention

This section should provide a clear and concise description of the intervention being proposed to address the problem described in the “Problem Statement” and the rationale for using the particular intervention. Include:

• Factors such as: “lessons learned” for similar projects previously tested in your community, or in other areas of the country.

• Factors in the larger environment that have created the “right conditions” for the intervention (e.g., existing social or economic factors that you’ll be able to take advantage of, etc.).

Be sure to describe the role and makeup of any strategic partnerships involved in implementing the intervention, including other organizations, supporters, and/or consumer groups.

You should also describe in detail how the funds will be distributed to the AAAs whose planning and services areas have been most impacted by the disaster.

Describe any major barriers anticipated, and how the project will be able to overcome those barriers.

Project management

This section should include a clear delineation of the roles and responsibilities of project staff, consultants and partner organizations, and how they will contribute to achieving the project’s objectives and outcomes. It should specify:

• Who would have day-to-day responsibility for key tasks such as leadership of project.

Step 3: Build Your Application 20

• Monitoring the project’s on-going progress, preparation of reports.

• Communications with other partners and ACL.

It should also describe the plan that will be used to monitor and track progress on the project’s tasks and objectives.

Work plan

You must provide a work plan for your project. The work plan connects your period of performance outcomes, strategies and activities, and measures. It provides more detail on how you will measure outcomes and processes.

To create your work plan:

• Use the Project Work Plan Sample Template on our website.

• Include the project’s overall goal, expected outcomes, key objectives, and the major action steps needed to achieve them.

• For each major action step, include start and end dates and the lead responsible person.

Table: Scoring criteria

Reviewers will evaluate the extent to which the applicant provides: Point value

Proposed intervention: 10 points

• Does the applicant include information on target population and, rational for how funds will be distributed?

• Does the applicant include information on engagement with the Area Agencies on Aging

(if applicable)?

• Did the application address the number of AAAs/ counties impacted?

• Does the application show clear alignment between the project’s goals and the activities proposed to achieve them?

Project management: 4 points

• Does the application clearly delineate the roles and responsibilities of project staff, consultants and partner organizations?

◦ Is it clear how they will contribute to achieving the project’s objectives and outcomes?

Work plan: 6 points

• Does the application present a work plan that is realistic and feasible within the proposed period of performance?

20 points

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Step 3: Build Your Application 21 https://view.officeapps.live.com/op/view.aspx?src=https%3A%2F%2Facl.gov%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fgrants%2Fwork%2520plan%2520template.doc&wdOrigin=BROWSELINK

Project impact

Special target populations and organizations

This section should describe how your plan will involve Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs), as applicable, in a meaningful way in the planning and implementation of the proposed project.

This section should also describe whether, and how, the proposed intervention will target those of greatest social and economic need and underserved/under resourced communities. These include but are not limited to persons with disabilities and persons who live in rural areas.

Outcomes

This section of the project narrative must clearly identify the measurable outcome(s) that will result from the project.

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.).

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.

• The impact on community, overall data to support program delivery.

• A measurable increase in community awareness; or a measurable increase in persons receiving services.

Please note a measurable outcome is not a measurable “output”, such as:

• The number of clients served.

• The number of training sessions held.

• The number of service units provided.

You should keep the focus of this section on describing what outcome(s) will be produced by the project with support of output data.

Step 3: Build Your Application 22

Use the Evaluation section noted below to describe how the outcome(s) will be measured and reported.

Applications will be scored on the clarity and nature of the 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:

• Determine whether the proposed intervention achieved its anticipated outcome(s).

• Document the “lessons learned” (both positive and negative) from the project that will be useful to people interested in replicating the intervention, if it proves successful.

Dissemination

This section should describe the method that will be used to disseminate the project’s results and findings in a timely manner and in easily understandable formats.

Results and findings should be shared with parties who might be interested in using the results of the project to inform practice, service delivery, program development, or policymaking. This includes especially those parties who would be interested in replicating the project.

Table: Scoring criteria

Reviewers will evaluate the extent to which the applicant provides: Point value

Special target populations and organizations: 7 points

• Does the applicant describe the impact of the project including the impact on older adults and the Aging Network System?

Outcomes: 7 points

• Does the application include the project’s overall goal, expected outcomes, key objectives, and major action steps?

Evaluation: 3 points

• Does the application provide a clear understanding of how the project will be evaluated?

Dissemination: 3 points

• Does the application discuss a method of dissemination of the project intervention?

20 points

Step 3: Build Your Application 23

Capability and expertise

Organizational capability

Each application should include an organizational capability statement.

The organizational capability statement should describe:

• How the applicant agency (or the particular division of a larger agency which will have responsibility for this project) is eligible to apply for this funding announcement.

• The nature and scope of its work and the capabilities it possesses.

It should also include the organization’s capability to sustain some or all project activities after federal financial assistance has ended, as applicable.

This description should cover the capabilities not included in your program narrative, such as any current or previous relevant experience or the record of the project team in preparing cogent and useful reports, publications, and other products.

Also include information about any contractual organization(s) such as Area Agencies on

Aging that will have a significant role(s) in implementing project and achieving project goals.

Vitae for key project staff are not required.

Experience of the project team

N/A

Table: Scoring criteria

Reviewers will evaluate the extent to which the applicant provides: Point value

Organization capabilities: 20 points

• Does the application clearly demonstrate that they are a State Unit on Aging (SUA); or a federally recognized Tribal Organization who is currently receiving a grant under Title VI of the OAA?

• Does the applicant clearly define their role and the role of the AAA organization’s capabilities in fulfilling project goals?

20 points

Step 3: Build Your Application 24

Budget narrative Page limit: None

The budget narrative supports the information you provide in Standard Form-424A.

It includes added detail and justifies the costs you ask for. As you think about your budget, consider:

• If the costs are reasonable and consistent with your project’s purpose and activities.

• The restrictions on spending funds. See funding policies and limitations.

When you develop your budget narrative:

• We encourage you to use the ACL Budget Narrative Sample Format [PDF]. This format shows the level of detail we are looking for in your application.

• Justify all the costs and show how you calculated them.

• You will need to create a budget narrative that shows all years combined along with separate, detailed budget narratives for each year.

The Budget Narrative justification and SF-424A are clear, concise, and presents a need for assistance.

Reviewers will assess your budget (SF-424A) and your budget narrative to score this section.

Table: Scoring criteria for budget and budget narrative

Reviewers will evaluate the extent to which the applicant provides: Point value

Budget narrative

Is the budget narrative and SF-424A clear and concise and present a need for assistance?

20 points

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Step 3: Build Your Application 25 https://acl.gov/sites/default/files/grants/Budget%20Justification%20Sample%20Template%20%20Instructions.pdf

Attachments You will upload attachments in Grants.gov using the Other Attachments Form.

Indirect cost agreement

If you include indirect costs in your budget using an approved rate, include a copy of your current agreement approved by your cognizant agency for indirect costs. If you use the de minimis rate, you do not need to submit this attachment.

Commitment letters

Include letters from any organization that will have a significant role in carrying out your project. The letter should explain their role and their commitment to the project.

Letters of Commitment are not required.

Proof of nonprofit status

If your organization is a nonprofit, you need to attach proof. We will accept any of the following:

• A copy of a current tax exemption certificate from the IRS.

• A letter from your state’s tax department, attorney general, or another state official saying that your group is a nonprofit and that none of your net earnings go to private shareholders or others.

• A certified copy of your certificate of incorporation. This document must show that your group is a nonprofit.

• Any of these documents for a parent organization. Also include a statement signed by an official of the parent group that your organization is a nonprofit affiliate.

Resumes and job descriptions

For key personnel, attach resumes for positions that are filled. For positions that aren’t filled, attach the job descriptions with qualifications.

Resumes are not required.

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 3: Build Your Application 26 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-B/chapter-XI/subchapter-A/part-1108/subpart-B/section-1108.85

Other required forms You will need to complete some other forms in Grants.gov. You can find them in the

NOFO application package or review them and their instructions at Grants.gov Forms.

Form Submission requirement

Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424) None

Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs (SF-424A) None

Assurances for Non-Construction Programs (SF-424B) None

Key Contacts form None

Grants.gov Lobbying form (Certification Regarding Lobbying) None

Project/Performance Site Location form None

Important: Public information

When filling out your SF-424 form, pay attention to Box 15: Descriptive Title of Applicant’s

Project.

We share what you put there with USAspending. This is where the public goes to learn how the federal government spends their money.

Instead of just a title, insert a short description of your project and what it will do.

See instructions and examples [PDF].

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 3: Build Your Application 27 https://www.grants.gov/forms https://www.usaspending.gov/ https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/hhs-writing-award-descriptions.pdf

Step 4:

Learn About Review and Award

In this step

Application review 29

Award notices 31

Application review Initial review We will review your application to make sure that it meets the responsiveness requirements listed in the disqualification factors section. If your application does not meet these criteria, we will disqualify it and we will not move it to the merit review

(scoring) phase.

We will not review any pages over the page limit.

Scoring process A panel reviews all applications that pass the initial review. The members use the merit review scoring criteria in the project narrative and budget narrative sections of this

NOFO. You can find the specific criteria in each section of the project narrative and in the budget narrative section.

Criteria summary

Heading Points

Project relevance & current need 20 points

Approach 20 points

Project impact 20 points

Capability and expertise 20 points

Budget narrative 20 points

Risk review Before making an award, we review the risk that you will mismanage federal funds or fail to complete the project objectives. We need to make sure you’ve handled any past federal awards well and demonstrated sound business practices.

We use SAM.gov Responsibility/Qualification to check this history for all awards likely to be over $250,000. We also check Exclusions.

If we find a significant risk, we may choose not to fund your application or to place specific conditions on the award.

You can see more details about risk review at 2 CFR 200.206.

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 4: Learn About Review and Award 29 https://sam.gov/entity-information https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.206

Selection process When making funding decisions, we consider:

• Merit review results. These are key in making decisions but are not the only factor.

• The larger portfolio of agency-funded projects, including project type and geographic distribution.

• The past performance of the applicant. We may choose not to fund applicants with management or financial problems.

• Reasonableness of proposed costs to the expected results and the likelihood you will achieve those results.

• Available funding.

We may:

• Fund applications in whole or in part.

• Fund applications at a lower amount than requested.

• Decide not to allow a prime recipient to subaward if they may not be able to monitor and manage subrecipients properly.

• Choose to fund no applications under this funding opportunity.

The ACL administrator makes all final award decisions.

Funding preferences for alignment with agency priorities

Before we make final funding decisions, ACL leadership will review all potential awards.

They will check for:

• Adherence to applicable laws.

• Alignment to agency priorities (see Administration for Community Living’s (ACL)

Mission, Vision & Strategic Priorities).

To the extent allowed by law and court orders, we will give a funding preference to applications that align with agency priorities.

Merit review criteria also include factors related to ACL’s priorities.

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 4: Learn About Review and Award 30 https://acl.gov/about-acl

Award notices If your application is successful, we will email a Notice of Award (NoA) to your authorized official. We will email you or write you a letter if your application is disqualified or unsuccessful.

The NoA is the only official award document. The NoA tells you the amount of the award, important dates, and the terms and conditions you need to follow. Until you receive the

NoA, you don’t have permission to start work.

See an example NoA on our website [PDF].

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 4: Learn About Review and Award 31 https://acl.gov/sites/default/files/grants/NOA%20Template.pdf

Step 5:

Submit Your Application

In this step

Application submission and deadlines 33

Application submission and deadlines See find the application package and the application checklist to make sure you have everything you need.

Make sure you are current with SAM.gov and UEI requirements. See get registered. You will have to maintain your registration throughout the life of any award.

Optional notice of intent Due on August 30, 2026.

Eligible SUAs and Title VI grantees should discuss their intent to apply and work with ACL

Administration on Aging (AoA) before submitting a formal application. We ask that you let us know if you plan to apply for this opportunity. We do this to plan for the number of expert reviewers we will need to evaluate applications. You do not have to submit a notice of intent to apply.

Please email the notice to AoA.OAA@acl.hhs.gov.

In your email, include:

• The funding opportunity number and title.

• Your organization’s name and address.

• A contact name, phone number, and email address.

Application

Deadline

Due on September 1, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. ET.

Grants.gov creates a date and time record when it receives the application. If you submit the same application more than once, we will accept the last on-time submission.

The grants management officer may extend an application due date based on emergency situations such as documented natural disasters or a verifiable widespread disruption of electric or mail service.

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 5: Submit Your Application 33 mailto:AoA.OAA@acl.hhs.gov

Submission method

You must submit your application through Grants.gov. See get registered.

For instructions on how to submit in Grants.gov, see the Quick Start Guide for Applicants.

Make sure your application passes the Grants.gov validation checks. Do not encrypt, zip, or password protect any files.

If you can’t submit your application because of problems with Grants.gov, you will need verification for us to consider accepting your application. Call the Federal Service Desk before the application due time and record your tracking number. Save your tracking number and any error messages you receive.

See Contacts and Support if you need help.

Intergovernmental review You will need to submit application information for intergovernmental review under

Executive Order 12372, Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.

Under this order, states may design their own processes for commenting on some applications. Some states have this process and others don’t.

To find out your state’s approach, see the list of state single points of contact [PDF]. If you find a contact on the list for your state, contact them as soon as you can to learn their process. If you do not find a contact for your state, you don’t need to do anything further.

This requirement never applies to American Indian and Alaska Native tribes or tribal organizations.

An independent review panel of at least three individuals will evaluate applications that pass the screening and meet the responsiveness criteria if applicable. Based on the

Application Review Criteria as outlined. The reviewers will comment on and score the applications, focusing their comments and scoring decisions on the identified criteria.

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 5: Submit Your Application 34 https://www.grants.gov/quick-start-guide/applicants https://www.fsd.gov/gsafsd_sp https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/codification/executive-order/12372.html https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/state-single-points-contact-form.pdf

Step 6:

Learn What Happens

After Award

In this step

Post-award requirements and administration 36

Post-award requirements and administration Administrative and national policy requirements There are important rules you need to know if you get an award. You must follow:

• All terms and conditions in the Notice of Award. You can find information at

Managing a Grant on our website. We incorporate this NOFO by reference.

• The rules listed in 2CFR 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements, effective October 1, 2025. These replace those in 45 CFR

75, with some exceptions in 2 CFR 300.

• The HHS Grants Policy Statement (GPS). This document has terms and conditions tied to your award. If there are any exceptions to the GPS, they’ll be listed in your

Notice of Award.

• All federal statutes and regulations relevant to federal financial assistance, including those highlighted in the HHS Grants Policy Statement, Appendix D: HHS

Administrative and National Policy Requirements.

• All anti-discrimination laws: By applying for or accepting federal funds from HHS, recipients certify compliance with all federal antidiscrimination laws and these requirements and that complying with those laws is a material condition of receiving federal funding streams. Recipients are responsible for ensuring subrecipients, contractors, and partners also comply.

Compliance and oversight Recipients must demonstrate ongoing compliance with the Administration for

Community Living’s (ACL) Mission, Vision & Strategic Priorities through program design, implementation, performance reporting, fiscal management, and evaluation.

Failure to meaningfully align funded activities with applicable statutory authorities and agency priorities may result in corrective action, additional reporting requirements, enforcement actions, or other remedies consistent with 2 CFR Part 200 and the terms and conditions of the award.

Through alignment with these priorities, funded projects will help ensure that older adults and people with disabilities can live with dignity, independence, and full participation in the communities they call home.

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 6: Learn What Happens After Award 36 https://acl.gov/grants/managing-grant https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-B/chapter-III/part-300 https://www.hhs.gov/grants-contracts/grants/grants-policies-regulations/index.html https://www.hhs.gov/grants-contracts/grants/grants-policies-regulations/index.html

Managing award changes After award, either you or ACL may request changes. We manage these using the rules at

2 CFR 200 and 300, including 2 CFR 200.308 and 2 CFR 300.308.

Reporting If your application is successful, you will have to submit financial and performance reports. To learn more about reporting, see Managing a Grant, Funding Requirements on our website.

Financial and performance reports

The terms and conditions in the Notice of Award will have information on performance and financial reports including:

• How often you will report.

• Any required form or formatting.

• How to submit them.

FFATA and FSRS reporting

The Federal Financial Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA) requires:

• Data entry at the FFATA Subaward Reporting System for all subawards and subcontracts you issue for $30,000 or more.

• Reporting executive compensation for both recipient and subaward organizations.

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 6: Learn What Happens After Award 37 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.308 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-300.308 https://acl.gov/grants/managing-grant https://acl.gov/grants/managing-grant

Contacts and Support

In this step

Agency contacts 39

Help with systems 39

Reference websites 40

Agency contacts Program and eligibility Kari Benson

AOA.OAA@acl.hhs.gov

(202) 401-4634

Financial and budget Rasheed Williams

ACL_grants@acl.hhs.gov

(202) 401-4634

Review process and application status ACL Grants

ACL_grants@acl.hhs.gov

(202) 401-4634

Help with systems Grants.gov Grants.gov provides 24/7 support. Hold on to your ticket number.

• Phone: 1-800-518-4726

• Email: support@Grants.gov

SAM.gov If you need help, you can:

• Call 866-606-8220.

• Live chat with the Federal Service Desk.

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Contacts and Support 39 mailto:AOA.OAA@acl.hhs.gov mailto:ACL_grants@acl.hhs.gov mailto:ACL_grants@acl.hhs.gov mailto:support@grants.gov https://www.fsd.gov/gsafsd_sp

Reference websites

• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

• Home Page | ACL Administration for Community Living

• Applying for Grants | ACL Administration for Community Living

• Application Tips | ACL Administration for Community Living

• How to Apply for a Competitive Grant | ACL Administration for Community Living

• Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)

• United States Code (U.S.C.)

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Contacts and Support 40 https://www.hhs.gov/ https://acl.gov/ https://acl.gov/grants/applying-grants https://acl.gov/grants/applying-grants/application-tips https://acl.gov/grants/applying-grants/how-apply https://www.ecfr.gov/ https://uscode.house.gov/

Award notices

Intergovernmental review

Reference websites