Older Adult Mental Health is sponsored by National Council on Aging (NCOA). This opportunity provides selected community-based organizations (CBOs) serving older adults in rural New York state with funding, tools, training, and support to better address the mental and behavioral health needs of the older adults they serve, and equip older adults with th…

Funding Opportunity: Mental Health for Older Adults in Rural New York State Even though mental health challenges are common, they are still significantly underdiagnosed and undertreated in later life. In fact, two‑thirds of older adults who are struggling with mental health issues do not receive the care they need.

The National Council on Aging (NCOA), through funding provided by the Mother Cabrini Foundation, seeks to counter this trend and advance mental health knowledge among older adults living in rural New York state.

This opportunity provides selected community-based organizations (CBOs) serving older adults with funding, tools, training, and support to better address the mental and behavioral health needs of the older adults they serve, and equip older adults with the knowledge and skills needed to address their mental well-being, overcome mental health stigma, and better access care.

Community-based organizations that: Serve older adults (55+) from diverse populations across rural New York state Are interested in developing or enhancing behavioral health programming Have access to a facility where workshops can be hosted Benefits of participation Access to all materials needed to host the program NCOA-led training and technical support Participating organizations will identify and support two staff members to implement the Get Empowered: Embrace Your Mental Well-Being program.

These staff will be required to: Attend a project kick-off call on May 14 at 3 p. m. ET Complete pre-program survey and 6-month follow-up survey in April 2027.

Participate in the Get Empowered: Embrace Your Mental Well-Being facilitator training (approximately 5-6 hours of asynchronous and synchronous training). Implement the Get Empowered: Embrace Your Mental Well-Being program consisting of three sessions (60-90 minutes each) at least two times between May and October 2026. Engage at least 40 unduplicated participants in the Get Empowered: Embrace Your Mental Well-Being Program.

Support the participant evaluation process. Collect and provide at least two client testimonials with participant contact information and photos that highlight the program impact. The participant must sign a story consent form.

Please reach out to Amanda Krisher or Heather Marriott with questions throughout your application process. Submissions are due by 11:59 p. m.

EST on April 19, 2026, using the online application portal . Below are the questions that will be found in the online application. Main contact for project (name, title, phone, email): Section 2: About Your Organization What is your organization’s mission?

What is the average monthly number of older adults your organization serves (ensuring each individual is counted only once)? Have you received funding from NCOA before for any grant opportunity? Do you have space and equipment (projector and screen) to safely host in-person workshops?

If no, explain how you plan to host the workshops (250-word maximum) Are you able to commit to hosting at least two rounds of the workshop series, train at least two facilitators, and engage in program research? Do you have two facilitators or instructors who can participate in training and subsequently run the 3-week workshop effectively for two sessions?

Please tell us how you plan to meet the program requirements listed in the commitment section above. Approximately what percentage of older adults your organization serves are considered middle- to low-income? Do you serve any of the following populations?

(veterans, LGBTQ, American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian or Asian American, Black or African American, Hispanic/Latino or of Spanish origin, Native Hawaiian of other Pacific Islander, two or more races, rural, unhoused) Please describe who will lead the workshops and manage the program. (250-word maximum) Have you implemented behavioral health or mental health workshops previously? If yes, did you meet your grant/program goal?

(yes/no) Have you implemented other evidence-based or evidence-informed programs? If yes, did you meet your grant/program goal? (yes/no) Please describe your plan for recruiting participants (250-word maximum) Please attach a completed W-9 and completed ACH form (link provided on application) We'll send you resources to support independence, health, and economic security.

How to Collect Powerful Testimonials from Program Participants How to Create a Strong Conference Presentation About the Center for Healthy Aging The Power of Community in Expanding Falls Prevention Programming Building Relationships to Engage Older Adults in Chronic Disease Self-Management Education Programs: Examples from the Community About the Healthy Aging Programs Integrated Database (HAPID) Choose where we'll send you resources to support your health and financial well-being.

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